All You Need to Know About FFL Dealership in Utah

Table of Contents:

Introduction to Utah Firearm Laws

An FFL dealership in Utah involves obtaining a Federal Firearms License to legally sell firearms. Dealers must comply with both federal and Utah state regulations, including background checks, record-keeping, and adherence to specific firearm transfer laws.

How to Obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL) in Utah

Federal Requirements

  1. Determine FFL Type:
    • Identify the type of FFL you need based on your business activities. Common types include:
      • Type 01 – Firearm Dealer/Gunsmith.
      • Type 02 – Pawnbroker.
      • Type 03 – Collector.
      • Type 06 – Manufacture of Ammunition.
      • Type 07 – Manufacturer of Firearms.
      • Type 08 – Importer of Firearms.
      • Type 09 – Dealer of “Destructive Devices”
      • Type 10 – Manufacturer of “Destructive Devices”
  2. Meet Eligibility Requirements:
    • Be at least 21 years old.
    • Not prohibited from possessing firearms.
    • Have a premises for conducting business.
    • Ensure compliance with state and local law for the business location.
  3. Complete ATF Form 7/7CR:
    • Obtain and complete ATF Form 7 for a Federal Firearms License.
  4. Submit the Application:
    • Include a 2×2 inch photograph.
    • Submit fingerprints using the FBI Fingerprint Card (FD-258).
    • Pay the application fee (varies by FFL type).
    • Mail the completed form, photograph, fingerprints, and payment to the ATF.
  5. ATF Background Check and Interview:
    • The ATF will conduct a background check and interview at your business premises.
    • Ensure you have secure storage for firearms and records.
  6. Receive Your FFL:
    • If approved, you will receive your FFL by mail.
    • Maintain compliance with federal regulations, including record-keeping and reporting requirements.

State-Specific Requirements for Utah

  1. State License:
    • Utah does not require firearms dealers to obtain a state-specific license.
  2. Private Sales Compliance:
    • For rules applicable to private sales by both licensed and unlicensed sellers, refer to the Utah Private Sales section. This generally pertains to ensuring the buyer is legally allowed to purchase firearms.

Firearms in Utah: Permitted vs. Restricted

Firearm TypePermittedProhibited
Handguns
Rifles
Shotguns
Short-barreled rifles
Short-barreled shotguns
Machine guns
Assault weapons
Large capacity magazines
Antique firearms
Teflon-coated ammunition

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Additional Notes:

– Most firearms are permitted in Utah, with some restrictions on ownership and carrying.

– Machine guns are not prohibited, but there are restrictions for minors.

– The information doesn’t specifically mention assault weapons or large capacity magazines, so they are assumed to be permitted based on Utah’s generally permissive gun laws.

– Antique firearms are specifically mentioned as exempt from certain restrictions.

– While not explicitly stated, Teflon-coated ammunition (armor-piercing) is typically prohibited in most states, so it’s marked as prohibited here.

Selling Firearms Online Legally in Utah

  1. Order Processing

    When a customer from Utah places an order for a firearm through your firearm ecommerce platform:
  • Collect Necessary Information: Ensure you gather the customer’s full name, shipping address, and a copy of their government-issued ID.
  • Payment: Process the payment for the firearm, including any shipping and handling fees.
  1. Federal RequirementsBefore shipping the firearm, you must comply with federal regulations:
  • ATF Form 4473: The customer must complete this form, which records the transfer of the firearm. Although you won’t submit it until the transfer occurs at the receiving FFL, you should have it ready for the customer to fill out.
  • Background Check: While you won’t perform the background check yourself, you must ensure that the receiving FFL dealer in Utah conducts it when the customer comes to pick up the firearm.
  1. Shipping the Firearm

    You cannot ship the firearm directly to the customer’s home. Instead:
  • Select a Receiving FFL Dealer: The customer must select a local FFL dealer in Utah to receive the firearm. You can provide a list of FFLs if needed.
  • Notify the Receiving FFL: Contact the chosen FFL dealer in Utah to inform them that you will be shipping a firearm to them. Provide them with the tracking number and any pertinent details.
  1. Shipping Process

    When shipping the firearm:
  • Use a Common Carrier: Ship the firearm using a common carrier (like UPS or FedEx) that allows the shipping of firearms. Ensure that the package is labeled correctly and securely.
  • Include Required Documentation: Include any necessary documentation, such as a copy of your FFL and a packing slip with the order details.
  1. Receiving FFL’s Responsibilities

    Once the firearm arrives at the receiving FFL in Utah:
  • Background Check: The receiving FFL must conduct a background check on the customer before transferring the firearm.
  • Complete the Transfer: The customer must visit the FFL dealer in person to complete the transfer. They will need to present their ID and fill out the ATF Form 4473.
  1. Customer PickupAfter the background check is completed and approved:
  • Transfer of Firearm: The customer can take possession of the firearm from the FFL dealer.
  • Documentation: Ensure that the receiving FFL retains the ATF Form 4473 and any other required records.

Understanding Background Checks for Firearms Sales in Utah

Federal Requirement

Federally licensed firearms dealers must initiate a background check on the purchaser prior to the sale of a firearm. This is mandated by federal law.

State Point of Contact

Utah serves as a point of contact for the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This means that firearm dealers in Utah must contact the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) within the Department of Public Safety before transferring a firearm.

Identification and Consent

The dealer must require the individual receiving the firearm to present one form of government-issued photo identification. The individual must also consent in writing to the background check and provide personal information using a form provided by BCI.

Contacting BCI

The dealer must contact BCI by telephone or electronic means to initiate the background check.

Review Process

BCI is responsible for reviewing criminal history files, including juvenile court records, to determine if the individual is prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm under state or federal law.

Approval Requirement

The dealer cannot transfer the firearm until they receive approval from BCI.

Private Sales

Firearm transfers by private sellers (those not licensed as dealers) are not subject to background checks in Utah.

Conclusion

To obtain an FFL in Utah, follow federal steps: determine your FFL type, meet eligibility, complete ATF Form 7, submit your application, and pass the background check and interview. Utah has no extra state license for dealers. For online sales, ensure the receiving FFL conducts a background check. Follow federal laws and Utah’s BCI requirements for background checks before selling firearms.

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Disclaimer: The information presented here has been compiled from multiple public sources. It serves as a general overview of firearm regulations and guidelines concerning the specific state. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice or relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel.