Navigating the World of Buying Firearms Without an FFL The question of whether you can buy a gun without a Federal Firearms License (FFL) often comes up for first-time buyers or collectors. The short answer is , but how and where you do it is strictly governed by federal and state laws. 1. In-State Private Sales
Certain categories of "guns" aren't legally considered "firearms" under the Gun Control Act, meaning they can often be shipped directly to your door without an FFL or background check. Federal Private Firearm Transfer Laws - USCCA buy guns without ffl
You buy the firearm online and select a local FFL dealer to receive it. Navigating the World of Buying Firearms Without an
You do not need an FFL to order a gun from an online retailer like Smith & Wesson , but you cannot have it shipped directly to your home. In-State Private Sales Certain categories of "guns" aren't
Once the gun arrives at the dealer, you must go in person, provide a government ID, and pass a background check before they can transfer it to you. 3. Antique Firearms and Curios
This only applies if the seller does not have reason to believe the buyer is a "prohibited person" (e.g., a convicted felon).
Many states, such as California, New York, and Washington , have passed "universal background check" laws that override the federal baseline, requiring even private sales to be processed through an FFL dealer. 2. Buying Online (The FFL Intermediary)