How To Get FFL In Texas (TX)?

Do You Need an FFL in Texas?

The very simple answer is: yes. If you plan on running a business that deals with firearms, you need to have an FFL. This isn’t a state requirement, but rather a Federal requirement. Speaking of which…

Federal Requirements

In order to qualify for an FFL first you have to be legally able to get one. That means a few broad conditions have to apply first before the ATF will even take a closer look at your application. Generally, you have to meet the following criteria before even thinking about applying for a Texas FFL.

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Be a US citizen or legal permanent resident.
• Not be convicted of any felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
• Not be a user of illegal drugs (including marijuana)
• Never have been dishonorably discharged from the US Military.
• No outstanding arrest warrants.
• No pending criminal charges.

Basically, if you can legally own a gun and are over 21, you fulfill most of the requirements to get a Texas FFL right away. However there is more to getting at Texas FFL than just being a law abiding American. You also have to satisfy the ATF examiner that you can legally conduct the type of business you want to operate in your chosen location, and are familiar with Federal, state and local laws that relate to selling (or manufacturing) guns.

You also have to show that you can operate the business at your chosen location, and that means having or being able to get permitted locally for the kind of business you want to run.

So in nutshell, the ATF has pretty basic requirements to get an FFL. So basic, in fact, we’ll only glance at them.

To get an FFL, the ATF requires that you be a law-abiding US citizen or permanent resident over 21 years of age who can legally own a firearm. Pretty simple stuff, really. The paperwork is annoying, and you have to demonstrate you are planning to operate a business, but that’s not too hard.

State Requirements

Once you meet the federal requirements, it’s time to make sure you meet the state ones next.

Texas does not require FFL holders to get a redundant state level gun dealer license. This greatly simplifies how to get a Texas FFL, and makes it easier to get into business. Many states still require this extra license, so be glad Texas does not.

You still have to be a registered business or corporation to have a Texas FFL, but that’s pretty easy and largely involves filling out a couple forms and paying a fee. Your local business licensing folks can help you with that process. But there are still local issues to contend with…

Do I Need to Register as a Business for an FFL in Texas?

Yes, you must be registered with the state as some kind of business to get an FFL in Texas. While there are no state level gun dealer licenses in Texas, you must still be successfully licensed with the state and the local area in which you are doing business. You also have to operate in a correctly zoned area that matches the type of business you are doing.

First, you need to get a state business license. This is a pretty cut and dry process and even largely automatic as long as you pay the licensing fees. Now is a good time to decide if you are setting up as a corporation or not. We suggest doing business as an LLC or other corporation to limit personal liability.

Next, it’s time to get your local business licenses. Cities and counties may also require a business license. Again, this should be pretty cut and dry.

Make sure you are properly zoned for the kind of business you plan on doing. In most places, a home based FFL should be possible. Type 07 FFLs that engage in more than the lightest of manufacturing probably won’t be possible in residential areas.

Local Requirements

All businesses have to operate in locations zoned for the type of business. That’s why you won’t see an industrial manufacturing process in a residential neighborhood, or light retail in the middle of an area devoted to heavy manufacturing. The ATF requires that FFL holders be able to operate their chosen type of business at the location they give for their address.

In most cases, this is not an issue, especially if you are operating a traditional storefront FFL. With as pro-gun as Texas is, even in the biggest cities you won’t have much trouble opening up a gun shop in a retail zoned location. That means local efforts to limit gun stores from opening will be few to non existent and your biggest issue there will be simply finding a location you like.

However, if like many FFL123 customers, you are interested in running a small, home based FFL you may face some zoning issues. This is where many people have the most trouble with their FFL applications and where many fail.

Most residential areas allow for light retail activities with the proper permit. If you live in an HOA with restrictive covenants you may not be able to engage in any sort of business activity. Check your bylaws to be sure, as they vary from HOA to HOA. Outside of HOA’s, you’ll need to check with local permitting departments to see what their specific rules are for retail operations in a residential neighborhood.

The ATF often strictly examines home based FFL’s. Rarely do “appointment only” hours suffice to be approved. Instead, the ATF prefers you have some posted business hours, even if it is just one day a week, or a few hours a day. But don’t worry, FFL123 customers receive personalized assistance in this and many other things when they are preparing their FFL application.

Texas is a really big state and, thankfully, almost all of it is pro-gun. That’s not to say, however, that you won’t possibly run into some minor hiccups with local authorities. Still, this shouldn’t be too big of a deal and should be able to be resolved rather easily.

If, for some reason, you encounter a snag, FFL123 is here to help. Our members are provided access to private forums with other FFL dealers just like you, as well as members-only resources to help you navigate these waters.

How Much Does a Texas FFL Cost?

On the Federal level, it costs between $30-$200 to get an FFL for the first three years. Each license type’s cost varies due to the different responsibilities they allow the licensee to perform. There are different kinds of licenses for selling a few handguns versus handling or making NFA items.

There are also other costs associated with Texas state and local licenses. Because of the wide variety of localities and their different policies and procedures, it’s best to check directly with your local government to find out how much they charge for business licenses, etc.