In the United States, a Federal Firearms License (FFL) is required to engage in the business of selling, pawning, manufacturing (including gunsmithing) or importing firearms or ammunition. Individuals or businesses that hold a Federal Firearms License are known as Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL). ¹

The types of FFLs are: ^{2 3}

• • • Type 01 – Dealer in firearms other than destructive devices (includes gunsmiths).
    • Type 02 – Pawnbroker in firearms other than destructive devices.
    • Type 03 – Collector of curios & rellics.
    • Type 06 – Manufacturer of ammunition for firearms other than ammunition for destructive devices or armor piercing ammunition.
    • Type 07 – Manufacturer of firearms other than destructive devices.
    • Type 08 – Importer of firearms or ammunition for firearms other than destructive devices or ammunition other than armor piercing ammunition.
    • Type 09 – Dealer in destructive devices.
    • Type 10 – Manufacturer of destructive devices, ammunition for destructive devices, or armor piercing ammunition.
    • Type 11 – Importer of destructive devices, ammunition for destructive devices, or armor piercing ammunition.

Classic American Gunsmith maintains a Type 01 FFL (dealer), a Type 07 FFL (manufacturer) and a Class 2 SOT (manufacturer).

The ATF’s National Firearms Act Handbook defines FFL as ” a Federal firearms licensee, person or entity having a license to import, manufacture, or deal in firearms under the GCA.” ^{4 5}

related:

• • • National Firearms Act (NFA) Special Occupational Tax (SOT)

1. The ACRONYM FFL is used interchangeably to mean the license or the holder of the license.
2. There are no Type 04 or Type 05 FFLs. No, I do not know why.
3. Source: https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/types-federal-firearms-licenses-ffls ⇒
4. GCA is the Gun Control Act.
5. National Firearms Act Handbook. ⇒ U.S. Dept. of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Office of Enforcement Programs and Services, 2009. p. 2.