How to Get an FFL in Arizona
Arizona is one of the most firearms-friendly states in the country — home to constitutional carry since 2010, no state waiting period, no magazine restrictions, and a booming firearms market driven by population growth in the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas. Whether you're opening a gun store in Scottsdale, a home-based dealership in Flagstaff, or a manufacturing operation in Mesa — here's everything you need to apply, get approved, and stay compliant from day one.
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Eligibility Requirements
Before submitting your application, confirm that you meet all federal eligibility criteria. Arizona does not impose additional state-level eligibility requirements for FFL applicants beyond standard business registration.
Federal Requirements (All States)
- At least 21 years old
- U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Not under indictment or convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Not a fugitive from justice
- Not an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance
- Not adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution
- Not dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces
- Not subject to a court order restraining you from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child
- Not convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
- Have premises for conducting business (can be home-based in Arizona)
- Not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal, state, or local law
Arizona-Specific Eligibility Notes
- Arizona does not require a separate state firearms dealer license — your federal FFL is sufficient
- You will need an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue
- Some cities and counties require a local business license — check with your municipality
- Zoning compliance is required — especially important for home-based FFLs
FFL Types & Cost Breakdown
The type of FFL you apply for depends on your intended business activities. Most Arizona gun stores apply for a Type 01 license. Pawn shops with firearms choose Type 02.
| Type | Description | Initial Fee (3 Yr) | Renewal Fee (3 Yr) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Dealer in Firearms | $200 | $90 | Gun stores, home-based dealers |
| 02 | Pawnbroker | $200 | $90 | Pawn shops dealing in firearms |
| 03 | Collector of Curios & Relics | $30 | $30 | Personal collectors (not for business) |
| 06 | Manufacturer of Ammunition | $30 | $30 | Ammo reloaders and manufacturers |
| 07 | Manufacturer of Firearms | $150 | $150 | Gun builders, custom shops |
| 08 | Importer of Firearms | $150 | $150 | Firearms importers |
| 09 | Dealer in Destructive Devices | $3,000 | $3,000 | Specialized dealers |
| 10 | Manufacturer of Destructive Devices | $3,000 | $3,000 | Specialized manufacturers |
| 11 | Importer of Destructive Devices | $3,000 | $3,000 | Specialized importers |
Arizona is fully NFA-friendly — suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and machine guns are all legal with appropriate federal tax stamps. If you plan to deal in NFA items, you'll need a Special Occupational Tax (SOT) in addition to your FFL. Class 3 SOT is $500/year for dealers with gross receipts under $500K. Arizona's large outdoor recreation culture makes suppressor sales a strong niche for many Arizona FFLs.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Prepare Your Business Structure
Decide on your business entity (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation). Register with the Arizona Corporation Commission if forming an LLC or corporation. Obtain an EIN from the IRS. Apply for an Arizona TPT License from the Arizona Department of Revenue. Confirm your premises meets local zoning requirements.
Choose Your FFL Type & Complete ATF Form 7
Select the FFL type matching your activities, then download and complete ATF Form 7 (5310.12). Provide complete details about your business, all responsible persons, and your premises. Errors are the #1 cause of delays — double-check every field before submitting.
Complete Fingerprint Cards & Photographs
Each responsible person must complete two FBI fingerprint cards (FD-258) and provide two 2×2 passport-style photographs. In Arizona, fingerprinting services are widely available at local law enforcement agencies, UPS stores, and IdentoGO locations throughout the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas and beyond.
Submit Application & Fee
Mail the completed Form 7, fingerprint cards, photographs, and your application fee (check or money order payable to ATF) to the ATF Federal Firearms Licensing Center in Atlanta, GA. The correct mailing address is printed on the form instructions.
Notify Your Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO)
Send a copy of your completed ATF Form 7 to your local CLEO — typically your county sheriff or municipal chief of police. Arizona has 15 counties. This is notification only — CLEO approval is not required for your FFL.
Complete the ATF Interview & Inspection
An ATF Industry Operations Inspector (IOI) will schedule a premises visit. They'll verify your identity, inspect storage and security, and confirm your understanding of federal firearms laws — including 4473 procedures, A&D bound book requirements, NICS background checks, and multiple sale reporting obligations.
Set Up Your Compliance Systems
Before your first transaction, establish your A&D Bound Book, implement 4473 processing, and configure your NICS background check workflow. Arizona's clean compliance environment — no state supplemental forms, no waiting period, direct FBI NICS — makes starting with Bravo E4473 from day one simple and straightforward.
Timeline & Process Flowchart
Here's a realistic timeline for the Arizona FFL application process from start to finish:
| Phase | Activity | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Application | Business setup, zoning check, entity registration | 1–2 weeks |
| Application | Complete ATF Form 7, fingerprints, photos, submit | 1–2 weeks |
| ATF Processing | Background checks, application review | 30–45 days |
| ATF Interview | Inspector visit, premises inspection | 1–2 weeks (scheduling) |
| Approval | FFL issued | 1–2 weeks after interview |
| Total | Business setup through FFL in hand | 60–90 days typical |
Arizona-Specific Requirements
Arizona has one of the most dealer-friendly compliance environments in the country. No state supplemental transfer forms, no waiting period, no magazine restrictions, and strong firearms preemption that keeps the rules consistent statewide. The primary state-level business requirement unique to Arizona is the Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license — Arizona's version of a sales tax permit.
State Business Requirements
- Arizona TPT License — Arizona's sales tax is called the Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) and is administered by the Arizona Department of Revenue. The state TPT rate is 5.6%, with city and county rates adding 0.5–5% depending on location. Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, and other municipalities have their own TPT rates. Firearms and ammunition are generally taxable. Apply for your TPT license through AZTaxes.gov.
- Business Registration — LLCs and corporations must register with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Arizona LLC registration is $50 online.
- Local Business Licenses — Many Arizona cities require a local business license. Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, and Tucson all have city-level business licensing requirements. Check with your city or town clerk. Unincorporated county areas typically have no local business license requirement beyond the county-level TPT.
Arizona Firearms Laws Relevant to FFLs
- Constitutional carry since 2010 — Arizona was one of the first states to allow permitless concealed carry, effective April 16, 2010. Individuals 21+ who are not otherwise prohibited may carry a concealed firearm without a permit anywhere in Arizona.
- Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) — Arizona still offers a voluntary CWP program for those wanting carry reciprocity in other states. Many Arizona residents maintain a CWP for travel purposes.
- No state waiting period for firearm purchases — once NICS returns "Proceed," the transfer can be completed immediately
- No state permit to purchase required for handguns or long guns
- No state assault weapons ban
- No magazine capacity restrictions
- NFA items are legal with appropriate federal tax stamps — Arizona is one of the leading states for suppressor sales nationally
- Direct FBI NICS state — Arizona does not use a state point-of-contact; all background checks go directly through FBI NICS
- Arizona preemption law (A.R.S. § 13-3108) — Arizona has strong statewide firearms preemption. Cities, towns, and counties cannot enact firearms ordinances stricter than state law. This means compliance rules are consistent whether you're in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, or an unincorporated rural county.
- Private party transfers — Arizona does not require private party firearm transfers to go through an FFL dealer
Unlike most states where sales tax is a single statewide filing, Arizona's TPT system requires dealers to file and remit tax for each jurisdiction where they make sales — including the state, county, and city level. If you sell online and ship to Arizona addresses, you may have obligations in multiple jurisdictions. Consider working with an Arizona CPA familiar with TPT compliance when setting up your business.
Arizona's strong preemption law (A.R.S. § 13-3108) means that regardless of whether you're located in Phoenix, Tucson, or a rural Cochise County township, your FFL compliance obligations are consistent statewide. You do not need to research city-by-city firearms ordinances — state and federal law govern your operations, period.
CLEO Notification in Arizona
Federal law requires you to provide a copy of your ATF Form 7 to the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) in your jurisdiction — typically your county sheriff or municipal chief of police. Arizona has 15 counties. This is a notification only; the CLEO cannot approve or deny your FFL application.
How to Find Your CLEO
- County Sheriff — Find your county sheriff via the Arizona Sheriffs' Association
- Municipal Police Chief — If operating within a city or town with its own police department, notify that department's chief. Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, and Gilbert all have their own police departments.
- Arizona has 15 counties — from densely populated Maricopa (Phoenix) and Pima (Tucson) counties to vast rural counties like Mohave, Yavapai, and Coconino
While CLEO notification is informational and does not require approval, skipping it can delay ATF processing. Send it at the same time you mail your ATF Form 7 or shortly after.
Home-Based FFLs in Arizona
Arizona is an excellent state for home-based FFLs. There is no state law prohibiting them, and Arizona's large rural counties — which cover enormous geographic areas — are particularly well-suited for home-based operations serving dispersed communities. Key considerations:
- Zoning — Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and other metro cities have home occupation ordinances that may restrict business signage, customer traffic, and certain commercial activities in residential zones. Unincorporated areas of Maricopa, Pinal, Yavapai, Mohave, and other rural counties typically have minimal restrictions. Always verify with your local planning department before applying.
- Storage & Security — The ATF inspector will verify secure firearm storage. A quality gun safe or dedicated locked storage area is expected. Arizona's climate (heat, monsoon season) should factor into your storage solution choice.
- TPT License for Home-Based Sales — Even home-based dealers selling retail must have an Arizona TPT license. If you have retail customers visiting your home, you may need a city-level TPT registration as well as the state license.
- HOA Restrictions — Many Arizona communities, particularly in the Phoenix metro area, have HOAs. Review your CC&Rs carefully — some prohibit home-based commercial activities, business signage, or customer visits.
- Insurance — Standard homeowner's insurance will not cover commercial firearms inventory or business liability. A dedicated commercial firearms dealer policy is essential before taking in any inventory.
Arizona's rapid population growth — particularly in the East Valley (Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek) and outlying communities — has created strong demand for convenient, local FFL services. Many Arizona home-based FFLs serve as the closest transfer agent for online purchases in their ZIP code, building loyal customer bases in growing communities that may be underserved by traditional gun stores.
4473 Requirements in Arizona
Every firearm transfer from an Arizona FFL requires a completed ATF Form 4473 and a NICS background check. Arizona's compliance environment is among the most straightforward in the country — standard federal form, direct FBI NICS, no state supplemental requirements, no waiting period.
Official Resources & Links
Bookmark these — you'll reference them throughout the application process and during ongoing operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
See How Bravo E4473 Works for Arizona FFLs
Smart 4473 forms. Integrated A&D Bound Book. Cloud storage with ATF audit portal. Auto-generated multiple sale reports. All in one system — no bolt-on integrations required.
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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the ATF and your legal counsel before applying.