How to Get an FFL in Delaware
Delaware has a more involved FFL compliance environment than most small states — all background checks run through the Delaware State Police, and a universal background check law requires all firearm transfers to go through a licensed dealer. No state dealer license or waiting period, but FFLs play a central role in the state's transfer ecosystem. Whether you're opening a gun store in Wilmington, a home-based dealership in Newark, or a shop in the Dover area — here's what you need to know.
(3-year license)
Time
License Required
Check System
Eligibility Requirements
Before submitting your FFL application, confirm that you meet all federal eligibility criteria and understand Delaware's state-specific compliance requirements.
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 qualifying domestic violence court order
- Have premises for conducting business
- Not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal, state, or local law
Delaware-Specific Eligibility Notes
- Delaware does not require a separate state firearms dealer license — your federal FFL is sufficient to operate
- Sales tax registration required from Delaware Division of Revenue
- Business registration required through Delaware Division of Corporations for LLCs and corporations
- Zoning compliance required — consult local planning/zoning authority
FFL Types & Cost Breakdown
| 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) |
| 07 | Manufacturer of Firearms | $150 | $150 | Gun builders, custom shops |
Delaware is NFA-friendly. Suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and pre-1986 machine guns are legal with proper federal registration. Delaware has no additional state restrictions on NFA items. If you plan to deal in NFA items at all, consult a Delaware firearms attorney before acquiring any NFA inventory.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Prepare Your Business Structure
Decide on your business entity (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation). Register with Delaware Division of Corporations if forming an LLC or corporation. Obtain an EIN from the IRS. Register for sales tax. Confirm your premises meets zoning requirements.
Choose Your FFL Type
Select the FFL type that matches your business. Most retail gun stores choose Type 01. Pawn shops choose Type 02. Manufacturers choose Type 07.
Complete ATF Form 7 / 7CR
Download ATF Form 7 (5310.12). Provide detailed information about your business, all responsible persons, and premises. Double-check every field — errors are the primary cause of delays.
Complete Fingerprint Cards & Photographs
Each responsible person must complete two FBI fingerprint cards (FD-258) and provide two 2×2 passport-style photographs. Fingerprinting available at IdentoGO locations and many UPS Stores.
Submit Application & Fee
Mail the completed Form 7, fingerprint cards, photographs, and fee (check or money order payable to ATF) to the ATF Federal Firearms Licensing Center in Atlanta, GA.
Notify Your CLEO
Send a copy of your completed ATF Form 7 to the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in your jurisdiction — your county sheriff or city chief of police. Delaware has 3. CLEO notification is required; CLEO approval is not required.
Complete the ATF Interview & Inspection
An ATF Industry Operations Inspector (IOI) will visit your premises. They'll verify your identity, inspect storage and security, and confirm your understanding of federal firearms laws. Delaware falls under the ATF Philadelphia Field Division.
Set Up Compliance Systems (Federal + State)
Once your FFL is approved, establish your A&D Bound Book, implement 4473 processing, and configure your State POC background check workflow before your first transaction.
Timeline
| Phase | Activity | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Application | Business setup, zoning, entity registration | 1–2 weeks |
| Application | 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 |
Delaware-Specific Requirements
Delaware's universal background check law means all firearm transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer with a DSP background check. This increases demand for FFL services in the state, particularly for private party transfers.
Delaware's Universal Background Check Law
Delaware's universal background check law requires that all firearm transfers in the state — including private party sales — go through a licensed FFL with a Delaware State Police background check. Unlike states where private party transfers can happen person-to-person, in Delaware every firearm transfer must route through an FFL.
For FFL dealers, this means increased business volume from private party transfer facilitation. Charge a transfer fee (typically $20–$50) for each private party background check you facilitate.
Contact the Delaware State Police Background Check Unit at (302) 739-5902 for all transfers. DSP is available during business hours and will return Proceed, Denied, or Delayed responses similar to the federal NICS process.
Delaware Firearms Laws Relevant to FFLs
- Universal background check law — All firearm transfers, including private party sales, must go through a licensed FFL with a Delaware State Police background check
- State POC system — Background checks run through DSP, not directly through FBI NICS
- No state waiting period
- No constitutional carry — CCDW license required for concealed carry
- No state assault weapons ban
- NFA items are legal with proper federal registration
- Background check required for private party transfers — Private sellers must use an FFL to complete the DSP background check
All FFLs must maintain a bound book (A&D record) per 27 CFR 478.125 and retain completed ATF Form 4473 records for at least 20 years. Bravo E4473 with cloud storage handles this automatically — including the ATF audit portal.
Home-Based FFLs in Delaware
Home-based FFLs are permitted in Delaware. With only 3 counties, Delaware's urban areas — especially Wilmington and the suburban New Castle County area — may have stricter zoning. Check with your county before applying.
- Zoning — Always verify with your local planning office before applying
- Storage & Security — The ATF inspector will verify secure storage. A quality gun safe or locked storage room is expected
- Insurance — Obtain a commercial firearms dealer policy; standard homeowner's insurance does not cover commercial inventory
4473 Requirements in Delaware
Every firearm transfer from a Delaware FFL requires a completed ATF Form 4473 and a background check through State POC — Delaware State Police.
Official Resources & Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Once You Have Your FFL, Bravo's E4473 Keeps You Compliant from Day One
Smart 4473 forms. Integrated A&D Bound Book. Cloud storage with ATF audit portal. Auto-generated multiple sale reports. All in one system.
Start Your Free Trial →© 2026 Bravo Store Systems. All rights reserved. | E4473.com | (888) 407-6287
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearms laws are complex and change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the ATF, your state's relevant agencies, and a licensed firearms attorney before operating.