How to Get an FFL in Delaware

The type of FFL you apply for depends on your intended business activities. Most retail gun stores choose Type 01 and pawn shops choose Type 02.

• Type 01 Dealer in firearms other than destructive devices. The standard retail gun store license. $200 for three years, $90 to renew.
• Type 02 Pawnbroker dealing in firearms. Common for pawn shops. $200 for three years.
• Type 06 Manufacturer of ammunition. $30 for three years.
• Type 07 Manufacturer of firearms and ammunition. $150 for three years.
• Type 03 Collector of Curio and Relic firearms. $30 for three years.

1. Prepare your business structure. Decide on your business entity (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation). Register with the Delaware Division of Corporations if forming an LLC or corporation, obtain an EIN from the IRS, register for sales tax, and confirm your premises meets zoning requirements.

2. Choose your FFL type. Most retail gun stores choose Type 01 and pawn shops choose Type 02. Manufacturers choose Type 07.

3. Complete ATF Form 7 / 7CR. Provide detailed information about your business, all responsible persons, and premises. Double-check every field, because errors are the primary cause of delays.

4. Complete fingerprint cards and photographs. Each responsible person must complete two FBI fingerprint cards (FD-258) and provide two 2x2 passport-style photographs. Fingerprinting is available at IdentoGO locations and many UPS Stores.

5. Submit your application and 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. The mailing address is printed on the form instructions.

6. Notify your Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO). Send a copy of your completed ATF Form 7 to the CLEO in your jurisdiction, your county sheriff or city chief of police. Delaware has 3 counties. CLEO notification is required; CLEO approval is not.

7. Complete the ATF interview and inspection. An ATF Industry Operations Inspector will visit your premises to verify your identity, inspect storage and security, and confirm your understanding of federal firearms laws. Delaware falls under the ATF Philadelphia Field Division.

8. Set up your compliance systems. Once approved, establish your A&D Book, implement 4473 processing, and configure your Delaware State Police point-of-contact background check workflow before your first transaction. Starting digital from day one with e4473 means no paper forms and no handwritten A&D Book.

A realistic Delaware FFL timeline runs about 8 to 12 weeks from submission to approval: 1 to 2 weeks to prepare your business and application, mailing and ATF intake, then the inspector interview, followed by final approval. Clean applications with no errors move fastest.

Delaware's universal background check law means all firearm transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer with a Delaware State Police background check. This increases demand for FFL services in the state, particularly for private party transfers.

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. Many dealers charge a transfer fee (typically $20 to $50) for each private party background check they facilitate.

Contact the Delaware State Police Background Check Unit at (302) 739-5902 for all transfers. The unit is available during business hours and returns Proceed, Denied, or Delayed responses similar to the federal NICS process.

State business requirements:

• Sales tax registration required from the Delaware Division of Revenue.
• Business registration: LLCs and corporations must register with the Delaware Division of Corporations.
• Local business licenses: check with your county for any additional licensing requirements.

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 point-of-contact system: background checks run through the Delaware State Police, not directly through FBI NICS
• No state waiting period
• No constitutional carry: a CCDW license is 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 Delaware State Police background check

Federal law requires you to provide a copy of your ATF Form 7 or 7CR to the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) in your jurisdiction. In Delaware this is typically your county sheriff, or if you are within city limits, your chief of police. Delaware has 3 counties. This is a notification; the CLEO does not have the authority to approve or deny your FFL application.

How to find your CLEO:

• County sheriff: contact your county sheriff's office directly
• City police chief: contact your city's police department directly
• ATF EZ Check can help verify existing FFL information

While the CLEO notification is informational, failing to send it can delay your application. Send it with the same mailing or shortly after submitting your ATF Form 7.

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. There are practical considerations:

• Zoning: always verify with your local planning office before applying.
• Storage and 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.

Many home-based FFLs in Delaware operate primarily as transfer agents, online dealers, or gunsmithing shops with appointment-only customer visits. This minimizes foot traffic concerns while still allowing you to legally operate as an FFL dealer from your residence.

Every firearm transfer from a Delaware FFL requires a completed ATF Form 4473 and a background check through the Delaware State Police point-of-contact system. For a full walkthrough of the form, see what questions are asked on a 4473 form.

• ATF Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC)
• ATF Form 7 (5310.12) application
• Delaware Division of Revenue (sales tax)
• Delaware Division of Corporations (business registration)
• Delaware State Police Background Check Unit