How to Get an FFL in Maryland

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. Remember that the federal FFL alone does not authorize sales in Maryland; you must also hold the state RFD license.

• 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 Maryland SDAT 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. Download ATF Form 7 (5310.12). 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 in Atlanta, GA.

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. Maryland has 23 counties plus Baltimore City. CLEO notification is required; CLEO approval is not required.

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. Maryland falls under the ATF Baltimore Field Division.

8. Set up compliance systems (federal and state). Once your FFL is approved, establish your A&D Book, implement 4473 processing, and configure your state POC background check workflow before your first transaction. Ensure your state Regulated Firearms Dealer license is in hand before conducting any regulated firearm transfers. Starting digital from day one with e4473 means no paper forms and no handwritten A&D Book.

Plan for the federal FFL approval, which typically runs about 8 to 12 weeks, plus additional time for the Maryland State Police to process your Regulated Firearms Dealer license, conduct a background investigation, and complete a premises inspection. Because both processes must be complete before you can sell regulated firearms, build in extra lead time.

Maryland is one of the only states requiring an additional state dealer license (the Regulated Firearms Dealer license) beyond the federal FFL. This must be obtained from the Maryland State Police before selling any regulated firearms. The HQL requirement, 77R form process, and assault weapon restrictions add further compliance obligations.

The Maryland RFD license, required before opening:

• Submit an application to the MSP Licensing Division with required documentation
• Pass an MSP background investigation
• Schedule and pass an MSP premises inspection
• Pay the annual licensing fee
• Renew annually

Contact the MSP Licensing Division at (410) 653-4263 to begin the RFD application process.

Maryland's 77R transfer process:

• The buyer completes MD Form 77R
• The dealer submits the 77R to the MSP Licensing Division
• MSP conducts a background check and a 7-day waiting period review
• MSP returns an approval, denial, or delay
• If approved and 7 days have elapsed, the transfer may be completed
• Retain the 77R, approval notice, and all transaction records

Maryland firearms laws relevant to FFLs:

• Regulated Firearms Dealer license required from the MSP in addition to your federal FFL (MD Code Ann., Public Safety section 5-101 et seq.)
• Handgun Qualification License (HQL) required for handgun buyers before purchasing any handgun
• 77R application required for every regulated firearm transfer
• 7-day waiting period for all regulated firearm transfers (handguns and assault long guns)
• State POC background check through the MSP Licensing Division
• Assault weapon restrictions and a 10-round magazine capacity limit
• Suppressors prohibited, and machine guns and SBRs generally prohibited

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 Maryland this is your county sheriff or city chief of police. Maryland has 23 counties plus Baltimore City. CLEO notification is required, but the CLEO does not have the authority to approve or deny your FFL application.

Send the CLEO notification with the same mailing or shortly after submitting your ATF Form 7 to avoid delays.

Home-based FFLs are permitted in Maryland at the federal level, but obtaining the required state Regulated Firearms Dealer license for a home-based operation requires MSP inspection and approval. Maryland's suburban and urban character means local zoning restrictions are common in residential areas. Consult a Maryland firearms attorney and your local zoning authority before applying.

• 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, because standard homeowner's insurance does not cover commercial inventory.

Every firearm transfer from a Maryland FFL requires a completed ATF Form 4473 and a background check through the Maryland State Police. Regulated firearm transfers also require the state 77R process and a 7-day waiting period. For a full walkthrough of the federal form, see what questions are asked on a 4473 form.

• ATF Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC)
• ATF Form 7 (5310.12) application
• Maryland State Police Licensing Division (Regulated Firearms Dealer license, HQL, 77R)
• Maryland Comptroller (sales tax)
• Maryland SDAT (business registration)
• FBI NICS for background checks