How to Get an FFL in Nevada
Nevada is one of the most FFL-friendly states in the country. No state dealer license, no waiting period, no assault weapons ban, no magazine restrictions, full NFA access, and complete state preemption of firearms laws. With Las Vegas as one of the nation's largest firearms retail markets and a booming tourism economy driving cross-border transfer demand, Nevada is a prime location for a firearms business. Here's everything you need to know to get your FFL and start selling.
(3-year license)
(NV State Police POC)
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Eligibility Requirements
Nevada does not require a state firearms dealer license. Your federal FFL from the ATF, combined with standard state and local business licenses, is all you need. This makes Nevada one of the simplest states for getting started in the firearms business.
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
- Not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal, state, or local law
Nevada-Specific Eligibility Notes
- No state dealer license required — Nevada does not require a separate state firearms dealer license. Your federal FFL is sufficient.
- Business registration — Register your business with the Nevada Secretary of State. Obtain a state business license from the Secretary of State's office ($200/year for most entities).
- Local business license — Obtain a business license from your city or county. Clark County (Las Vegas), Washoe County (Reno), and other jurisdictions have their own business licensing requirements.
- State preemption — Nevada has complete state preemption of firearms laws (NRS 244.364, 268.418, 269.222). Local governments cannot enact firearms ordinances more restrictive than state law — they can only regulate the discharge of firearms. This is a major advantage for FFLs.
- Sales tax — Register with the Nevada Department of Taxation. Nevada has no state income tax. Sales tax varies by county (6.85%–8.375%).
Nevada combines no state dealer license, no waiting period, no assault weapons ban, no magazine restrictions, full NFA access, complete state preemption, and no state income tax. This makes it one of the most business-friendly states in the country for firearms dealers. The Las Vegas metro area alone represents one of the largest retail firearms markets in the western U.S., with significant tourism-driven cross-border transfer demand.
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) |
| 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 |
Nevada is one of the most NFA-friendly states. Suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, AOWs, destructive devices, and pre-1986 machine guns are all legal to own and transfer with proper NFA registration. There are no state-level restrictions beyond federal requirements. If you plan to deal in NFA items, add the appropriate SOT (Special Occupational Tax) to your FFL — Class 3 for dealers (Types 01/02/09), Class 2 for manufacturers (Types 07/10), or Class 1 for importers (Types 08/11).
Step-by-Step Application Process
Register Your Business & Confirm Zoning
Register your business entity with the Nevada Secretary of State and obtain a state business license ($200/year). Get an EIN from the IRS and register with the Nevada Department of Taxation for sales tax. Confirm zoning compliance with your local jurisdiction. Thanks to state preemption, local governments cannot restrict firearms businesses beyond general zoning and business licensing.
Choose Your FFL Type & Complete ATF Form 7
Select the FFL type that matches your business activities, then download and complete ATF Form 7 (5310.12). Provide complete details about your business, all responsible persons, and your premises. Double-check every field — errors are the #1 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. In Nevada, fingerprinting is available through LVMPD, local police departments, UPS stores, and private fingerprinting services.
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.
Notify Your Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO)
Send a copy of your completed ATF Form 7 to your local CLEO — typically your county sheriff. In Clark County, this is the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD). In Washoe County, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. This is notification only — CLEO approval is not required.
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, Nevada State Police POC background checks, universal background check requirements, and multiple sale reporting.
Register with Nevada State Police POC & Set Up Operations
Once your FFL is issued, register with the Nevada State Police Brady Point of Contact Firearms Program. You can use the new Agency Portal (live since January 28, 2025) for online background check submissions, or call 1-800-4PISTOL (474-7865). Establish your A&D Bound Book and implement Bravo E4473 for digital 4473 processing from day one.
Timeline & Process Flowchart
| Phase | Activity | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Application | Business setup, state license, zoning | 1–2 weeks |
| ATF 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) |
| ATF Approval | FFL issued | 1–2 weeks after interview |
| NV POC Setup | Register with Nevada State Police, Agency Portal | 1–3 days |
| Total | Business setup through first sale ready | 60–90 days typical |
Nevada-Specific Requirements
Nevada's firearms laws are among the most permissive in the country. Governor Lombardo vetoed all gun control bills that passed the legislature in both the 2023 and 2025 sessions, maintaining the current regulatory environment. The key compliance areas for FFLs involve the state POC background check system and the universal background check requirement for private transfers.
Key State Laws Affecting FFLs
- No state dealer license — Only federal FFL plus standard business licenses required.
- Nevada State Police POC — Nevada is a full state point-of-contact. All background checks go through the Nevada State Police Brady Point of Contact Firearms Program, which checks both state and federal (NICS) databases. Fee: $25 per check.
- No waiting period — If POC returns a "proceed," the transfer can happen immediately. If delayed, the federal 3-business-day default applies — after 3 business days with no denial, the FFL may (but is not required to) transfer the firearm.
- Universal background checks — Under SB 143 (2019) and NRS 202.2547, all firearms transfers — including private sales — must go through an FFL with a Nevada State Police background check. Exceptions: transfers between immediate family members, law enforcement, and certain other categories. FFLs may charge a reasonable fee for facilitating private transfers.
- No assault weapons ban — Nevada has no state-level restrictions on assault-style weapons.
- No magazine capacity restrictions — No state limits on magazine capacity.
- NFA-friendly — Suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, AOWs, and pre-1986 machine guns are all legal with proper NFA registration.
- No firearm registration — State preemption prohibits any firearm registration requirement. Clark County's former handgun registration requirement was eliminated in June 2015.
- No constitutional carry — Nevada is a shall-issue state. Concealed carry requires a Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) from your county sheriff. 21+ years old, firearms safety course with live-fire qualification required. Permit valid for 5 years.
- Open carry legal — Open carry of handguns and long guns is legal without a permit throughout Nevada.
- State preemption — Complete preemption (NRS 244.364, 268.418, 269.222). Local governments cannot enact firearms restrictions beyond discharge ordinances.
- Stand your ground / castle doctrine — No duty to retreat when lawfully present (NRS 200.120).
- Red flag law (ERPO) — Nevada allows certain parties to petition for temporary firearm restrictions from individuals deemed dangerous.
- Age requirements — 18+ to purchase rifles and shotguns, 21+ to purchase handguns. Governor Lombardo vetoed AB 245 (2025) which would have raised the semi-automatic rifle/shotgun age to 21.
- Lost/stolen reporting — FFLs should report lost or stolen firearms to ATF within 48 hours.
Recreational cannabis is legal in Nevada — but marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. ATF Form 4473 Question 21.e asks if the buyer is an unlawful user of or addicted to marijuana or any other controlled substance. A "yes" answer or knowledge that the buyer uses marijuana disqualifies the purchase under federal law. This is a common compliance issue in Nevada given the state's large cannabis industry. Dealers must follow federal law regardless of state cannabis legalization.
Nevada State Police POC System
Nevada's background check system is operated by the Nevada State Police (formerly Department of Public Safety), Brady Point of Contact Firearms Program. In January 2025, the system launched a new Agency Portal for online background check submissions.
How It Works
- Agency Portal (NEW — January 2025) — Web-based portal for FFL background check submissions. Available during Brady operating hours. Allows FFLs to submit checks, view results, and print required information through a self-serve interface. Contact the NCJIS Service Desk to register.
- Phone — Call 1-800-4PISTOL (474-7865). Reno/Sparks/Carson City area: (775) 684-6200.
- Hours — Monday–Sunday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (excluding July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day).
- Fee — $25 per background check, charged regardless of proceed or denial. Collect this from the buyer before initiating the check.
- Fax denied 4473s — Upon denial, the POC Program requests the corresponding 4473 be faxed to (775) 687-3419.
Response Types
- Proceed — Transfer may proceed immediately. No waiting period.
- Delayed — POC will call back on the 3rd business day with a final determination.
- Unresolved/Open — POC cannot reach a determination. Further research conducted for up to 90 days. An unresolved/open response does not prohibit an FFL from transferring the firearm after the 3-business-day federal timeframe has elapsed.
- Denied — Transfer is prohibited. Fax the 4473 to POC. The buyer may appeal using the Request for Information form.
Nevada CCW permit holders enjoy a NICS exemption. The CCW permit process includes a background investigation conducted by the county sheriff through NICS and state databases. As a result, holders of a valid Nevada CFP may be exempt from the POC background check when purchasing firearms. Verify the current NICS exemption status with the ATF's Permanent Brady Permit Chart, as this can change.
Home-Based FFLs in Nevada
Nevada is one of the best states in the country for home-based FFLs. The absence of a state dealer license, complete state preemption, and NFA accessibility create a very favorable environment.
- No state dealer license — No additional state fees or applications beyond the federal FFL.
- State preemption — Local governments cannot impose firearms-specific restrictions on your business. You only need to meet general zoning and business licensing requirements.
- Clark County / Las Vegas — The largest metro area in Nevada. Business licenses are obtained through the Clark County Business License Department or city business license offices (City of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, etc.). Zoning varies — check with your local planning department.
- Washoe County / Reno — Second largest metro. Similar process through Washoe County or City of Reno business licensing.
- Rural counties — Nevada has 17 counties. Rural counties (Nye, Elko, Churchill, Lyon, etc.) are typically very permissive for home-based firearms businesses.
- Insurance — Standard homeowner's insurance will not cover commercial firearms inventory. A commercial firearms dealer policy is recommended.
- NFA at home — If you add an SOT, home-based Type 07/SOT operations are popular in Nevada for suppressor and SBR manufacturing/dealing.
4473 Requirements in Nevada
Nevada's 4473 process is relatively straightforward compared to states with waiting periods or state-specific forms. The main compliance layers are the state POC background check system, the universal background check requirement for private transfers, and the cannabis conflict on Question 21.e.
Official Resources & Links
Frequently Asked Questions
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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Nevada firearms laws are subject to change. Governor Lombardo vetoed all gun control legislation in both the 2023 and 2025 sessions, but future legislative sessions may produce different outcomes. Always verify current requirements with the ATF, the Nevada State Police, and your legal counsel before applying.