How to Get an FFL in Nevada

The type of FFL you apply for depends on your intended business activities. Most Nevada gun stores apply for a Type 01 license, and pawn shops with firearms 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. Register your business and confirm zoning. Register your business entity with the Nevada Secretary of State and obtain a state business license ($200 per 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.

2. Choose your FFL type. Most retail gun stores choose Type 01 and pawn shops choose Type 02. If you plan to manufacture firearms or ammunition, you will need Type 07 or Type 06 respectively.

3. Complete ATF Form 7 / 7CR. Download and complete ATF Form 7 (5310.12). Provide complete details about your business, all responsible persons, and your premises. Double-check every field, because errors are the number one 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. In Nevada, fingerprinting is available through LVMPD, local police departments, UPS Stores, and private fingerprinting services.

5. Submit your application and 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.

6. 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), and in Washoe County the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. This is a notification only; CLEO approval is not required.

7. Complete the ATF interview and inspection. An ATF Industry Operations Inspector will schedule a premises visit to verify your identity, inspect storage and security, and confirm your understanding of federal firearms laws, including 4473 procedures, A&D Book requirements, Nevada State Police POC background checks, universal background check requirements, and multiple sale reporting.

8. Register with the Nevada State Police POC and set up operations. Once your FFL is issued, register with the Nevada State Police Brady Point of Contact Firearms Program. You can use the Agency Portal for online background check submissions or call 1-800-4PISTOL (474-7865). Establish your A&D Book and implement e4473 for digital 4473 processing from day one.

A realistic Nevada 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.

Nevada's firearms laws are among the most permissive in the country. 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 a federal FFL plus standard business licenses are 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. The fee is $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.
• 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, with limited exceptions such as transfers between immediate family members.
• No assault weapons ban and no magazine capacity restrictions.
• NFA-friendly: suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, AOWs, and pre-1986 machine guns are all legal with proper NFA registration.

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 Nevada this is typically your county sheriff. In Clark County the CLEO is the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), and in Washoe County it is the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. This is a notification; the CLEO does not have the authority to approve or deny your FFL application.

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

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. There are practical considerations:

• 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 and Las Vegas: business licenses are obtained through the Clark County Business License Department or city business license offices. Zoning varies, so check with your local planning department.
• Rural counties: Nevada has 17 counties, and rural counties such as Nye, Elko, Churchill, and Lyon 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.

Every firearm transfer from a Nevada FFL requires a completed ATF Form 4473 and a background check through the Nevada State Police POC system. The main compliance layers are the state POC background check and the universal background check requirement for private transfers. 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
• Nevada State Police Brady Point of Contact Firearms Program
• Nevada Department of Taxation (sales tax)
• Nevada Secretary of State (business registration)
• FBI NICS for background checks