How to Get an FFL in Texas
Texas has more active FFLs than any other state. Whether you're opening a gun store in Houston, a pawn shop in San Antonio, or a home-based FFL in a rural county — here's everything you need to apply, get approved, and stay compliant from day one.
(3-year license)
Time
License Required
FFL Allowed
Eligibility Requirements
Before submitting your application, confirm that you meet all federal eligibility criteria. Texas does not impose additional state-level eligibility requirements beyond standard business registration.
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 (can be home-based in Texas)
- Not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal, state, or local law
Texas-Specific Eligibility Notes
- Texas does not require a separate state firearms dealer license — your federal FFL is sufficient
- You will need a Texas Sales Tax Permit from the Comptroller of Public Accounts
- Local business licenses or permits may be required depending on your city or county
- Zoning compliance is required — especially important for home-based FFLs
FFL Types & Cost Breakdown
The type of FFL you apply for depends on your intended business activities. Most Texas gun stores and pawn shops apply for a Type 01 or Type 02 license.
| 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 |
If you plan to deal in NFA items, you'll need a Special Occupational Tax (SOT) in addition to your FFL. Class 3 SOT (for dealers) is $500/year for businesses with gross receipts under $500K. Texas is one of the most NFA-friendly states in the country.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Prepare Your Business Structure
Decide on your business entity (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation). Register with the Texas Secretary of State if forming an LLC or corporation. Obtain an EIN from the IRS. Apply for your Texas Sales Tax Permit. Confirm your premises meets local zoning requirements.
Choose Your FFL Type
Review the table above and select the FFL type that matches your business activities. Most retail gun stores choose Type 01. Pawn shops choose Type 02. If you plan to manufacture firearms or ammunition, you'll need Type 07 or Type 06 respectively.
Complete ATF Form 7 / 7CR
Download ATF Form 7 (5310.12) or Form 7CR for C&R collectors. Provide detailed information about your business, all responsible persons, premises address, and intended activities. Double-check every field — errors are the #1 cause of application delays.
Complete Fingerprint Cards & Photographs
Each responsible person must complete two FBI fingerprint cards (FD-258) and provide two 2×2 passport-style photographs. Fingerprints can be taken at most local law enforcement offices or UPS stores that offer the service.
Submit Application & Fee
Mail the completed Form 7/7CR, fingerprint cards, photographs, and application fee (check or money order payable to ATF) to the ATF Federal Firearms Licensing Center in Atlanta, GA. The mailing address is printed on the form.
Notify Your Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO)
Send a copy of your completed ATF Form 7/7CR to the CLEO in your jurisdiction — typically the county sheriff or city chief of police. This is a notification only; the CLEO does not need to approve your application. See the CLEO section below for Texas contacts.
Complete the ATF Interview & Inspection
An ATF Industry Operations Inspector (IOI) will contact you to schedule a visit to your premises. They will verify your identity, inspect your storage and security arrangements, review your understanding of federal firearms laws, and confirm your premises meets regulatory requirements. This is a conversation, not an interrogation — demonstrating preparedness goes a long way.
Set Up Your Compliance Systems
Once your FFL is approved, you need to establish your A&D Bound Book, implement 4473 processing, and set up your NICS background check workflow before your first transaction. This is where most new FFLs benefit from starting digital from day one with Bravo E4473 — no paper forms, no handwritten bound books, no boxes of records to store for 20 years.
Timeline & Process Flowchart
Here's a realistic timeline for the Texas FFL application process from start to finish:
| Phase | Activity | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Application | Business setup, zoning check, entity registration | 1–2 weeks |
| 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) |
| Approval | FFL issued | 1–2 weeks after interview |
| Total | Business setup through FFL in hand | 60–90 days typical |
Texas-Specific Requirements
Texas is one of the most FFL-friendly states in the country. There are no additional state-level dealer licensing requirements, no state assault weapons restrictions, and no state-level waiting periods. Here's what you do need to know:
State Business Requirements
- Sales Tax Permit — Required from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Firearms and ammunition are taxable at the standard 6.25% state rate (plus local tax).
- Business Registration — LLCs and corporations must register with the Texas Secretary of State. Sole proprietors using a DBA must file an Assumed Name Certificate with their county clerk.
- Local Business Permits — Check with your city and county for any additional business permits or occupancy requirements.
Texas Firearms Laws Relevant to FFLs
- No state waiting period for firearm purchases
- No state permit to purchase required for handguns or long guns
- No state assault weapons ban
- NFA items are legal — suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and machine guns (with appropriate federal tax stamps)
- Private party transfers do not require an FFL in Texas (but many buyers and sellers prefer FFL transfers for the paper trail)
- Constitutional carry — Texas allows permitless carry for individuals 21+ who are not prohibited from possessing firearms (effective Sept. 1, 2021)
All FFLs in Texas 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 per 27 CFR 478.129. Electronic systems like Bravo's E4473 with cloud storage make this dramatically easier than paper.
CLEO Notification in Texas
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 Texas, this is typically your county sheriff or, if you're within city limits, your chief of police. 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 — Search the Texas Sheriffs' Association Directory
- City Police Chief — Contact your city's police department directly
- ATF EZ Check — The ATF's FFL EZ Check tool can help verify existing FFL information
While the CLEO notification is technically informational, failing to send it can delay your application. The ATF may contact the CLEO during processing, and an uninformed CLEO could create friction. Send it with the same mailing or shortly after submitting your ATF Form 7.
Home-Based FFLs in Texas
Texas is one of the best states for home-based FFLs. There is no state law prohibiting it. However, there are practical considerations:
- Zoning — Your city or county may have restrictions on home-based businesses. Rural unincorporated areas typically have fewer restrictions. Cities like Houston (which has no formal zoning code) may be more permissive than others.
- Storage & Security — The ATF inspector will verify that you have secure storage for firearms at your premises. A gun safe or locked room is typically expected.
- Signage — Some local ordinances require or prohibit business signage on residential properties. Check before you apply.
- Foot Traffic — If you plan to have customers visit your home, consider the impact on neighbors and whether your neighborhood has HOA restrictions.
- Insurance — Standard homeowner's insurance typically does not cover business activities. Consider a commercial rider or a separate business liability policy.
Many home-based FFLs in Texas 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.
4473 Requirements in Texas
Every firearm transfer from an FFL requires a completed ATF Form 4473. Texas follows federal 4473 requirements with no additional state-level questions or forms. Here's what Texas FFLs need to know:
Official Resources & Links
Bookmark these — you'll reference them throughout the application process and during ongoing operations.
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 — no bolt-on integrations required.
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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the ATF and your legal counsel before applying.