Type 03 FFL: Collector of Curios & Relics
A Type 03 FFL is the Collector of Curios and Relics license. Unlike the dealer licenses, it is not a business license. It lets a private collector acquire curio and relic firearms more conveniently for a personal collection. This guide explains what the Type 03 covers, what it does not, and how it differs from a dealer FFL.
What a Type 03 FFL is
The Type 03 is a collector license, not a dealer license. It applies only to curios and relics, which are firearms that are of special interest to collectors, generally because they are at least 50 years old or are recognized by the ATF as curios or relics. The license makes it easier for a collector to acquire these specific firearms for a personal collection.
What a Type 03 lets you do
- Acquire curio and relic firearms for a personal collection.
- Receive C&R firearms shipped directly to the collector across state lines, rather than through a dealer.
- Maintain a bound record of the curio and relic firearms acquired and disposed of.
What a Type 03 does not cover
- It is not a business license. A Type 03 holder cannot engage in the business of dealing in firearms.
- It applies only to curios and relics, not to modern firearms outside the C&R category.
- It does not authorize running background checks or completing 4473s for customers, because it is not a dealer license.
Collector, not dealer
If you intend to buy and sell firearms for profit, you need a dealer license such as a Type 01, not a Type 03. The collector license exists for building a personal C&R collection.
How it compares to a dealer FFL
The dealer licenses, such as the Type 01, are for businesses that transfer firearms to the public and therefore complete ATF Form 4473 on every transfer. The Type 03 is a personal collector license with a much narrower scope and a lower fee. For a full comparison of every license, see our FFL license types guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Type 03 FFL sell firearms?
No. The Type 03 is a collector license for a personal collection of curios and relics. Buying and selling firearms as a business requires a dealer license such as a Type 01.
What counts as a curio or relic?
Curios and relics are firearms of special interest to collectors, which generally includes firearms at least 50 years old and firearms the ATF has specifically recognized as C&R items.
Does a Type 03 collector complete a 4473?
No. Because the Type 03 is not a dealer license, the collector does not run background checks or complete 4473s. Those are dealer responsibilities.
Serve collectors and every other buyer
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