How to Get an FFL in Utah
Utah is one of the most firearms-friendly states in the country. Whether you're opening a gun store in Salt Lake City, a home-based dealership in Provo, or a manufacturing shop in St. George — 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. Utah 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 Utah)
- Not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal, state, or local law
Utah-Specific Eligibility Notes
- Utah does not require a separate state firearms dealer license — your federal FFL is sufficient
- You will need a Utah Sales Tax License from the Utah State Tax Commission
- A general Utah business license 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 Utah gun stores apply for a Type 01 license. Pawn shops choose Type 02.
| 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 |
Utah is a fully NFA-friendly state. If you plan to deal in suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, or machine guns, 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.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Prepare Your Business Structure
Decide on your business entity (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation). Register with the Utah Division of Corporations if forming an LLC or corporation. Obtain an EIN from the IRS. Apply for a Utah Sales Tax License. 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 Utah 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. Demonstrating preparedness — especially knowledge of the 4473 and A&D bound book requirements — 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. Starting digital from day one with Bravo E4473 means no paper forms, no handwritten bound books, and no boxes of records to store for 20 years.
Timeline & Process Flowchart
Here's a realistic timeline for the Utah 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 |
Utah-Specific Requirements
Utah is one of the most gun-friendly states in the nation and has been called the "Beehive State" of firearms freedom. There are no additional state-level dealer licensing requirements, no state assault weapons restrictions, and no state-level waiting periods. Here's what Utah FFLs do need to know:
State Business Requirements
- Sales Tax License — Required from the Utah State Tax Commission. The Utah state sales tax rate is 4.85%, with local option taxes bringing total rates to 6–9% depending on the county. Firearms and ammunition are generally taxable.
- Business Registration — LLCs and corporations must register with the Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code. Sole proprietors using a DBA should file a registration with the Division of Corporations.
- Local Business Licenses — Most Utah cities and counties require a general business license. Check with your local city or county clerk's office.
Utah 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)
- Constitutional carry — Utah allows permitless carry for individuals 21+ (and 18+ with a valid hunting or fishing license) who are not prohibited from possessing firearms
- Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) — Utah has its own concealed carry permit program but this does not affect FFL background check procedures
- Private party transfers — Utah does not require FFL involvement for private party transfers, though many buyers and sellers prefer the paper trail
All FFLs in Utah 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 Utah
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 Utah, 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 Utah Sheriffs' Association or your individual county website
- City Police Chief — Contact your city's police department directly
- Utah Counties — Utah has 29 counties; rural counties like Millard, Juab, and Sanpete typically have very cooperative CLEOs for FFL notifications
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 Utah
Utah is an excellent state for home-based FFLs. There is no state law prohibiting it, and many rural areas of Utah have minimal zoning restrictions. Key considerations:
- Zoning — Cities like Salt Lake City and Provo may have home occupation ordinances that limit certain business activities in residential zones. Unincorporated county areas and rural communities typically have far fewer restrictions. Always check with your local planning and zoning office before applying.
- Storage & Security — The ATF inspector will verify that you have secure storage for firearms at your premises. A quality gun safe or locked, dedicated storage room is typically expected.
- Signage — Some HOAs and local ordinances restrict commercial signage on residential properties. Verify before displaying any business signage.
- Foot Traffic — If you plan to have customers visit your home, consider HOA rules and neighborhood impact. Many Utah home-based FFLs operate by appointment only.
- Insurance — Standard homeowner's insurance does not cover business activities or commercial inventory. Consider a commercial firearms dealer policy or rider before taking in any inventory.
Many home-based FFLs in Utah operate primarily as transfer agents (receiving online firearms purchases for local buyers) or as appointment-only dealers. This business model is low-overhead, generates consistent fee income, and minimizes foot traffic and zoning concerns.
4473 Requirements in Utah
Every firearm transfer from an FFL requires a completed ATF Form 4473. Utah follows standard federal 4473 requirements with no additional state-level questions or forms. Here's what Utah 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.