How to Get an FFL in Virginia
Virginia is one of the most active firearms markets on the East Coast — with a strong military and law enforcement community, deep hunting traditions, and growing demand for personal protection. Whether you're opening a gun store in Virginia Beach, a pawn shop in Richmond, or a home-based dealership in the Shenandoah Valley — here's everything you need to apply, get approved, and stay compliant from day one.
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Eligibility Requirements
Before submitting your application, confirm that you meet all federal eligibility criteria. Virginia does not impose additional state-level eligibility requirements for FFL applicants beyond standard business registration, but local zoning compliance is critical — especially in Northern Virginia and other densely populated areas.
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 Virginia, subject to local zoning)
- Not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal, state, or local law
Virginia-Specific Eligibility Notes
- Virginia does not require a separate state firearms dealer license — your federal FFL is sufficient
- You must register your business with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) if forming an LLC or corporation
- You must obtain a Virginia business license and sales tax certificate from the Virginia Department of Taxation
- You must register with the Virginia Firearms Transaction Program (VFTP) via the Virginia State Police before conducting any sales
- All dealer employees who handle firearms transfers must undergo background checks and register with the Virginia State Police (Form SP-69A)
- Local business licenses and zoning compliance are required — this is often the biggest hurdle in Virginia, especially in home-based FFL applications in urban areas
FFL Types & Cost Breakdown
The type of FFL you apply for depends on your intended business activities. Most Virginia gun stores apply for a Type 01 license. Pawn shops with firearms choose Type 02. Virginia's large military communities drive strong demand for both retail and transfer-based FFL operations.
| 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 |
Virginia is NFA-friendly — suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and machine guns are all legal with appropriate federal tax stamps. If you plan to deal in NFA items, you'll need a Special Occupational Tax (SOT) in addition to your FFL. Class 3 SOT is $500/year for dealers with gross receipts under $500K. Virginia's proximity to military bases and defense contractors creates strong demand for NFA items.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Prepare Your Business Structure
Decide on your business entity (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation). Register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) if forming an LLC or corporation. Obtain an EIN from the IRS. Register for a Virginia sales tax certificate with the Virginia Department of Taxation. Confirm your premises meets local zoning requirements — this is the most common obstacle for Virginia FFL applicants, particularly in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads.
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. Errors are the #1 cause of delays — double-check every field before submitting.
Complete Fingerprint Cards & Photographs
Each responsible person must complete two FBI fingerprint cards (FD-258) and provide two 2×2 passport-style photographs. In Virginia, fingerprinting is available through local sheriff's offices, police departments, and third-party providers like IdentoGO locations throughout the Commonwealth.
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. The correct mailing address is printed on the form instructions.
Notify Your Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO)
Send a copy of your completed ATF Form 7 to your local CLEO — typically your county sheriff or city chief of police. Virginia has 95 counties and 38 independent cities, each with its own law enforcement structure. This is notification only — CLEO approval is not required for your FFL.
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, background checks, and multiple sale reporting obligations.
Register with VFTP & Set Up Compliance Systems
Before your first transaction, you must register with the Virginia Firearms Transaction Program (VFTP) by completing Form SP-69 with the Virginia State Police. You'll also need to register all dealer employees using Form SP-69A. Establish your A&D Bound Book, implement 4473 processing, and get set up with VCheck — Virginia's online background check portal. Starting with Bravo E4473 from day one means no paper forms and streamlined compliance alongside the VFTP workflow.
Timeline & Process Flowchart
Here's a realistic timeline for the Virginia FFL application process from start to finish:
| Phase | Activity | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Application | Business setup, zoning check, entity registration | 1–3 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 |
| VFTP Registration | Register with Virginia State Police, set up VCheck | 1–2 weeks |
| Total | Business setup through first sale ready | 60–90 days typical |
Virginia-Specific Requirements
Virginia's regulatory environment is more complex than many Southern and Midwestern states. The Commonwealth uses a state point-of-contact background check system (VFTP), requires state forms alongside federal 4473s, mandates universal background checks for all firearms transfers (including private sales), and restricts handgun purchases to one per month. Understanding these Virginia-specific requirements is essential before you complete your first sale.
State Business Requirements
- Virginia Business Registration — LLCs and corporations must register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC). Virginia LLC registration is $100.
- Sales Tax Certificate — Required from the Virginia Department of Taxation. Virginia's general sales tax rate is 5.3% state + 1% local (6.3% total). Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads regions have additional local taxes bringing totals to 7% or higher. Firearms and ammunition are taxable.
- Local Business Licenses — Virginia's 95 counties and 38 independent cities each have their own licensing requirements. Many Virginia localities require a local Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL). Check with your city or county before applying.
- VFTP Registration — You must register with the Virginia State Police Firearms Transaction Center (FTC) by completing Form SP-69 before conducting any sales. This gives you access to VCheck, Virginia's online background check portal.
- Dealer Employee Registration — Virginia Code §18.2-308.2:3 requires all employees who handle firearms transfers to undergo background checks via Form SP-69A submitted to the Virginia State Police.
Virginia Firearms Laws Relevant to FFLs
- No constitutional carry — Virginia requires a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) for concealed carry. Virginia is a shall-issue state — applications are processed through the local circuit court. Open carry is legal without a permit for individuals 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm.
- State Point-of-Contact (POC) system — Virginia does not use direct FBI NICS for dealer sales. All background checks go through the Virginia Firearms Transaction Program (VFTP) administered by the Virginia State Police. Dealers use VCheck (online) or the FTC toll-free phone line to process checks.
- State consent form required (SP-65) — In addition to the federal ATF Form 4473, Virginia requires dealers to complete a Virginia Firearms Transaction Record/Consent (SP-65) for each transaction
- Background check fee — Dealers must collect a $2 fee from Virginia residents and a $5 fee from non-residents for each background check, remitted to Virginia State Police
- No waiting period — Once the VFTP returns an approval, the transfer can be completed immediately
- One handgun per month limit — Virginia restricts handgun purchases to one per 30-day period (effective July 1, 2020). Concealed Handgun Permit holders and law enforcement are exempt
- Universal background checks — As of July 1, 2020, Virginia requires background checks for all firearms transfers, including private party sales. Private transfers must be conducted through a licensed dealer
- No state assault weapons ban (as of February 2026 — note: legislation is actively being debated in the 2026 General Assembly)
- No magazine capacity restrictions (as of February 2026)
- NFA items are legal with appropriate federal tax stamps
- Local firearms restrictions — Unlike states with strong preemption, Virginia allows localities to restrict firearms in government buildings, parks, recreation centers, and permitted events. Restrictions vary significantly by locality — Northern Virginia jurisdictions tend to be more restrictive than rural Southwest Virginia. Dealers should understand the rules in their specific locality.
- Duty to inform — Concealed handgun permit holders must inform law enforcement that they are carrying a concealed handgun when approached by an officer
Virginia FFLs must maintain both federal and state records. Federal requirements include a bound book (A&D record) per 27 CFR 478.125 and ATF Form 4473 records retained for at least 20 years per 27 CFR 478.129. State requirements include SP-65 forms and VFTP transaction records. Bravo E4473 handles the federal side — 4473 processing and A&D bound book — in one integrated digital system, reducing your compliance burden alongside the VFTP workflow.
Virginia's firearms regulatory environment has changed significantly in recent years and continues to evolve. The 2020 legislative session introduced universal background checks and the one-handgun-per-month rule. The 2026 General Assembly is actively considering additional restrictions including assault weapons legislation and expanded carry bans. Virginia FFLs should monitor the Virginia Legislative Information System and stay current on any new requirements that may affect operations.
CLEO Notification in Virginia
Federal law requires you to provide a copy of your ATF Form 7 to the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) in your jurisdiction. Virginia's unique government structure — with 95 counties and 38 independent cities — means identifying the correct CLEO requires attention. This is a notification only; the CLEO cannot approve or deny your FFL application.
How to Find Your CLEO
- County Sheriff — If operating within a county, your CLEO is typically your county sheriff. Virginia's 95 counties each have an elected sheriff. Find yours via the Virginia Sheriffs' Association.
- Independent City Police Chief — Virginia's 38 independent cities (Richmond, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Alexandria, etc.) are not part of any county. If operating within an independent city, notify that city's chief of police.
- Town Police Chief — Some incorporated towns within counties maintain their own police departments. If your town has its own department, notify the town chief of police.
Virginia is the only state with independent cities that are entirely separate from their surrounding counties. Richmond, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Alexandria, and 32 other cities operate independently. This means your CLEO, local business license requirements, and zoning rules may differ from the surrounding county — even if you're just across the city line. Always verify which jurisdiction your premises falls within before submitting your application.
While CLEO notification is informational and does not require approval, skipping it can create friction during ATF processing. Send it at the same time you mail your ATF Form 7 or shortly after.
Home-Based FFLs in Virginia
Virginia allows home-based FFLs at the state level, but local zoning is the primary challenge — and it can be significant. Virginia's regulatory landscape for home-based FFLs varies dramatically between rural and urban areas. Key considerations:
- Zoning — The #1 Challenge — Densely populated areas in Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William counties), Richmond, and Hampton Roads have shown hostility to home-based gun dealers through restrictive zoning. Rural Virginia — the Shenandoah Valley, Southside, Southwest Virginia — is generally much more accommodating for home-based FFL operations. Always verify with your local zoning office before applying.
- ATF Requires State & Local Compliance First — The ATF will not issue your FFL until you have all required state and local business licenses in place. If your locality denies a home occupation permit for a firearms business, the ATF cannot process your application for that location.
- Storage & Security — The ATF inspector will verify secure firearm storage at your premises. A quality gun safe or dedicated locked storage area is expected.
- Sales Tax Certificate — Home-based businesses in Virginia still require registration with the Virginia Department of Taxation for sales tax collection.
- Insurance — Standard homeowner's insurance will not cover commercial firearms inventory or business liability. A dedicated commercial firearms dealer policy is essential before taking in any inventory.
If you're having difficulty with zoning in an urban Virginia jurisdiction, consider locations in more rural counties. Many Virginia home-based FFLs thrive in communities like those in Augusta County, Rockingham County, Bedford County, and throughout Southwest Virginia — where local zoning is favorable and the nearest gun store may be a significant drive away. Virginia's universal background check law (requiring all private transfers to go through a dealer) has also increased demand for transfer agents in rural communities.
4473 Requirements in Virginia
Every firearm transfer from a Virginia FFL requires both a completed ATF Form 4473 and a Virginia SP-65 consent form processed through the VFTP. Virginia's compliance environment is more involved than direct-NICS states — but with the right systems in place, the workflow is smooth and efficient.
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 — built to work alongside Virginia's VFTP workflow.
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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Virginia firearms laws are actively evolving — always verify current requirements with the ATF, the Virginia State Police, and your legal counsel before applying.