Getting your C&R FFL

How to get your C&R License (03 FFL)

I wrote this article a while ago for a forum that I belong to. If you have any questions about obtaining your 03 FFL I suggest that you visit the ATF website (see end of article). I believe the information and links provided to be accurate but proceed at your own discretion.

Most gun collectors will be interested in the Type 03: Collector of Curios and Relics (C&R) FFL. This type of license is very easy to obtain and cheap as well. The fee to obtain the license is $30 for a 3-year license, only $10.00 a year! The main benefit of the Type 03 FFL is that you can obtain old military surplus rifles (typically 50+ years old, but there are exceptions) directly from the importers without having to go through a gun shop/dealer (and the associated markup) and they can be sent directly to your door. There is a minimum of paperwork that must be kept when using this FFL, nothing like the detailed records that must be kept by a Type 01 Dealer. The main point to remember is that this FFL was created for the "Collector of Firearms" not for the dealing in firearms. The actual disclaimer as written on the license states "This license does not authorize the holder to engage in the business of dealing in any firearms".

Some folks may be turned off by the idea of being able to be inspected by the BATF since they are 03 FFL holders. The facts are that the BATF may only perform a compliance inspection once per year. They must contact you before hand and you can arrange to have the inspection at your home OR at the nearest BATF office to you. They are not looking at you non-C&R collection, only your C&R firearms and the associated paperwork. I personally have only heard of one person that has ever been approached about having an inspection, so to me it's pretty much a non-issue in deciding whether or not to get a C&R FFL.

The paperwork that you are required to keep is minimal. You only need to enter C&R purchases made after you receive you license, nothing from before. You do need to create (or purchase) a "Bound Book" to keep your entries of purchases and dispositions in. Brownells sells a bound book for $3.00 or you can find templates online and print out your own. When you receive and firearm into your collection you must note the manufacturer/importer, model, action type, caliber, date received, and the name and address and/or FFL number of the person or company that you purchased the gun from. If you sell a firearm you have to fill out similar information about the person who is receiving the firearm, no background checks and no Form 4473 is required. You will need to obtain a photocopy of their Drivers License or FFL. When and if you decide to quit collecting firearms and decide not to renew your 03 FFL you are NOT required to turn in any of your documentation to the BATF, unlike a 01 FFL Dealer is required to do. I would suggest keeping the paperwork anyways at least for your personal records.

This type of FFL, as mentioned, is for collecting firearms but you can sell the occasional firearm as well, typically to enhance your collection. For example, you have an opportunity to purchase a mint condition German K98 Mauser but you already have one that's in fair shape. For some reason you decide that you only want 1 of these guns in your collection you can sell the one that you do not want. The main idea here is that if the BATF perceives that you are in the business of dealing in firearms they may take a closer look. So you can purchase and sell firearms to enhance your collection, not to order firearms for your friends. Have them get their own C&R license, once they see how much fun your having they'll probably ask you how to get started!

First off you must be 21 years old. If you are prohibited from owning firearms for a past law violation or cannot pass the NICS check (the typical call in background check) then you will most likely be turned down for this license.

The paperwork required to obtain your license is simple. You will need a total of two forms to fill out, although one form must be filled out in duplicate. The first form is almost identical to a Form 4473, which you have filled out if you've ever purchased a firearm from a gun shop. The only additional information is that you will need to put down is the name and address of the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in your area. This might be your Police Chief or Sheriff depending on where you live. You will need to send a copy of your application to the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO). They have no say in whether or not you can get your license! It is done per BATF regulation only. The second form is called a Certificate of Compliance, which is a short form asking if you are a legal resident of the US. This second form is fairly new, make sure that you include both forms, if not your license will be delayed.

(Be aware these forms are in Adobe Acrobat format, you may need to go to http://www.adobe.com to download their free Acrobat Reader)

Make sure that you mail your two forms with a $30.00 check or Money Order to the address shown on the form which is in Dallas, TX, do not send these forms to your local/regional ATF office. Send the copy of the application to your local CLEO, no need to include the Certificate of Compliance or the $30.00 check (unless you want to donate to their re-election fund, lol)

Now you begin the most difficult process, the wait! It will seem like it's taking forever and the deals are passing you by, but not to worry. The typical response to the wait to get your license is 4-6 weeks, although many times it's faster. I received mine in 23 days. Take this time to search the web for various importers and dealers that have Curio and Relic firearms, and bookmark them. Keep a list of the promising ones, you can send them your license once it arrives. I would also suggest subscribing to "Shotgun News". This periodical is loaded with importers and dealers, you get to see everything that's on sale plus there are good articles as well. Be aware that the Shotgun News that you may purchase at the newstand or bookstore is usually 1 issue behind the ones sent to subscribers.

You will eventually receive two packages from the ATF often a few days apart. They come from two different locations. In one package, which typically comes first, there are numerous publications and forms. The majority of the forms and signage are for 01 FFL holders (we both get the same packages). There is a blue "Youth Handgun Safety Notice" brochure that you should keep in case you sell a C&R handgun, your required to give it to the purchaser. The second package will contain your 03 C&R FFL license.

When you send your FFL out to various dealers it must be signed in ink, an original signature. Many places request that you sign in blue or red ink to verify that it is not a photocopy. Now pull out that list you made of all the dealers/importers that you were going to send your license too and add a couple more, send a copy to Brownells, Numrich and Midway. These are all suppliers of shooting accessories, reloading equipment and parts. Numrich also sells curio firearms on occasion as well. They all offer discounts to all FFL holders, and that"s you now!

I typically include a note in with the FFL asking to be placed on any mailing lists that they have and request a catalog. Include your e-mail address as well, several companies will send out flyers and special purchases via e-mail as well. Send these out to all prospective companies. It is much easier to call (or go online) and order the firearm you want without having to take the time to mail your FFL and a check, some deals don't last that long.

Hopefully these instructions have helped you your Curio and Relic FFL, now get out there and start collecting!!