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How FFL Transfer Works — Buying Guns Online Guide
Buying a firearm online is legal and straightforward in all 50 states. Federal law requires that any handgun or long gun purchased online be shipped to a licensed firearms dealer (FFL dealer) near you — not directly to your home. Here is exactly how it works.
The 3-Step FFL Process
Step 1 — Order Your Firearm Online
Browse GlockOne’s full catalog and add your firearm to the cart. At checkout, enter your shipping address and select FFL Transfer as your shipping method. You’ll be prompted to provide your local FFL dealer’s information.
Step 2 — Choose a Local FFL Dealer
Select any licensed gun dealer (FFL) near you to receive the shipment. Most gun stores, pawn shops, and sporting goods stores with a firearms section hold an FFL license. You can:
- Call your local gun store and ask if they accept FFL transfers — most do
- Search the ATF’s FFL dealer search
- Ask GlockOne — we can help locate dealers in your area
Transfer fees typically range from $20–$50 per firearm and are paid directly to the receiving FFL. Some dealers charge less for handguns vs. long guns.
Step 3 — Pick Up Your Firearm
Once your firearm arrives at the FFL dealer (typically 2–5 business days after shipping), they’ll contact you. When you go to pick it up, you’ll complete:
- ATF Form 4473 — the Firearms Transaction Record (standard federal paperwork)
- NICS Background Check — run by the dealer through the FBI system; typically instant approval
- Any state-required waiting periods, if applicable
- Provide a government-issued photo ID
If the background check is approved (most are instant), you walk out with your firearm the same day.
FFL Transfer — Frequently Asked Questions
Does GlockOne ship directly to my home? No — federal law requires all handguns and long guns to be shipped to a licensed FFL dealer. Ammunition and most accessories ship directly to your door.
How long does FFL transfer take? Typically 3–7 business days total: 1–2 days for order processing, 2–5 days shipping to your FFL, then pickup when the dealer calls you.
What ID do I need at the FFL dealer? A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, military ID). The name and address must match your purchase order.
Can I use any gun store as my FFL? Yes — any federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL) can receive your transfer. Most gun stores accept transfers; some big-box stores do not.
What if I fail the background check? If the NICS check is denied, GlockOne issues a refund for the firearm (minus any transfer fees paid to the dealer). You may appeal a denial through the FBI’s NICS Appeals process.
Are there state-specific rules? Yes — some states require waiting periods (CA: 10 days; FL: 3 days for handguns), handgun safety certifications, or magazine capacity limits. We check your state’s requirements at checkout and ship compliant configurations where available.
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