Navigating the World of Buying Firearms Without an FFL The question of whether you can buy a gun without a Federal Firearms License (FFL) often comes up for first-time buyers or collectors. The short answer is , but how and where you do it is strictly governed by federal and state laws. 1. In-State Private Sales
Under federal law, unlicensed individuals can buy and sell firearms directly to one another without an FFL, provided both parties are residents of the same state. This is often referred to as a "private party transfer." buy guns without ffl
Many states, such as California, New York, and Washington , have passed "universal background check" laws that override the federal baseline, requiring even private sales to be processed through an FFL dealer. 2. Buying Online (The FFL Intermediary) Navigating the World of Buying Firearms Without an
This only applies if the seller does not have reason to believe the buyer is a "prohibited person" (e.g., a convicted felon). Buying Online (The FFL Intermediary) This only applies
You do not need an FFL to order a gun from an online retailer like Smith & Wesson , but you cannot have it shipped directly to your home.