Do you want to know how to get your Maryland FFL? Are you overwhelmed by the seemingly heavy-handed government regulations and confusing laws and rules about being an FFL in Maryland? Don’t worry, you aren’t alone!
Maryland is an odd state when it comes to guns. There are plenty of sportsmen, shooting enthusiasts, and freedom-loving Americans residing there, and yet the state can be one of the most restrictive in the country. As such, it may come as a surprise that there are 2,871 FFLs in the state! That means that getting an FFL in Maryland can absolutely be done, but you have to tread carefully when getting your Maryland FFL and you need to make sure you’ve got all your ducks in a row in order to get into – and stay in – business.
That’s where we come in. FFL123 is here to make sure you can get that Maryland FFL you want and deserve!
The very simple answer is: yes. If you plan on running a business that deals with firearms, you need to have an FFL. This isn’t a state requirement, but rather a Federal requirement. Speaking of which…
The ATF has pretty basic requirements to get an FFL. So basic, in fact, we’ll only glance at them.
To get an FFL, the ATF requires that you be a law-abiding US citizen or a permanent resident over 21 years of age who can legally own a firearm. Pretty simple stuff, really. The paperwork is annoying, and you have to demonstrate you are planning to operate a business, but that’s not too hard.
You need to know a few things before you start to apply for your Maryland FFL. You’ll have to submit a set of fingerprints for you and all other partners and some other information to establish your identity. If you are confused as to how to submit this required information, not to worry. FFL123 customers are guided step by step through this process.
Really, you just need to be over 21 years old and legally qualified to own a gun. Generally speaking that means as long as a few basic things apply to you, then you’re good to go.
You need to show the ATF that you can operate a business at your chosen location too, so let’s look at state and local requirements in Maryland for FFL holders.
Once you meet the federal requirements, it’s time to make sure you meet the state ones next.
Like many states, Maryland requires that FFL holders also purchase a very redundant state gun dealer license. In Maryland, that is called a Regulated Firearms Dealer license and costs $50 for your first year and $25 to renew.
The form isn’t terribly difficult to fill out, and it mostly asks for redundant information and fingerprints that you had to provide to get an FFL.
If you maintain any sort of inventory, you need to get a Maryland Trader’s License. It’s possible that small FFL’s that only conduct transfers and do not maintain inventory can bypass this step, but as with anything involving guns in a state unfriendly to gun owners, double check with the state or a competent lawyer.
This is where you decide if you are going to determine the structure of your business. Many FFL’s choose to incorporate in order to protect their personal assets. FFL123 customers receive full guided assistance during the entire Maryland licensing process.
Yes, you must be registered with the state as some kind of business to get an FFL in Maryland. You also have to operate in a correctly zoned area that matches the type of business you are doing.
First, you need to get a state business license. This is a pretty cut and dry process and even largely automatic as long as you pay the licensing fees. Now is a good time to decide if you are setting up as a corporation or not. We suggest doing business as an LLC or other corporation to limit personal liability.
Next, it’s time to get your local business licenses. Cities and counties may also require a business license. Again, this should be pretty cut and dry.
Make sure you are properly zoned for the kind of business you plan on doing. In most places, a home-based FFL should be possible. Type 07 FFLs that engage in more than the lightest of manufacturing probably won’t be possible in residential areas.
Maryland is a wishy-washy state when it comes to guns. Some localities are more friendly than others. Be sure to check and double-check your local rules and regulations.
If for some reason, you encounter a snag, FFL123 is here to help. Our members are provided access to private forums with other FFL dealers just like you, as well as members-only resources to help you navigate these waters.
In nearly all cases, you’ll just need to get any local business licenses you need to conduct the kind of business you want to engage in and acquire a properly zoned location.
While cities and counties in Maryland really don’t officially practice restrictive zoning to push FFL holders out or make it hard to do business, don’t expect all business license applications to be super easy either.
FFL’s with a commercial storefront or manufacturers should have a pretty simple time of getting local business licenses. Small home based FFL’s may have a real struggle depending on where in Maryland they live. Major cities like Baltimore have zoning regulations that define where retail activity like gun sales can be permitted, and it might take some doing to get a variance for a home based FFL.
But, FFL123 customers enjoy our expert assistance with getting home based FFL’s approved. In fact, that is our specialty, and our industry insider staff have combined multiple decades of experience with just this sort of problem.
You’ve finally navigated the murky waters of getting a Maryland FFL. Despite the heavy anti-gun sentiment in the state, you are finally licensed and ready to go. Or are you?
Businesses rise and fall on the little things. Do you have a good security system? What is a good security system? Do you even need one? How digitized do you want to keep your records? Are you in compliance with Maryland laws regarding what signs and information you have to post in your business? These and many other practical concerns haunt new FFL holders and have to be handled on a case by case basis.
FFL123 has long experience in helping our customers work through what they need when they open their doors, and we’ll be happy to provide guidance here too!
Your Maryland FFL won’t do you much good without inventory. In nearly all cases, guns, ammo and accessories are distributed by large wholesalers, as opposed to manufacturer direct sales to dealers.
But, not all distributors will do business with all FFL holders. And not all guns and accessories are legal in Maryland. By the time you get to this stage, you should be knowledgeable about current laws on what is or is not legal to sell in Maryland – and if not, FFL123 customers can ask us for help here as well.
While large retailers and FFL’s operating out of a traditional storefront can usually get accounts with most distributors, small home based FFL’s often struggle to get wholesale accounts. Some distributors only work with brick and mortar retailers, while others have minimum sales requirements that sometimes exceed the number of guns a small dealer might sell in a year!
But, you guessed it; FFL123 has you covered here too. We maintain an exclusive hand curated list of distributors, wholesalers and manufacturers who have expressed a willingness to do business with the little guys too, and will happily deal with small FFL holders. This list is provided to all our customers and is updated regularly.
On the Federal level, it costs between $30-$200 to get an FFL for the first three years. Each license type’s cost varies due to the different responsibilities they allow the licensee to perform. There are different kinds of licenses for selling a few handguns versus handling or making NFA items.
There are also other costs associated with Maryland state and local licenses. Like many states, Maryland requires that FFL holders also purchase a very redundant state gun dealer license. In Maryland, that is called a Regulated Firearms Dealer License and costs $50 for your first year and $25 to renew. You’ll also submit release forms and get fingerprinted.
The form isn’t terribly difficult to fill out, and it mostly asks for redundant information and fingerprints that you had to provide to get an FFL.
A Handgun Qualification License (HQL) is required by Maryland law for every FFL before any credit cards or money orders can be accepted in exchange for services.
If you maintain any sort of inventory, you need to get a Maryland Trader’s License. It’s possible that small FFLs that only conduct transfers and do not maintain inventory can bypass this step, but as with anything involving guns in a state unfriendly to gun owners, double-check with the state or a competent lawyer.
Because of the wide variety of localities and their different policies and procedures, it’s best to check directly with your local government to find out how much they charge for business licenses, etc.
Starting a Business in Maryland: Check out this article from the Maryland Department of State for tips on setting up a business in the state.
Maryland State Police — Regulated Firearms Dealer’s Guide: Firearms dealers in Maryland can use this guide to properly handle firearms sales.
How to Become a Federal Firearms Licensee in 10 Easy Steps: This is the ATF’s own guide to getting your FFL.
US Code § 923: Federal US Code § 923 covers regulations for the import, manufacture, and dealing of firearms and ammunition. This is the law that requires firearms businesses to get an FFL.
US CFR § 478.47 – Issuance of License: This explains how a Federal Firearms License is issued, including who must assign the license number. It requires the ATF to qualify applicants based on a predetermined list of requirements and to issue Federal Firearms Licenses. If a correct FFL application has been submitted, the Chief of the Federal Firearms Licensing Center must issue the license and assign a serial number to the licensee.
Gun Control Act (GCA): The GCA of 1968 established stricter laws on the firearms industry than were already present in the NFA of 1934. This included new regulations regarding firearms offenses, firearms/ammunition sales to “prohibited persons,” and federal jurisdiction for “destructive devices” (bombs, grenades, mines, etc.) These are just some of the things that were created with the GCA.
We’ve shown you how to get an Maryland FFL. All that’s left is choosing the FFL license kit that fits your needs.
Are you ready to take the plunge? The best time to apply for an FFL was yesterday. The next best time is right now! Click here and choose the application kit that is right for you, or drop us a line and we’ll help you pick the right one. What are you waiting for? Join the thousands of satisfied Americans who have used FFL123 to get their FFL!
Truth be told, we’d like a world where any law-abiding American could easily get into the gun business. But we don’t live in that world. We know this, and so does our staff of industry insiders and legal experts. FFL123 has assembled a staff that is dedicated to helping our customers cut through the red tape of getting an FFL.
When you purchase an FFL123 guide, you aren’t just buying a comprehensive step-by-step guide to applying for an FFL. You are also getting decades of combined industry and legal experience that is there when you need it the most.
Every FFL123 customer is entitled to direct, one-on-one customer support for their specific problems in getting an FFL. We specialize in helping people understand and navigate complex local zoning issues, as this is where most problems with getting your Maryland FFL will occur.
In other words, when you do business with FFL123, we back you up until you get your FFL. In fact, we go beyond that, and keep backing you up for as long as you are in business! Our customers get ongoing support for everything from finding suppliers to keeping abreast with the latest changes in gun laws and regulations.
With just a couple of easy clicks, you can start your journey to your Maryland FFL today. Rest easy knowing that you aren’t cast adrift with confusing federal and state paperwork, or left alone to figure out how to fill out and file seemingly conflicting forms. FFL123 is here for you along your entire journey from choosing the FFL that’s right for you, to your first day of business and everything in between.
Are you ready to get your Maryland FFL? Choose the guide that is right for you. Not sure which one you need? No problem! Just ask and we’ll help you with that too. What are you waiting for? The sooner you start, the sooner you can enjoy all the benefits of an FFL!
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