Missouri – How to Get FFL?

How to get FFL License in Missouri (MO)?

Are you interested starting a gun dealer business in Missouri? Are you interested in finding out how to get your Missouri FFL?  Do you want to know how to get your Missouri FFL? Are you overwhelmed by the seemingly heavy-handed government regulations and confusing laws and rules about being an FFL in Missouri? Don’t worry, you aren’t alone! If you are ready to find out how to get your Missouri FFL in this year then just keep reading and we’ll show you!

There are a lot of gun owners in Missouri. There are also a lot of FFL holders in Missouri. As of June 2021, there are 4,181 of them, to be exact! While Missouri government may be kind to gun owners and gun businesses, the same cannot always be said for the federal government. That means you have to tread carefully when getting your Missouri 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 Missouri FFL you want and deserve!

Navigating a complex set of Federal, state and local laws and regulations may seem tough, but FFL123 customers enjoy our carefully guided step by step assistance from the first forms to the day you open up for business. So take a look and let’s go over the 5 steps on how to get an Missouri FFL.

Do You Need an FFL in Missouri?

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…

Step 1. Federal Requirements for Missouri FFL

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 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.

In nutshell, before you can get a Missouri FFL, you have to make sure you meet the basic requirements the ATF requires to get an FFL. Broadly speaking, as long as you can own a gun, you meet the minimum legal requirements here. So as long as this applies to you and any business partners, then you can continue with getting your Missouri FFL.

  • US citizen or legal permanent resident 21 years old or older.
  • No felony convictions, domestic violence convictions or dishonorable discharge from the military.
  • No pending criminal charges or active arrest warrants.
  • Able to legally own a gun.
  • Not have been adjudicated mentally incompetent.
  • Not be a user of any illegal drugs.

You also have to submit fingerprint cards and other identifying information to your application. FFL123 customers get plenty of assistance with all this, and anything else they need to finish their ATF application.

Step 2. State Requirements

Once you meet the federal requirements, it’s time to make sure you meet the state ones next.

Do I Need to Register as a Business for an FFL in Missouri?
Yes, you must be registered with the state as some kind of business to get an FFL in Missouri. While there are no state-level gun dealer licenses in Missouri, you must still be successfully licensed with the state and the local area in which you are doing business. 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.

Some states require a redundant state level gun dealer’s license. These licenses basically duplicate an FFL and require you to submit much of the same information. However, Missouri is not one of those states, so you don’t have to bother with a frankly pointless state gun dealer’s license.

Naturally you’ll need a Missouri state business license. And if you plan to incorporate your business, that’s a thing you should consider now as well. If you aren’t sure the best way to organize your Missouri FFL, remember that FFL123 customers can get guided support at this stage in the licensing process too.

Step 3. Local Requirements for Missouri FFL

Thankfully, almost all of Missouri is pro-gun. That’s not to say, however, that you won’t possibly run into some minor hiccups with local authorities. Still, this shouldn’t be too big of a deal and should be able to be resolved rather easily.

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.

Typically local requirements for a Missouri FFL boil down to making sure you are zoned properly for your business and have all your local business licenses. In nearly all cases this is pretty straightforward. Sometimes though, small home based FFL’s can have some trouble getting licenses.

This is because it can be difficult to get a variance for light retail in a residential neighborhood. However, nearly all places in Missouri allow for some sort of non intrusive retail sales in a residential zoned neighborhood. If you have trouble getting a variance for your home based FFL, then our staff at FFL123 is ready to help you work through the mess and help you get the approval you need!

In fact, FFL123 has a unique focus on helping people who want to run a small home based FFL. Just let us know if you are having any problems and we can lend you a hand.

Step 4. Business Requirements

Every business is different, but many FFL holders face similar challenges when opening up their business. From software to store fixtures, the things required for your business can make or break how well you perform. In some cases you may even be required by law to display certain types of signs in particular locations. You may also prefer to submit background checks electronically or keep a digital Bound Book.

These and other considerations are important things to keep in mind as you get ready to open your Missouri FFL.  It may not seem important, but how your store is equipped, and how you handle the stuff customers never see really matters. Many FFL’s have gone under simply because they thought all they had to do was hang out a sign and sell some guns.

If you are an FFL123 customer, we will be happy to advise you in this area too. Just drop us a line!

Step 5. Industry Connections

Nearly all gun manufacturers prefer to do business through wholesale distributors who in turn sell guns to FFL holders. However, many distributors have minimum order requirements, or will only sell to FFL’s who have a traditional brick and mortar storefront.

This leaves small gunshops and home based FFL’s scrambling to try and get inventory. Not everyone can swing large credit accounts, or meet five figure minimum orders. So what’s a small FFL to do? Well, if you are an FFL123 customer, they stop worrying about inventory.

FFL123 maintains an exclusive hand curated list of distributors and wholesalers who are happy to do business with small FFL’s, especially home based FFL’s. This is just another service we offer our customers even after they get their FFL!

Are You Ready to get your Missouri FFL?

We’ve briefly shown you how to get your Missouri FFL for 2020. Some parts are easy, some parts are annoying and some parts really require expert guidance if you want to get your business off to a good start.

FFL123 has been helping Americans just like you get the FFL they want and deserve. No matter if you are a home based FFL or working towards getting an SOT to build NFA items, or anything in between, we’re here for you. For almost 2 decades, FFL123 has been driven to provide the best FFL application service. We are here for you every step of the way, and provide guidance even after you get your FFL.

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!

How Much Does a Missouri FFL Cost?

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 Missouri state and local licenses. 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.

Additional Business Resources

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.

The FFL123 Advantage

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 Missouri 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.

Start Today!

With just a couple of easy clicks, you can start your journey to your Missouri 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 Missouri 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!

Missouri Gun dealers

Find the latest list of Missouri gun dealer’s name, email id, phone number and address. You can easily contact the gun dealers. Click here to see class 3 gun dealers in Missouri.

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