Every FFL (Federal Firearms License) is assigned an FFL number. This number is assigned by the ATF and is unique to each FFL. The FFL number not only identifies the specific FFL holder, but also contains other information too. When you know how to decode an FFL number you’ll know when the FFL expires, where it was issued and even what type it is.
We’re going to show you what all this means, and walk you through how to understand an FFL number, and how to check it with the ATF.
This article will go over the following topics:
FFL numbers are made up of 14 numbers and one letter. The FFL number is divided into six sections that contain information about the FFL.
An FFL number will look something like this: 1-99-888-77-6Y-5555. Each of these six sections will mean something, but we are especially interested in the fourth and fifth sections.
These sections will let you catch any problems with the FFL, like wrong locations, or even the wrong expiration date. This will let you catch fraud and errors that could cause you compliance issues in the future.
The ATF divides the United States up into 7 different regions. This makes it easier for them to perform administrative tasks and to issue licenses. Imagine if all administration was done from a single point, with no local or regional offices!
The first section of the FFL is a single digit representing which region the FFL was issued in. The ATF skipped number 2 and 7 when numbering regions, so these are the different regions.
If somebody gives you an FFL number and they are in Pennsylvania, but the FFL starts with a a 9, you may have a compliance issue on your hands. See how easy it is to spot some possible issues right off the bat?
This two digit number is a bit of a historical oddity. The ATF used to be part of the US Treasury Department (think Elliot Ness and the Untouchables), and so this part of the number represents the IRS district where the FFL is located. This is all quite obsolete now, but the numbering system lives on in the FFL. FFL123 members can access a complete list of these codes, and the districts they represent. Or you can easily check most licenses with the ATF.
This is a part of the FFL number you can ignore. It is for the FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) code where the FFL is based. Not only do these numbers change on a regular basis, they are sometimes duplicated. Basically, this number only matters for Federal paper pushing, and can’t be used to verify the validity of an FFL.
This one is very important because it tells you the type of FFL. Different FFL’s allow for different kinds of activity. For instance, you wouldn’t transfer a modern firearm to an 03 Curio and Relic FFL holder.
Knowing what type of FFL you are dealing with is important. By knowing their FFL type, you know what they are allowed to sell, or to manufacture. Some FFL’s can only sell common guns. Others can manufacture and sell every type of firearm, even NFA items!
Make sure the FFL you are doing business with is properly licensed first by checking the fourth section of their FFL number.
This part of an FFL tells you the month and year the FFL expires. It will look something like 1A or another number and letter combo. The number tells you the year the FFL expires. In this example, 1 means an expiration in 2021. Because FFL’s are only issued for 3 years, you don’t have to worry about the decade.
The letter code tells you the month the FFL expires. In our example here 1A means expiring in January of 2021. Here is the full list of letter codes. The ATF does not use the letter code “I” to prevent visual confusion with the number 1.
Knowing how to read this part of an FFL number helps you make sure you are dealing with an active, unexpired FFL.
The sixth part of an FFL number is a five digit code. This second code (District) plus the sixth code (Sequence Number) is unique to every FFL, and really is the actual identifying part of the FFL. This code is unique to every FFL, and really is the actual identifying part of the FFL. The other parts of an FFL number are just administrative or technical information that tell you where it was issued, when it expires, and what type it is. The sixth part is unique to the particular FFL holder.
In fact when you look up an FFL to verify it, you only need to use the first three digits (which tell you where the FFL is issued) and the last five (which tell you who the FFL was issued to). The rest only matter for either quickly noting the type and expiration of the FFL, or for internal ATF use.
If you have an FFL (even an 03 C&R), you must log the FFL number of every FFL holder you acquire a firearm from, or that you transfer (dispose) a gun to. You log this information in your Bound Book which is also sometimes called an Acquisitions/Dispositions (A&D) record. Keeping accurate A&D records is a vital part of ATF compliance.
You are also required to verify the FFL license by getting a copy of the license. Photocopies, faxes, and scanned digital copies are acceptable ways to get a FFL license copy. However, because documents can be forged, you still need to verify the FFL number to make sure it is legitimate.
Keep a copy of every FFL you get for your records. In case the ATF audits you or has questions about your records, this will help demonstrate your compliance efforts.
Naturally you’ll need to provide copies of your FFL to other FFL holders during transactions too. Make sure you have a good, clear digital scan for people who like emailed copies, and a crisp, clear photocopy for all other copies.
We already linked to the ATF’s FFLeZCheck once, because it is the final tool you need to verify an FFL. This is the official ATF verification tool to check an FFL and make sure you aren’t dealing with forgeries. This page can’t check 03 C&R FFL’s though. It also won’t check 06 ammunition manufacturers, because you shouldn’t be using that license to transfer firearms anyway.
FFL123 will teach you everything you need to know about ATF compliance, and record keeping requirements. Accurate records are vital to an FFL holder, and one of the most common ways FFL holders get in trouble with the ATF. Very poorly kept records could even cost your FFL!
