How to Get a Gun Dealers License in Texas

Last Updated: June 6, 2021

To obtain a gun dealer's license in the state of Texas, you must apply for the license with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). After you have complete and turned in the application for a gun dealer's license, you will be subject to a federal background check, and contacted by an Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) from the ATF. The IOI will meet with you to ensure you understand the federal laws associated with having a gun dealer's license and will also inspect your gun or firearms business to ensure it meets zoning and safety standards. After the IOI has verified that you have met the necessary requirements, you will receive your gun dealer's license in the mail. Although a federal gun dealer's license is required to operate a gun or firearms business in Texas, the state of Texas itself currently does not require you to obtain any additional licenses or permits.

Steps

1
Obtain the paperwork required for the gun dealer's license. You will need the gun dealer's license application (also known as the Federal Firearms License (FFL) application), and a Certificate of Compliance. Both forms can be obtained from the ATF website or from an ATF field office.
- Go to the ATF website provided to you in the Sources section of this article, then click on the links for "ATF F 5310.12" and "ATF F 5330.20" on the right side of the webpage. These links will allow you to view and print the application and Certificate of Compliance forms.
- If you want to receive the paperwork by mail, call the ATF field office closest to you in either Dallas or Houston and request that the forms be mailed to you. The phone numbers for the Dallas and Houston offices are 1-469-227-4300 and 1-281-716-8200, respectively.
- If you live near Dallas or Houston, and want to obtain the paperwork in person at one of these field offices, visit 1114 Commerce Street, Room 303, Dallas, Texas, 75242 or 5825 North Sam Houston Parkway, Suite 300, Houston, Texas, 77086.
2
Go to any Texas law enforcement office or police station to obtain fingerprint identification cards. The fingerprint cards are required by the ATF for the purpose of the federal background check.
- Obtain 2 fingerprint identification cards from the law enforcement office. Some police stations may require you to pay a fee for the cards.
- Call the Texas Department of Public Safety at 1-512-424-2000 if you need help finding the nearest law enforcement office in your area.
3
Obtain 2 photographs of yourself. The photographs should measure a minimum of 2 inches (5.08 cm) in height and width and must be included with the paperwork you send to the ATF.
- Use 2 photographs that clearly display your face and physical features. If you do not already have current photographs, you may need to have new photographs taken.
4
Gather fees for the gun dealer's license application. The fee will vary depending on the type of guns and firearms you plan on selling at your gun or firearms business.
- Gather 3000 dollars for the fee if you plan to sell a variety of guns and firearms that include destructive devices such as mines, bombs, and grenades.
- Gather 200 dollars for the fee if you plan on selling only non-destructive weapons and handguns.
- Your application fee can be paid by entering your credit card information on the gun dealer's license application or by obtaining a check or money order for the fee amount.
5
Complete the gun dealer's license application. The application will require you to enter information about yourself and your gun or firearms business; such as your contact information, business location, types of products you plan to sell, your criminal history, and more.
6
Complete the Certificate of Compliance form. The form will require you to indicate your current citizenship status in the United States, and will also require you to certify that you understand federal gun dealer's laws.
7
Mail your paperwork to the Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC) at the ATF. The FFLC will then use the information you provided on the application to perform a background check. The FFLC will then forward your paperwork to the ATF field office located closest to you in either Dallas or Houston for review.
- The paperwork you send to the FFLC must include your gun dealer's license application, the Certificate of Compliance form, your fingerprint identification card, pictures of yourself, and the application fee.
- Place all the paperwork into an envelope and mail the envelope to: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, P.O. Box 409567, Atlanta, Georgia, 30384-9567.
8
Attend your interview with the IOI. After the ATF field office in Dallas or Houston receives your paperwork from the FFLC, an IOI will call you to make an appointment for an interview. The IOI will then inspect the future location of your gun or firearms business and speak with you regarding federal gun dealer's laws.
9
Receive your gun dealer's license. After the IOI has approved you for the gun dealer's license, you will be mailed your license within 60 days of initially turning in your paperwork to the FFLC.

Community Q&A

Question

At what age can I obtain a gun in Texas?

Community Answer

You can own a firearm in Texas at any age, you just can't buy one until you are 18 without parental consent.
Question

What is the minimum distance allowed by the FFL between my business (gun dealer) and a church?

Community Answer

None, but there has to be a minumum distance of 1000 feet between a gun dealership and a school.
Question

Are you considered a dealer if you sell a gun?

Community Answer

Yes.