What Is an FFL Transfer and When Do You Need One?

A Federal Firearms License (FFL) authorizes a dealer to engage in firearm sales and transfers within the United States. When you buy a gun from an online retailer, out-of-state seller, or private party in certain situations, the firearm must be shipped to a licensed FFL dealer who completes the legal transfer on your behalf.

When Is an FFL Transfer Required?

You’ll need to complete an FFL transfer in the following situations: 
  • Online Purchases: Any firearm bought online must be shipped to a licensed dealer for transfer.
  • Out-of-State Purchases: Firearms bought from sellers in other states must go through an FFL dealer in your home state.
  • Private Party Handgun Sales: Pennsylvania law requires that handgun transfers between private parties go through a licensed dealer.

Face-To-Face Transfers

When doing a face-to-face transfer (private party), please follow the following: 
  • Both parties need to be present.
  • Please bring the firearm (unloaded) you are transferring.
  • Both parties need to provide a valid PA Driver’s License or PA ID card.
  • Paperwork is filled out by both parties.
  • Fee is $27.00
  • Provide Your Seller with Our FFL Information Before the seller can ship your firearm, a copy of our FFL must be provided to them. Contact us at (724)478-2538 or email us at dschultz1146@comcast.net to have our current Federal Firearms License emailed to the seller’s email or provide a phone number for us to contact them. Your seller will need this information to legally ship the firearm to our facility.
  • Proof of Identity The seller handles shipping the firearm to Schultz's Sportsmens Stop, LLC. Please ask the seller to include an invoice/packing slip with your name and contact information inside the package, along with a copy of their FFL. Request tracking details once the shipment is on its way so you can watch the delivery status.
  • Processing Once the firearm has been delivered, one of our staff members will let you know the item is in our possession. We will verify the shipment contents and confirm the make, model, and serial number.
  • Complete Your Paperwork and Background Check When picking up your firearm order, please bring a valid government-issued photo ID showing your current name, address, and date of birth. In the state of PA, all handgun purchases are required to fill out the federal form ATF Form 4473, along with the Pennsylvania State Police form SP4-113. *NOTE: Person completing the 4473 and State Police forms must be the same person listed on the incoming paperwork. Background checks typically take minutes but may take longer due to system updates. You’ll receive an approved, denied, or delayed response. If you are approved, you may take your firearm at that time.
  • Pay Your Transfer Fee and Receive Your Firearm Our transfer fee of $35.00 covers all administrative processing, compliance verification, and documentation.

FFL Transfer Process in Pennsylvania for Online Purchases or Out-of-State Purchases

Notice:

All incoming firearms to be transferred must be claimed within 60 days. After 60 days, a $50/monthly storage fee applies. You will be notified that the 60-day hold has expired. You will be given the choice of paying the storage fee, or we reserve the right to return the order to the sender.