Important Notice to FFLs and Other Participants at Gun Shows
This notice applies to activities permitted at qualifying gun shows, as defined in Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 478.100. Federal firearms licensees (“FFLs” or “Dealers”) may only sell firearms at gun shows within the State in which their licensed premises is located. Furthermore, all activities must be in compliance with Federal, State and local laws/ordinances.
FFLs Licensed Within The State
Must display license.
Must comply with all recordkeeping requirements of ATF regulations concerning acquisitions and dispositions of firearms, including the recording of the place of sale.
May dispose of handguns (pistol or revolver) to residents of the State only, provided that the purchaser is at least 21 years of age and all background check and recordkeeping requirements have been met.
May dispose of long guns (rifle or shotgun) to residents of any State, provided that the purchaser is at least 18 years of age, the laws of both States are complied with, and all background check and recordkeeping requirements have been met.
May dispose of frame, receiver, or firearm having a pistol grip that expels a shotgun shell to residents within the State only, provided that the purchaser is at least 21 years of age and all background check and recordkeeping requirements have been met.
May dispose of firearms to any FFL as long as all applicable recordkeeping requirements have been met.
May acquire firearms from any FFL licensed within the State and from any non-licensed individual, provided the laws within the States and all recordkeeping requirements have been met.
May take orders for any firearm from a nonlicensee and ship the same to a licensee within the purchaser’s State of residence from whom the purchaser can then take possession if all recordkeeping requirements have been met. Note: The licensee within the purchaser’s State of residence must comply with all background check and recordkeeping requirements.
FFLs Not Licensed Within The State
Must display license.
Must comply with all ATF recordkeeping requirements concerning the acquisition of firearms. May acquire firearms from any FFL licensed within the State and from any non-licensed individual, provided all recordkeeping requirements are met.
May make a transfer of a curio or relic firearms to any other FFL licensed in any State as long as there is compliance with the laws of both States and all recordkeeping requirements are met.
May ship curio or relic firearms to any other FFL. May display and take orders but may not conduct transfers other than curio or relic firearms.
Non-Licensed Residents Within The State
May acquire long guns (rifle or shotgun), handguns (pistol or revolver), frames, receivers, or firearms having a pistol grip that expels a shotgun shell from FFLs licensed within the State, provided all age, background checks and recordkeeping requirements have been met.
May dispose of personal firearms to any FFL.
May acquire from and dispose of personal firearms to non-licensed residents of the State. However, non-licensed individuals may not be engaged in the business of dealing in firearms without a Federal firearms license.
Cannot acquire from or dispose of firearms to non-licensed residents of any other State.
Cannot ship in interstate commerce, except to themselves or an FFL, a firearm that has otherwise been lawfully acquired; must, when shipping to themselves, declare the firearm to the commercial or contract carrier.
Note: Carriers may have additional requirements.
Non-Licensed Residents From Another State
May dispose of personal firearms to any FFL.
May acquire long guns (rifle or shotgun) only from FFLs licensed within the State, provided the laws of both States are complied with, and all age, background checks and recordkeeping requirements have been met.
May order firearms from any FFL and have them shipped to an FFL in their State of residence in accordance with State and Federal law.
Note: Carriers may have additional requirements.
Cannot acquire handguns (pistol or revolver).
Cannot acquire frames, receivers, or firearms having a pistol grip that expel a shotgun shell.
Cannot acquire from or dispose of firearms to non-licensed individuals.
How To Contact Us
If you have any questions relating to your Gun
Show responsibilities, please contact:
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Firearms Industry Programs Branch
99 New York Avenue, NE.
Washington, DC 20226
Telephone: (202) 648-7190
Fax: (202) 648-9601
fipb@atf.gov
To contact your local ATF office go to:
https://www.atf.gov/contact/atf-field-divisions
To report suspected illegal firearms activities,
please call 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867).
