What Is an FFL Dealer?

SilentAF’s Complete Guide to FFLs and How to Order a Suppressor Through One

If you're exploring the world of firearms, NFA items, or looking to legally buy an attachment such as a suppressor, you'll quickly encounter the term “FFL dealer”. While it might sound like government jargon and another obstacle that is in the way of you getting the NFA item you want, understanding what an FFL dealer is—and how they’re involved in the purchasing process of NFA items—is essential for legal and efficient firearm ownership.

In this article, our team at Silent Armament Forge is going to break down what an FFL dealer actually is and explain the different types of FFL licenses.

Let’s break it down.

What Is an FFL?

FFL stands for Federal Firearms License; no that does not mean you have any federal jurisdiction, or you only deal with federal agents and organizations. A federal firearms license is a license granted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to individuals or businesses who are engaged in the manufacture, sale, or transfer of firearms and ammunition in the United States.

The FFL system was created under the Gun Control Act of 1968 to establish a regulatory framework for the commercial firearms industry. The purpose of requiring an FFL is to ensure that those selling or transferring firearms are doing so responsibly, legally, and under strict federal oversight.

What Is an FFL Dealer?

An FFL dealer is any person or company that holds a valid Federal Firearms License. Again, this does not mean you are only dealing with federal agents/organizations, or you have any federal jurisdiction. An authorized FFL dealer is legally authorized to:

• Sell and transfer firearms to consumers and other licensees

• Order firearms and accessories directly from manufacturers and distributors

• Ship and receive firearms across state lines

• Facilitate private party transfers where required

• Conduct background checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)

• Handle and transfer NFA items like suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and machine guns—if they have the proper additional certifications

FFL dealers serve as gatekeepers to ensure firearms transactions are conducted lawfully and that firearms are not sold to prohibited persons.

Types of FFL Licenses

There is not just one type of federal firearms license, it is much more complex than that. There are nine different types of FFLs, but the most relevant for the average gun owner are the following:

• Type 01 – Dealer in Firearms (Other Than Destructive Devices):
  This is the standard FFL most gun shops have. It allows the licensee to sell guns and conduct transfers, but not to manufacture them.

• Type 07 – Manufacturer of Firearms (Other Than Destructive Devices):
  This license allows a business to both manufacture and sell firearms. Many custom builders and suppressor makers hold this license.

However, to handle NFA-regulated items—including suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and fully automatic weapons—an FFL holder must also pay the Special Occupational Tax (SOT) and become what’s commonly referred to as a Class 3 Dealer.

What Is a Class 3 FFL Dealer?

“Class 3” isn’t actually a type of FFL license—it’s shorthand for an FFL holder who has paid the Class 3 Special Occupational Tax (SOT), which allows them to deal in devices and NFA items regulated by the National Firearms Act of 1934.

These items include:

• Suppressors (Silencers)

• Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs)

• Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBSs)

• Machine Guns (pre-1986)

• Destructive Devices (grenades, mortars, etc.)

• Any Other Weapons (AOWs)

Without the SOT status, even an FFL dealer cannot sell you a suppressor or facilitate an NFA transfer.

Why You Need an FFL Dealer to Buy a Suppressor

When it comes to some of the most popular firearm attachments out there, suppressors are climbing to the top of the list, especially since the Big Beautiful Bill removed the $200 Tax Stamp.

Suppressors are classified as Title II (NFA) firearms under federal law, meaning they are heavily regulated and cannot be purchased like a typical rifle or pistol. You cannot have a suppressor shipped to your home or transferred by a private individual—it must go through a properly licensed FFL with a Class 3 SOT.

The dealer's role in a suppressor purchase includes:

• Receiving the suppressor from the manufacturer or distributor

• Completing and submitting ATF Form 4

• Collecting your fingerprint cards and photos

• Holding the suppressor until ATF approval is received

• Finalizing the transfer once you're legally cleared

How to Order a Suppressor Through an FFL Dealer

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to legally buy a suppressor:

1. Check Your State Laws

Before you begin, ensure that suppressors are legal in your state. They are currently legal in 42 states for private ownership and legal for hunting in 40 states. Some states, such as California, New York, and Illinois, still prohibit them entirely.

2. Choose a Suppressor

Pick the suppressor that fits your needs—rifle, pistol, or multi-caliber options are all available. You can purchase suppressors through online retailers or directly through a local Class 3 dealer.

3. Select an FFL Dealer

If ordering online, you’ll need to select a Class 3 FFL dealer near you to receive and process your suppressor. Most retailers offer a dealer locator during checkout. You can also provide your preferred dealer’s contact information.

If you're buying in-person, the FFL dealer will handle the process from start to finish on-site.

4. Complete ATF Form 4 and Submit Your Documents

To transfer an NFA item to an individual or trust, you’ll need to submit ATF Form 4, which includes:

• Your personal information or trust/LLC details

• Two passport-style photos

• Two fingerprint cards (FD-258)

• The Tax Stamp

• A responsible persons questionnaire (for trusts/corps)

Many Class 3 FFL dealers offer digital kiosks that handle fingerprinting and Form 4 filing electronically via ATF’s eForms system, which can cut down wait times significantly.

5. Wait for ATF Approval

Once submitted, your application will enter processing. As of 2025, eForm approvals are averaging between 4 to 7 months, while paper forms may still take up to a year. Now that the Big Beautiful Bill has removed the $200 tax stamp, many dealers are anticipating longer wait times.

The suppressor remains in possession of the FFL dealer during this time—you cannot take it home until approved.

6. Finalize the Transfer

After receiving approval and your tax stamp, the dealer will:

• Conduct a background check (via Form 4473)

• Have you sign paperwork acknowledging receipt

• Release the suppressor into your possession

Congratulations—you now legally own a suppressor.

Choosing the Right FFL Dealer

When selecting an FFL dealer to handle your suppressor transfer, make sure they:

• Hold a valid FFL license

• Are a Class 3 SOT

• Have experience with NFA transfers

• Offer support for setting up gun trusts (optional but helpful)

• Provide fingerprinting and photo services (or use Silencer Shop kiosks)

• Are responsive and well-reviewed in your local firearm community

Choosing the right FFL can make or break the buying experience. A knowledgeable dealer will simplify paperwork, speed up the process, and help you stay compliant with the law.

Final Thoughts

An FFL dealer is far more than just a firearms seller—they’re a federally licensed gatekeeper responsible for ensuring that all transactions comply with U.S. law. If you're purchasing a suppressor, working with a Class 3 FFL dealer is not optional—it's the only legal path to ownership.

Understanding how FFLs work, the types of licenses involved, and the process of buying an NFA item will help you navigate the system confidently. With the right suppressor, dealer, and paperwork in place, you’ll be well on your way to quieter and more enjoyable shooting.

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