When you buy a firearm online, it doesn’t ship to your house. It ships to a federally licensed dealer, called an FFL, that you choose. You pick it up there, fill out ATF Form 4473, and complete the same background check you would for a gun bought off that dealer’s shelf.
The dealer charges a fee for handling the transfer. That fee is part of what the gun really costs you, which is why Dialed Price adds it to every firearm listing.
How the process usually works
- Choose a local dealer that accepts transfers, and confirm their fee before you order.
- Select that dealer at checkout. Many retailers already have licenses on file for dealers they’ve shipped to. If not, the dealer sends a copy of their license.
- The retailer ships the firearm to the dealer, who logs it in and lets you know it has arrived.
- You complete the paperwork and background check, pay the transfer fee, and take it home.
What dealers charge
Transfer fees are set by each dealer and vary widely. Some charge a flat fee per firearm. Others charge more for guns bought elsewhere, or set different rates for handguns, long guns, and NFA items. A $20 or $30 difference in transfer fees can easily outweigh the price gap between two online listings.
Questions to ask your dealer
- What’s the fee, and is it charged per gun or per transfer?
- Is the fee different for handguns, long guns, or NFA items?
- Will you accept shipments from this retailer, and do you need to send them your license?
- How will I be notified when it arrives, and is there a storage fee if I can’t pick it up right away?
Firearm laws vary by state and change over time. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the rules in your state with your dealer before you order.