Business is good and you're ready to expand. Opening a second gun shop location requires more than just finding a new storefront—you'll need a completely separate FFL with its own application, fees, and fingerprints.
The Core Rule: Separate FFL for Each Location
Federal law is clear: each business premises requires its own FFL. You cannot operate multiple locations under a single license. This applies whether your second location is across town or across the state.
What This Means
- New ATF Form 7 application
- New application fee ($150 for Type 01)
- New fingerprints for all responsible persons
- New ATF interview and inspection
- Separate A&D records for each location
- Separate compliance inspections
Fingerprint Requirements
Who Needs Fingerprints?
Every responsible person listed on the new FFL application must submit fingerprints, even if:
- They're already on your existing FFL
- They submitted fingerprints recently
- ATF has their prints on file from another application
Each FFL application triggers a fresh background check. Previous submissions don't carry over.
Fingerprint Submission
For each responsible person on the new location's FFL:
- Two FD-258 fingerprint cards (or EFT file for eForms)
- 2"x2" photograph
- ORI: WVATF1100
Managing Multiple Sets
If you're opening your second location with the same ownership:
| Scenario | Fingerprints Needed |
|---|---|
| Same owner, same RPs | New prints for all RPs on new application |
| Same owner, different manager (new RP) | New prints for all RPs including new manager |
| Partnership adds location | New prints for all partners |
| Corporation opens branch | New prints for all officers/directors with RP authority |
The Application Process
Step 1: Prepare New Location
- Secure lease or purchase premises
- Verify zoning allows firearms business
- Check state/local licensing requirements
- Plan security measures
Step 2: Complete ATF Form 7
- List new premises address
- Identify all responsible persons
- Specify same FFL type as needed
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
- Fingerprint cards for each RP
- Photos for each RP
- Application fee ($150 for Type 01)
Step 4: ATF Review
- Background checks conducted
- IOI schedules interview
- Premises inspection
Step 5: Approval
Upon approval, you receive a separate FFL for the new location. Typical timeline: 60-90 days.
SOT for Multiple Locations
If you're an SOT dealer, each FFL location can have its own SOT status:
- Separate SOT registration (Form 5630.7) for each FFL
- Separate annual SOT tax ($500 per location for Class 3)
- Each location can hold NFA inventory independently
Or, if you don't need NFA dealing at the new location, you can operate it as a standard FFL without SOT.
Record Keeping Across Locations
Separate A&D Records
Each location must maintain its own:
- Acquisition and Disposition records
- Form 4473 files
- Multiple sale reports
- Theft/loss documentation
Transferring Between Locations
Moving firearms between your own locations requires proper documentation:
- Log out of originating location's A&D
- Log into receiving location's A&D
- No Form 4473 required (FFL-to-FFL)
- Maintain transfer records
State Licensing Considerations
Many states require additional dealer licenses beyond the federal FFL:
- State dealer license: May be required for each location
- County/city permits: Local requirements vary
- Additional fingerprints: Some states require state-level prints
Check with your state's licensing authority before opening additional locations.
Cost Breakdown: Second Location
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| FFL Application (Type 01) | $150 |
| Fingerprints (per RP, ~$25-50 each) | $25-150+ |
| SOT (if applicable) | $500/year |
| State License (varies) | $25-500 |
| Minimum Total | $175-800+ |
Plus ongoing costs: lease, insurance, inventory, staffing, separate compliance for each location.
Common Questions
Can I use one FFL for multiple locations?
No. Each physical location where firearms business is conducted requires its own FFL.
What about gun shows?
Gun shows are a special case. You can conduct business at gun shows using your existing FFL within your state, following ATF regulations for temporary locations. This is different from opening a permanent second location.
Can I store inventory at a separate warehouse?
Yes, with proper documentation. ATF allows off-site storage, but you must maintain records and the location may be subject to inspection. Some FFLs prefer a separate FFL for significant storage facilities.
Do inspections happen at each location?
Yes. Each FFL is subject to its own compliance inspection cycle. ATF may inspect each location independently.
Tips for Multi-Location FFLs
- Standardize procedures: Use consistent record-keeping across locations
- Train all staff: Ensure compliance training at every location
- Central oversight: Regular review of all locations' compliance
- Track renewals: Each FFL has its own renewal date
- Budget separately: Account for each location's licensing costs
Fingerprints for Your New Location
SlapEFT provides fast EFT conversion for all your responsible persons' fingerprints—regardless of how many locations you operate.
Convert Fingerprints →