Operating a pawn shop that handles firearms? You need a Type 02 FFL. Here's everything you need to know about the fingerprint requirements for pawnbroker firearms licenses.
- Application fee: $200 (3-year license)
- Renewal fee: $90
- Fingerprints: 2 FD-258 cards per responsible person
- Same requirements as Type 01
In This Guide
What is a Type 02 FFL?
Type 02 FFL is officially designated as "Pawnbroker in Firearms." It authorizes the licensee to:
- Accept firearms as collateral for pawn loans
- Return redeemed firearms to customers
- Sell unredeemed (forfeited) firearms
- Conduct all activities permitted under Type 01
Who Needs Type 02?
- Pawn shops accepting firearms as collateral
- Lending businesses dealing in firearm-backed loans
- Any business conducting pawn transactions with firearms
Who Doesn't Need Type 02?
- Regular gun shops (Type 01 sufficient)
- Pawn shops that don't accept firearms
- Gunsmiths without pawn services (Type 01)
Type 02 vs Type 01: Key Differences
| Feature | Type 01 (Dealer) | Type 02 (Pawnbroker) |
|---|---|---|
| Buy/sell firearms | Yes | Yes |
| Accept as collateral | No | Yes |
| Pawn transactions | No | Yes |
| Application fee | $200 | $200 |
| Renewal fee | $90 | $90 |
| Fingerprints | 2 per RP | 2 per RP |
| SOT eligible | Yes (Class III) | Yes (Class III) |
From a fingerprint perspective, Type 01 and Type 02 are identical. The difference is purely in the authorized activities.
Fingerprint Requirements
Type 02 FFL fingerprint requirements mirror Type 01 exactly:
Per Responsible Person
- Quantity: 2 FD-258 fingerprint cards
- ORI: WVATF1100
- Quality: Clear, legible impressions
- Ink: Black fingerprint ink
Who Needs Fingerprints
- All responsible persons on the FFL
- Owners with firearms authority
- Officers/managers with acquisition/disposition power
- Same rules as any other FFL type
Fingerprint Card Checklist
- ☐ Full legal name (matching Form 7)
- ☐ Date of birth
- ☐ Place of birth
- ☐ SSN (optional but recommended)
- ☐ Physical descriptors
- ☐ ORI: WVATF1100
- ☐ Reason: "FFL Application"
- ☐ Signature of person fingerprinted
- ☐ Signature of official taking prints
Pawn Shop Specific Considerations
Multiple Business Activities
Many pawn shops deal in more than just firearms. Your FFL only covers the firearms portion of your business. General pawn regulations vary by state.
State Pawn Licensing
In addition to federal FFL, you may need:
- State pawnbroker license
- City/county business license
- Secondhand dealer permits
- State firearms dealer license (some states)
Additional Employees
Pawn shops often have more employees than dedicated gun stores. Remember:
- Only responsible persons need fingerprints for the FFL
- Regular employees don't need FFL fingerprints
- But state laws may have employee requirements
Application Process
Step 1: Gather Materials
- ATF Form 7 (Application)
- ATF Form 7 Part B (Responsible Person Questionnaire)
- 2 FD-258 fingerprint cards per RP
- Passport photo per RP
- $200 application fee
Step 2: Get Fingerprinted
- Each responsible person needs 2 cards
- Use local law enforcement or fingerprinting service
- Ensure ORI is correctly entered
- Review cards for quality
Step 3: Complete Forms
- Select "Type 02 - Pawnbroker" on Form 7
- Complete all business information
- Each RP completes Form 7 Part B
- Sign and date everything
Step 4: Submit Application
Mail complete package to ATF Federal Firearms Licensing Center in Martinsburg, WV.
Step 5: ATF Processing
- Initial review (2-4 weeks)
- Background checks
- Field office assignment
- IOI interview scheduled
- On-site inspection
- Approval (total: 60-120 days typical)
Compliance Considerations
Pawn Records vs FFL Records
You'll need to maintain:
- FFL A&D records: All firearm acquisitions and dispositions
- Pawn tickets: State-required pawn documentation
- Form 4473: For redemptions and sales
- NICS records: Background check documentation
Pawn Redemption Process
When a customer redeems a pawned firearm:
- Verify customer identity
- Complete Form 4473
- Run NICS background check
- Return firearm upon approval
- Record disposition in A&D book
Forfeited Firearms
When pawn items are forfeited (not redeemed):
- Firearm becomes your business inventory
- Sale follows normal FFL dealer procedures
- 4473 and NICS for the buyer
- Standard A&D record keeping
Converting to EFT for eForms
If you later add SOT status (Class III) to your Type 02, or want to process NFA items, you'll need EFT format fingerprints for eForms submissions.
Need EFT Files for eForms?
Convert your FD-258 cards to EFT format for ATF eForms submissions.
Convert Fingerprints →