Among all federal firearms licenses, Type 03 stands alone: it's the only one that doesn't require fingerprints or photographs. If you're a collector interested in historic firearms, here's everything you need to know about the C&R license.
- Cost: $30 (3-year license)
- Fingerprints: NOT required
- Photographs: NOT required
- Interview: NOT required
- Processing: 30-60 days typical
In This Guide
What is a Type 03 C&R FFL?
Type 03 FFL, officially called "Collector of Curios and Relics," is a special license for firearms collectors. Unlike dealer licenses, it's specifically for acquiring and collecting historic firearms for personal collection—not for commercial dealing.
The Official Definition
ATF defines a licensed collector as:
"Any person who acquires, holds, or disposes of firearms as curios or relics for purposes of study, comparison, and enjoyment, but not for commercial profit."
Why Doesn't Type 03 Require Fingerprints?
The Gun Control Act of 1968 established different requirements for different license types based on their risk profile:
Type 03 Is Lower Risk Because:
- Not commercial: Collectors aren't dealing to the public
- Limited firearms: Only C&R eligible items (mostly 50+ years old)
- Personal collection: Items are held, not sold commercially
- No storefront: No public-facing business
- No employee access: Just the collector
Other FFL Types Require Fingerprints Because:
- They deal commercially with the public
- They handle modern firearms
- Higher volume, higher risk
- May have employees accessing firearms
What Qualifies as a Curio or Relic?
Not every old gun is a C&R. ATF has specific criteria:
Automatic C&R Status
Firearms manufactured at least 50 years ago automatically qualify as C&R. As of 2026, this includes firearms made in 1976 or earlier.
ATF C&R List
ATF maintains a list of specific firearms designated as C&R regardless of age. This includes:
- Certain military surplus firearms
- Commemorative editions
- Firearms of special historical interest
- Novel or unusual firearms
Museum Certification
Firearms certified by a municipal, state, or federal museum curator as curios or relics also qualify.
Examples of C&R Firearms
- M1 Garand rifles
- WWII-era pistols (1911A1, P38, etc.)
- Pre-1976 commercial firearms
- Many military surplus rifles
- Certain commemorative editions (see ATF list)
C&R License Benefits
1. Direct Shipping
C&R firearms can be shipped directly to your home—no FFL transfer needed. This is the #1 reason collectors get the license.
2. No Fingerprints or Photos
The application is paperwork only. No fingerprint cards to obtain, no passport photos.
3. Low Cost
$30 for 3 years is remarkably affordable. That's $10/year.
4. Interstate Purchases
You can purchase C&R handguns from out-of-state dealers and have them shipped to you—something non-licensees cannot do.
5. Dealer Discounts
Many firearms suppliers offer discounts to C&R holders, even on non-C&R items and accessories.
6. No On-Site Inspection
Unlike dealer FFLs, Type 03 doesn't require an ATF interview or premises inspection.
C&R License Limitations
What You CANNOT Do
- Commercial dealing: Cannot sell firearms for profit as a business
- Modern firearms: Cannot receive non-C&R firearms via the license
- Dealer transfers: Cannot receive firearms on behalf of others
- Run a gun shop: It's for collecting, not dealing
You CAN Sell From Your Collection
Disposing of items from your collection is allowed—you just can't be "engaged in the business" of dealing. Occasional sales to thin your collection are fine; operating a de facto gun shop is not.
Record Keeping Required
C&R holders must maintain acquisition and disposition records for C&R firearms received via the license. You don't need records for firearms purchased through regular FFL transfers.
How to Apply for Type 03
Step 1: Download ATF Form 7CR
Get the application from ATF.gov. It's Form 7 with Type 03 selected.
Step 2: Complete the Application
- Personal information
- Select Type 03 - Collector
- Business address (usually your home)
- Answer eligibility questions
- Sign and date
Step 3: Submit with Fee
- Mail application to ATF
- Include $30 fee (check or money order)
- No fingerprints needed
- No photographs needed
Step 4: Wait for Processing
- ATF reviews application
- Background check conducted
- Typical time: 30-60 days
- License mailed upon approval
No Interview Required
Unlike Type 01/02/07 FFLs, Type 03 does not require an on-site interview with an ATF Industry Operations Investigator.
Type 03 vs Type 01 Comparison
| Feature | Type 03 (C&R) | Type 01 (Dealer) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (initial) | $30 | $200 |
| Renewal cost | $30 | $90 |
| Fingerprints | NO | Yes (2 per RP) |
| Photographs | NO | Yes |
| ATF interview | NO | Yes |
| Processing time | 30-60 days | 60-120 days |
| Commercial dealing | NO | Yes |
| Modern firearms | NO (C&R only) | Yes (all) |
| Receive for others | NO | Yes |
| Direct shipping | C&R firearms only | All firearms |
Do You Need Both?
Some people hold both Type 01 and Type 03:
Why Have Both?
- Type 01 for business/dealing
- Type 03 to separate personal collection from business inventory
- Different record-keeping requirements
When Type 03 Alone Is Enough
- You only want historic/C&R firearms
- No interest in commercial dealing
- Just want direct shipping convenience
C&R and NFA Items
Some NFA items qualify as C&R (like WWII machine guns), but C&R status doesn't change NFA requirements:
- Still need Form 4 for transfer
- Still need $200 tax stamp
- Still need fingerprints
- Still need CLEO notification
The C&R license doesn't help with NFA paperwork—you still need EFT fingerprint files for eForms submission.
Have C&R NFA Items?
While your Type 03 doesn't need fingerprints, NFA transfers still do. Convert your FD-258 cards to EFT format for eForms.
Convert for NFA →