FFL Transfers Explained
Buy Online.
Pick Up at Your Local FFL.
Every firearm on Trigger Transfers is transferred legally through a federally licensed FFL dealer. We ship to any licensed dealer across all 48 contiguous states — and offer free local pickup in Summerville, SC.
Step by Step
How an FFL Transfer Works
The same legal process used by every gun store in America — applied to an online marketplace.
Find a Listing
Browse verified listings on Trigger Transfers. Every seller is either FFL-licensed or ID-verified — no anonymous accounts.
Contact the Seller
Message the seller directly, agree on price, and decide on shipping. Local to Summerville, SC? Arrange free in-person pickup.
Choose Your Local FFL
Pick any licensed FFL dealer near you to receive the firearm. Most gun stores accept incoming transfers for a small fee ($15–$50).
Seller Ships to Your FFL
The seller ships the firearm to your chosen FFL dealer via a licensed carrier. FFL-to-FFL shipments are legal in all 48 contiguous states.
Background Check & Paperwork
Your FFL dealer runs your NICS background check and has you complete ATF Form 4473. Standard procedure for every retail firearm sale.
Pick Up Your Firearm
Once approved, pick up your firearm at your local dealer. Legal, clean, and fully documented — just like buying from a store.
Why FFL Only?
Why every transfer goes through a licensed dealer.
Federal law (the Gun Control Act of 1968) requires that most firearm transfers between private parties in different states go through a licensed FFL dealer. This ensures a background check is completed and the transaction is documented on ATF Form 4473.
We built FFL-routing into the marketplace from day one — not as an add-on, but as the only way transactions work. No side deals, no parking-lot meetups, no gray areas.
Every buyer on Trigger Transfers has been background-checked. Every seller is verified. That's how online firearms sales should work.
Local Pickup — No Transfer Fee
Free In-Person Pickup in Summerville, SC
In the Greater Charleston / Summerville area? Skip the transfer fee entirely. Arrange a local pickup directly — no shipping, no third-party dealer fee.
Common Questions
FFL Transfer FAQ
How much does an FFL transfer cost?
The marketplace itself charges no transfer fee. Your receiving FFL dealer will typically charge $15–$50 for the transfer service, background check, and paperwork. This is paid directly to your local dealer.
Can anyone ship a gun to an FFL?
No. Under federal law, only licensed FFL dealers (or manufacturers/importers) may ship handguns using common carriers. Rifles and shotguns may be shipped by non-licensees to licensed dealers, but all transfers still require the receiving FFL to process the 4473 and NICS check.
How long does an FFL transfer take?
Standard FFL transfers (non-NFA) typically take 3–7 business days — a few days for shipping, then 20–30 minutes for the background check and paperwork at your dealer. NICS checks are usually instant or same-day for most applicants.
What states do you ship to?
We ship to FFL dealers in all 48 contiguous states. Hawaii and Alaska shipments involve additional carrier requirements — contact us to discuss. Some states have additional restrictions (waiting periods, assault weapon laws) that may apply to specific firearms.
What is ATF Form 4473?
The ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record) is the federal form every FFL dealer must complete for every retail firearm transfer. It collects your personal information, certifies you're legally eligible to own a firearm, and authorizes the NICS background check. Your FFL dealer keeps a copy on file.
Ready to buy or sell?
Every listing on Trigger Transfers is transferred through a licensed FFL. Free to join during beta.