Journal · FFL Guide
How FFL Transfers Work in Texas
Bought a rifle online, won an auction, or arranged a private sale from out of state? In almost every case it can’t ship straight to your door — it has to go through a licensed FFL dealer. Here’s how it works in Texas, and how to use Old Steel Arsenal in Plano as your receiving dealer.
What is an FFL transfer?
A Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder is legally permitted to receive firearms and transfer them to buyers after the required paperwork and background check. When you buy a gun from someone who isn’t local — an online retailer, an auction site, or a seller in another state — federal law requires it to be shipped to an FFL near you. You then complete the transfer in person at that dealer.
The transfer process, step by step
- Pick your dealer first. Choose your receiving FFL before you pay the seller. At checkout, many sites let you select the dealer; otherwise, give the seller your dealer’s information.
- The dealer’s FFL is sent to the seller. Sellers ship only to a verified, current license on file.
- The firearm ships to the dealer. It arrives and is logged into the dealer’s bound book.
- You complete ATF Form 4473 in person. Bring a valid Texas ID with your current address.
- Background check. The dealer runs the NICS check. Texas License to Carry (LTC) holders are generally exempt from the point-of-sale NICS check, which usually means a faster pickup.
- You take it home. Once approved and the transfer fee is paid, the firearm is yours.
Transfer fees at Old Steel Arsenal
| Transfer · with LTC | $25 |
|---|---|
| Transfer · without LTC | $35 |
| NFA item · per item | $100 |
We also handle outbound shipping — packing and insured shipping if you need to send a firearm to another dealer.
A few Texas-specific notes
- LTC saves time. A valid Texas LTC generally exempts you from the in-store NICS check, so transfers move quicker.
- NFA items take longer. Suppressors and SBRs involve federal registration and a wait; budget for it.
- Bring current ID. Your photo ID must show your current address for the 4473.
Using Old Steel Arsenal as your transfer dealer
Send us your incoming firearm’s details ahead of time so we can watch for it, then come in to finish the paperwork. We’re at 3209 Premier Drive, Suite 117, Plano, off US-75 just south of W. Parker Road — convenient from Dallas, Richardson, Frisco, McKinney and across the metroplex.
Transfers & shipping
Have it shipped to us.
Contact us to set up a transfer, or browse the catalog and pick us as your dealer at checkout.