If you have found a firearm online, at an out-of-state shop, or from a private seller in another state, you cannot simply have it mailed to your door. Federal law requires that the firearm ship to a licensed dealer — a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) — who completes the transfer to you in person. Old Steel Arsenal is an FFL, and we handle transfers for buyers in Plano and the surrounding area.
What an FFL transfer is
An FFL transfer is the process of legally moving a firearm from a seller to you through a licensed dealer. The dealer receives the firearm, logs it into their bound book, runs your background check, and releases it to you once everything clears.
When you need one
- You bought a firearm online or from an out-of-state dealer.
- You won an auction or bought from a private party in another state.
- Someone out of state wants to send you a firearm.
Handgun and long-gun rules differ, and some states add their own requirements. When in doubt, contact us before the firearm ships.
How it works, step by step
- Tell the seller to ship to us. Give them our shop name and address, and we will provide a copy of our license if they need one on file.
- We receive and log the firearm. When it arrives we record it and let you know it is ready.
- Come in and complete the paperwork. You fill out the ATF Form 4473 and we run a NICS background check.
- Take it home. Once the check clears and any applicable waiting period is satisfied, the firearm is yours.
What to bring
- A valid, government-issued photo ID showing your current address.
- Any additional documentation your state or city requires.
How long does it take?
Most of the wait is shipping. Once your firearm arrives and is logged, the in-store paperwork and background check usually take only a short visit. NICS checks often return a decision quickly, though some are delayed, and any state-mandated waiting period applies before you can take the firearm home. We will let you know the moment your item arrives so you can plan your pickup.
What we can accept
We handle transfers for ordinary long guns and handguns shipped from a dealer or private seller. Some items — certain NFA-regulated firearms, or anything restricted in your state or city — carry extra rules or may not be transferable to you. If you are unsure whether your purchase qualifies, ask us before it ships and we will tell you what is involved.
Transfer fees
Our transfer fee is a flat, per-firearm charge. Contact us for the current rate before your item ships, so there are no surprises.
Ready to transfer? Have your seller ship to our FFL, or visit the shop in Plano. For details, see our FFL transfers page.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Firearm laws vary by state and locality; confirm the rules that apply to you.