Fillable Form ATF E-Form 7

What is an ATF E-7 Form?

ATF Form 7, also known as the Application for Federal Firearms License (FFL), is a critical document for individuals or businesses seeking to engage in the manufacture, importation, or sale of firearms and ammunition in the United States. This form, administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and submitted to a Federal Firearms Licensing Center, is essential for ensuring compliance with federal laws regulating the firearms industry.

Completing the ATF E-7 Form not only initiates the licensing process but also requires applicants to provide information about any "responsible persons" associated with the entity applying for the license. This includes partners, officers, and anyone with an ownership interest, as the ATF will conduct thorough background checks in compliance with federal regulations. It is important for applicants to understand that obtaining an FFL does not exempt them from compliance with "state or local law"; rather, they must also adhere to relevant "state and local law" governing firearms.

Furthermore, all applications are subject to the stipulations set forth in the Gun Control Act, which regulates the manufacture, distribution, and sale of firearms to ensure public safety and responsible gun ownership.

How do I fill out an ATF E-7 Form?

A fillable E-7 ATF form can be accessed here. Pages 5 to 8 provide detailed instructions on various parts of the form, and Pages 9 to 12 are another instance of Form ATF E-7 that must be filled out for records purposes.

Part A

Applicant’s Business/Activity

Mark the appropriate box that indicates what the applicant’s business or activity is.

• Individual owner (Sole Proprietor)
• Partnership
• Corporation
• LLC
• Collector (which can be an individual/partnership/corporation or LLC)
• Other (specify)

Applicant Information

Enter the following information about the applicant.

• Applicant name
• Trade or Business name
• Employer Identification Number
• County in which business or activity is located
• Business/Activity address
• Mailing address
• Contact numbers
  • Business/Activity phone
  • Fax number
  • Cell phone
  • Business email

Activity Description

Provide a short description of the activity the applicant wishes to engage in that would require them to obtain a firearms license.

Application for License Type

Mark each box that corresponds to the license types you are applying for:

• Dealer in firearms other than destructive devices
• Pawnbroker in firearms other than destructive devices
• Collector of curios and relics
• Manufacturer of ammunition for firearms other than ammunition for destructive devices or armor piercing ammunition
• Manufacturer of firearms other than destructive devices
• Importer of firearms other than destructive devices or ammunition for firearms other than destructive devices, or ammunition other than armor piercing ammunition
• Dealer in destructive devices
• Manufacturer of destructive devices, ammunition for destructive devices, or armor piercing ammunition
• Importer of destructive devices, ammunition for destructive devices, or armor piercing ammunition

Then enter the total amount you will need to pay for all of the licenses you are applying for.

Method of Payment

Mark the relevant box to indicate the method of payment you will use.

• Check (enclosed)
• Cashier’s check or money order (enclosed)
• Visa
• Mastercard
• American Express
• Discover
• Diner’s Club

Credit/Debit Card Information

Enter the following information about your credit or debit card.

• Credit/Debit card number (no dashes)
• Name as printed on your credit/debit card
• Expiration date (MM/YY)
• Credit/Debit card billing address
  • Address
  • City
  • State
  • ZIP Code

Payment Confirmation

Enter the name of the person, corporation, or partnership that the cardholder is paying the application fee for, as well as the total application fees you will be paying.

Signature

Have the cardholder sign the form in the space provided, then enter the date that the form was signed.

Hours of Operation/Availability of Business or Activity

Enter the times per day of the week that your business or activity will take place during.

If you are only applying for a Type 03 (Collector of Curios and Relics) license, skip all of the following items and proceed to the “Name of Chief Law Enforcement” line.

Business Obtained

If the business was obtained from someone else, mark “Yes” and enter the following information:

• Name of previous business
• Federal firearms license number

Otherwise, mark “No”.

Business Premises

Mark the box that indicates the type of business premises you operate in.

• Zoned Residential
  • Single Family Dwelling
  • Condominium/Apartment
  • Hotel/Motel
  • Public Housing
• Zoned Commercial
  • Store Front
  • Office
  • Rod & Gun Club
  • Military Installation
  • Other (specify)

Applicant’s Business Premises

Mark the box between “Owned Premises”, “Military Installation”, and “Rented/Leased Premises” that applies to the applicant’s business premises or the premises sought for their purposes. If you mark the latter, enter the following information:

• Name
• Street Address
• Telephone Number
• City, State, and ZIP Code

Sale

Mark “Yes” if you intend to sell firearms at gun shows and/or conduct internet sales. Otherwise, mark “No”.

Firearms Acquisition

Mark “Yes” if you intend to use your license to acquire firearms to enhance your personal collection. Otherwise, mark “No”.

Name of Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO)

Enter the name of the CLEO to whom a copy of this form will be provided.

Address of CLEO

Enter the address of the CLEO to which the copy of this form will be sent, as well as the county.

Applicant Certification

Read and initial each of the boxes in this section.

Certification

Have the applicant enter their name and signature in the spaces provided. Then enter the date that the form was signed.

Part B - Responsible Person Questionnaire

Each responsible person must file a separate Part B form.

Applicant and Responsible Person Information

Enter the following information about the applicant and the responsible person.

• License or Applicant Name
• Federal Firearms License Number (if being added to existing FFL)
• Name of responsible person
• Aliases
• Position/Title
• Social Security Number
• Date of Birth
• Place of birth
• Current residence address
• Telephone number
• Email address
• Previous address(es)
• Sex
• Height
• Weight
• Eye color (mark the appropriate box)
• Hair color
• Ethnicity (Mark Yes or No to indicate if you are hispanic or latino)
• Race (mark all boxes that apply)

Questions

For each of the following questions, answer “Yes” or “No”. Then for each question you answer “Yes” to, provide details on a separate, appropriately labeled sheet of paper.

• Have you ever held a Federal Firearms License?
  • Enter your FFL number in the space provided if “Yes”.
• Have you ever been a Responsible Person on a Federal Firearms License?
  • Enter the FFL number in the space provided if “Yes”.
• Have you ever been an officer in a corporation holding a federal firearms license?
  • If so, enter the FFL number in the space provided
• Have you ever been an employee of a Federal Firearms License?
• Have you ever been denied a Federal Firearms License?
• Have you ever had a Federal Firearms License Revoked?
• Are you under indictment or information in any court for a felony, or any other crime, for which the judge could imprison you for more than one year?
• Have you ever been convicted in any court for a felony, or any other crime, for which the judge could have imprisoned you for more than one year, even if you received a shorter sentence including probation?
• Are you a fugitive from justice?
• Are you under 21 years of age?
• Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance?
• Have you ever been adjudicated as mentally defective or have you ever been committed to a mental institution?
• Have you been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions?
• Are you subject to a court order restraining you from harassing, stalking, or threatening your child or an intimate partner or child of such partner?
• Have you ever been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence?
• Country of Citizenship
  • Mark the relevant box to indicate if you are a US citizen or a citizen of another country or countries. If the latter, enter all countries you are a citizen of.
• Have you ever renounced United States Citizenship?
• Are you an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States?
• Are you an alien who has been admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa?
  • If yes, do you fall within any of the exceptions stated in definition #9? Attach supporting documentation in the application, or mark the “N/A” box if you do not fall within the listed exceptions.

Signature

Sign the form in the space provided, then enter your full name and the date that the form was signed.

In the below area, attach the required documents as applies to your application, and note the additional instructions based on your application and your needs. Finally, enter your full name in the space provided.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of FFLs can you apply for with the E-Form 7?

The form allows for applications for various FFL types, including those for dealers, manufacturers, and importers of firearms and ammunition. Each type corresponds to different activities and regulations.

How does the ATF E-Form 7 ensure compliance with state and local laws?

Applicants must certify that they comply with all applicable state and local laws governing their firearms business. This includes zoning laws and specific state regulations.

Who are considered “responsible persons” on the ATF E-Form 7?

Responsible persons include all individuals involved in the management or control of the business, such as partners, corporate officers, and directors. Each must undergo a background check.

Why are photographs and fingerprints required?

Recent photographs and fingerprints are needed to conduct thorough background checks on the applicant and responsible persons. This helps ensure the security and integrity of the firearms industry.

What must the applicant certify on the ATF E-Form 7?

The applicant must certify that all information provided is accurate and acknowledge the legal responsibilities of holding an FFL. This includes adherence to federal, state, and local laws.

How is the ATF E-Form 7 submitted?

The form can be submitted electronically through the ATF’s eForms system or via mail. The electronic submission streamlines the process and reduces processing times.

What happens after the ATF E-Form 7 is submitted?

The ATF conducts a comprehensive background check and may inspect the business premises. Based on these evaluations, the application is either approved or denied.

What is the purpose of the background check?

The background check ensures that the applicant and responsible persons do not have disqualifying criminal history, mental health issues, or previous violations of firearms laws. This helps maintain public safety and regulatory compliance.

What does the ATF inspect during the premises inspection?

The inspection assesses security measures, record-keeping practices, and overall suitability for conducting firearms transactions. This ensures compliance with federal regulations.

What happens if the application is approved?

If approved, the applicant receives their Federal Firearms License and can legally commence operations. They must comply with all ongoing regulatory requirements.

What happens if the application is denied?

If denied, the applicant is provided with the reasons for denial and may appeal the decision or correct the issues and reapply. The denial aims to ensure only compliant and qualified applicants receive licenses.

How long does the application process take?

The processing time can vary but generally takes several weeks to a few months. The electronic submission may expedite the process.

Can the ATF E-Form 7 be amended after submission?

Amendments can be made in certain cases, but it is essential to ensure all information is accurate at the time of submission. Contact the ATF for specific amendment procedures.

Are there any fees associated with the ATF E-Form 7?

Yes, there are application fees that vary depending on the type of FFL being applied for. The fee structure is available on the ATF’s website.

Can you operate a firearms business from your home with an FFL?

Yes, home-based FFLs are allowed, but the premises must comply with all federal, state, and local regulations, including zoning laws. Security measures must also be adequate.