Closing Your FFL: What Happens to Your Records

If you ever close your firearms business — retire, sell, or simply discontinue your FFL — you have specific federal obligations regarding your records. These obligations don't disappear when your license expires. Understanding them in advance prevents compliance problems during what is already a complex transition.

What Records Must Be Sent to ATF

When an FFL goes out of business, all acquisition and disposition records and all Forms 4473 must be submitted to the ATF's Out-of-Business Records Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia. You cannot simply discard these records or keep them informally. Federal law requires submission to the ATF.

The Timeline

Records must be submitted within 30 days of discontinuing business. If your FFL expires or is voluntarily surrendered, the 30-day clock starts from the date of discontinuance. Late submission doesn't eliminate the obligation — it just adds a compliance issue to the closing process.

If the Business Is Sold

If you sell your firearms business to another FFL, the records may be transferred to the new licensee rather than submitted to ATF — provided the new licensee takes possession of the licensed premises and the records. This transfer must be documented. The new licensee assumes responsibility for the records going forward.

Digital Records

If you maintained electronic records, you must submit them in a format that ATF can process. Paper printouts of electronic records are acceptable. Contact the Out-of-Business Records Center in advance if you have questions about the format for electronic submissions.

Records You're Required to Keep

Even after submission to ATF, you may want to maintain copies of your records for your own protection. ATF retains the records but your personal copies are your reference if questions arise later. The ATF out-of-business records become part of the federal records system used to trace firearms.