Federal law establishes different minimum age requirements for handgun and long gun purchases — a distinction that every FFL dealer must understand and consistently apply. Transferring a firearm to an underage buyer is a federal crime regardless of whether you knew the buyer's age.

The Federal Age Requirements

Under federal law, the minimum age to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer is 21. The minimum age to purchase a long gun — rifle or shotgun — from a licensed dealer is 18. These requirements are set by 18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1) and apply to all retail transfers from FFLs regardless of state law.

State law may be more restrictive. Some states have raised the minimum age for long gun purchases to 21, matching the federal handgun requirement. Your state's law controls if it is more restrictive than the federal minimum. You cannot transfer a firearm to a buyer who does not meet both the federal and state age requirements.

Verifying Age on Form 4473

The buyer's date of birth is recorded in Section A of Form 4473. Before completing a transfer, verify that the buyer's date of birth on the form matches their government-issued photo ID and that they meet the minimum age requirement for the type of firearm being purchased. This seems obvious — but age verification errors do occur, particularly in busy store environments.

What Counts as Acceptable ID for Age Verification

The same government-issued photo ID used to verify the buyer's identity for the transfer also serves as age verification. A driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID all provide date of birth information that satisfies the verification requirement. Record the ID type, number, and expiration date in Section A.

The 18-to-21 Gap: Long Guns and Handguns

The age gap between long gun and handgun eligibility creates specific situations that dealers must handle correctly. A 19-year-old buyer can legally purchase a rifle but not a handgun. If a buyer in this age range is attempting to purchase a handgun, the transfer cannot proceed — and this must be documented correctly on the Form 4473 as an age-based denial rather than a NICS denial.

An age denial is not a NICS denial. If you determine a buyer is too young to purchase the firearm they are attempting to buy, stop the transaction before initiating a NICS check. The reason for not completing the transfer is the buyer's age, not a NICS result. Note this on the Form 4473 and void it appropriately.

Handgun Parts and Accessories

The age restriction on handguns applies to complete handguns. Handgun frames and receivers (which are themselves firearms under federal law) carry the same 21-year-old minimum age requirement as complete handguns. Age restrictions on handgun ammunition and accessories vary — verify current ATF guidance for specific items if questions arise.

Audit Every 4473 Before ATF Does

4473 Pro checks every field on every Form 4473 — Sections A through E. Catch errors before an ATF auditor does..

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