How to Add a Location to Your FFL

Expanding your firearms business to a second location — whether a retail storefront, a warehouse, or a range — requires updating your FFL. Conducting firearms business at an address not covered by your license is a violation. Here's how to add premises correctly.

What Requires a Licensed Premises

Any location where you conduct activities as an FFL — selling firearms, storing inventory for sale, accepting firearms for transfer — must be covered by your license. A temporary location such as a gun show booth operates under gun show provisions in most states. A permanent second retail location requires adding the address to your FFL or obtaining a separate FFL for that location.

Licensed Premises vs. Separate FFL

You have two options for adding a location: adding it as an additional premises on your existing FFL (available in some circumstances), or obtaining a separate FFL for the new location. In practice, most dealers who open a second retail location obtain a separate FFL for that location — each FFL has its own bound book, its own Form 4473 records, and its own compliance obligations.

The Application Process

To add a location to an existing FFL, you file an amendment with the ATF using ATF Form 7CR (for renewals and amendments). The amendment process requires you to identify the new address and certify that you have notified your local Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) of the new location. The ATF will conduct a premises inspection of the new location before the amendment is approved.

Storage-Only Locations

If you want to store firearms inventory at a location where you don't conduct retail sales — a warehouse or secure storage facility — the requirements depend on how the storage is structured. Inventory that belongs to your FFL business and is stored at a non-licensed address creates a compliance question. Consult with an ATF field office or a firearms attorney about the specific requirements for your situation before establishing off-site storage.

Home-Based FFLs

Type 01 and other FFL types can be based out of a residence, subject to local zoning and state law compliance. If you move from a commercial location to a home-based operation — or vice versa — you need to update your FFL address. Address changes that move the licensed premises require ATF notification and may require a new license issuance.