Gunsmithing Requirements: Certification and Licensing
Becoming a licensed gunsmith is a lengthy procedure, involving a multi-step application process that, upon approval, permits you build, sell, and perform repairs on small firearms. Those who wish to work with firearms in the United States must obtain, fill out, and submit a Federal Firearms License application from the U. S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). There are separate licensing procedures for manufacturing licenses and dealer licenses.
A completed Federal Firearms License application will include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following items:
- The full completion and submission of an application form. This form will include your personal information, immigration status, criminal history, and military service history.
- Payment of an application fee. The amount is dependent upon your licensure type.
- A background check with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. You may have issues if you have something on your record in which case this might not be the best career for you.
- Provision of fingerprints for your background check.
- Provision of transaction records and permission for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to inspect your business.
Additionally, you may be required to abide by additional local, state, and federal laws that are not mentioned above, and the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives will conduct additional checks. Since there may be other licenses that you will need to obtain based upon local and state regulations, it is good practice to be in contact with the department that regulates gunsmith licenses in your area. This way, you will be able to avoid any filing or application mistakes, and will be informed about the turn-around time for license processing and approval.
Finally, it is important to remember that the regulations surrounding other aspects of gunsmithing vary by local and state. Activities such as record keeping within the gunsmithing industry, transportation of firearms, and participation within gun shows and other events may require additional certification and licensure. https://www.gungods.net/gunsmithing-schools/#Gunsmithing_Requirements_Certification_and_Licensing