FFL License Types 01-11 Explained: What Each Can Do

A Federal Firearms License (FFL) is issued by the ATF under the Gun Control Act of 1968 and authorizes a person or business to engage in the firearms business. But there is not just one kind of FFL — there are several numbered 'types,' each covering different activities from dealing to manufacturing to importing.

This guide breaks down each FFL type in plain English so you understand what a given licensee can legally do. It is useful whether you are choosing a dealer or considering getting licensed yourself.

This is general information, not legal advice; verify with the ATF or a qualified attorney.

Dealer and pawnbroker licenses (01, 02)

A Type 01 FFL is the standard dealer/gunsmith license — the most common license, held by gun stores that sell firearms and perform transfers. A Type 02 is a pawnbroker license, which allows a pawnbroker to deal in firearms as part of a pawn business.

Both let the holder buy and sell ordinary (Title I) firearms and run background checks for transfers.

Collector of Curios & Relics (03)

A Type 03 is the Collector of Curios and Relics (C&R) license. It is not a dealer license — it is for private collectors of firearms that are recognized as curios or relics (generally at least 50 years old, or of special historical interest).

A C&R holder can have qualifying collectible firearms shipped directly to them across state lines, but the license does not authorize running a firearms business.

Manufacturing and ammunition (06, 07)

A Type 06 is a manufacturer of ammunition (not firearms), allowing commercial ammunition production. A Type 07 is a manufacturer of firearms and ammunition — a broad, popular license that also lets the holder deal in what they make.

The Type 07 is especially notable because, combined with SOT status, it enables NFA manufacturing.

06: manufacturer of ammunition
07: manufacturer of firearms and ammunition (can also deal)

Importer (08)

A Type 08 is an importer of firearms and ammunition. It authorizes bringing firearms and ammunition into the United States for sale, subject to import rules and approvals.

Destructive device licenses (09, 10, 11)

Destructive devices have their own dedicated license types. A Type 09 is a dealer in destructive devices, a Type 10 is a manufacturer of destructive devices (and ammunition for them), and a Type 11 is an importer of destructive devices.

These are specialized licenses for businesses working with DDs like large-bore firearms and ordnance.

09: dealer in destructive devices
10: manufacturer of destructive devices
11: importer of destructive devices

How FFL type relates to NFA items

An ordinary FFL by itself does not let a business deal in NFA items like suppressors and machine guns. To handle NFA items commercially, the licensee also pays a Special Occupational Tax (SOT) that layers on top of the underlying FFL type.

That is why the phrase 'Class 3 dealer' is really shorthand for a Type 01 (or similar) FFL that also holds SOT status.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common FFL type?

The Type 01 dealer/gunsmith license is by far the most common. It is what most gun stores hold, allowing them to sell firearms and conduct transfers with background checks.

Is a C&R license (Type 03) a dealer license?

No. A Type 03 Collector of Curios and Relics license is for private collectors of qualifying older or historically significant firearms. It lets collectibles be shipped to the collector but does not authorize running a firearms business.

Which FFL type lets you manufacture NFA items?

A Type 07 manufacturer (or Type 10 for destructive devices) combined with the appropriate SOT status enables NFA manufacturing. The FFL type establishes the underlying business; the SOT adds NFA authority.

Do I need an FFL to buy a suppressor?

No. As a buyer you do not need any FFL. You buy from a licensed dealer who holds an FFL and SOT status, completing a Form 4 with a $200 tax stamp.

Last reviewed 2026-07-07.