I’m seriously considering getting a dealers FFL and going into business part time ,maybe full time if it goes well. I’ve done months of research and since my prints are already on file I’m just about to make the leap. Any good advice or experiences about it I would like to hear.
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Good luck. Hope it goes well.
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I don’t know how much ATF influences that process, but if they do you may wish to wait until they get refocused, and consolidated into another DOJ alphabet agency.
I hear you about having your fingerprints on file (non-criminal). Its nice when you have had prior background checks for security clearances in the military.
Subsequent, fingerprint background checks sail right through without a hitch like flying with a with a Known Traveler Number (KTN) the type issued to airline crews, credentialed transportation workers, merchant marines, some military, and those who pay extra for expedited security checks like TSA-Pre-Check✅, Clear, or Global Entry services having endured their processes, and fees.
I have not bothered with getting a KTN, as I don’t fly enough anymore to warrant that expense.
But, I do maintain all other forms of acceptable REAL ID travel documents since they came out with the (WHTI) Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative in response to the 9/11/2001 terrorist attacks that were facilitated by fraudulently obtained drivers licenses.
Having multiple forms of corroborating REAL ID hurts nothing.
I know that enduring security check delays is the worst faith I’ll have to endure, but I won’t get refused.
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I just got a suppressor so my fingerprints got e filed even though they already had them somewhere. I’ve bought 4 guns since then,I’m a frequent flyer. I also have a real ID if that’s what you want to call it. I’ve got an awesome location already figured out and a silent backer.
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Oh, could I tell you stories. Haven’t been strip searched yet. I have gotten used to it. Haven’t missed a flight yet. It is kind of fun. The thought that they could be letting a terrorist through while paying attention to me… I think of it as a learning experience for them.(TSA/Security).
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Sounds pretty cool to me. Sounds like a real adventure. The one thing the owner of my LGS has said, many times, Keep It Clean, Don’t ever even step close to the line of a violation.
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The ATF is the licensing agency. They do all of the work after you apply to them for your FFL.
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It does not matter what data base that your fingerprints are in as long as that is where your submitted fingerprints for comparison are to match them up.
Likely FBI or (NCIC) National Crime Information Center, the NCIC is the most likely, and accessible data for rapid replies to cops at traffic stops, and any transactions related to firearms as that system is more geared towards faster response times.
FBI is more leisurely, like identifying a deceased person, verifying a criminal in custody ID, doing a NAC National Agency Check on every new person inducted into the military at basic training.
Where you’re not going anywhere different soon, and they can wait for a more thorough background check.
States have their own CJS Criminal Justice System data bases for in state background checks like licensing professionals who cannot be convicted felons, from a security guard to a medical doctor.
Or, for CCW permits by state, or local law enforcement.
They also likely do an NCIC check to be sure that you are not a wanted fugitive from out of state either.
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Found out that you still have to file paper print cards with the ATF. No biggie,just another $ in the pocket of them that control nothing actually.
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I’m pretty sure the TSA knows that you have a CCL because I get searched every single time I travel. Also I didn’t know until recently that those scanners can tell that I recently had a firearm in a certain part of my clothing. Like where I keep my EDC. That opens up a string of questions as well.
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Yes! They have “sniffers”. Both: dogs and mechanical that can detect particles of explosive contaminants. They don’t need much to trigger an alert.
They also have swabs, or wipes that can trap those same particles and then test for their presents on the swabs, or wipes.
Some dogs are trained to detect firearms, I don’t know about the latest AI equivalent for doing that, but if it’s been developed I am sure that they implement it.
If your state law enforcement can get notified that you have been issued a CCW permit while conducting a traffic stop, likely TSA also can get a heads up.
For instance the TN Department of Safety & Homeland Security is our DMV that issues both our (DLs) Driver Licenses, and our (HCPs) Handgun Carry Permits, what TN calles it’s CCW permit, the THP Tennessee Highway Patrol Troopers conduct the background checks prior to issuing your CHP, and their systems are tied together so when any Law Enforcement stops you they know if you have a CHP permit also, as well as the status of your DL.
If they know, I don’t doubt that TSA is also privy to the same information.
That and just as all LEOs are tought where, or how to carry firearms, that they know exactly where to zero in, like anywhere on anyone’s waist band, as well as everywhere else.
There is a process / procedure for checking in your firearm, and ammunition with your checked baggage with your airline before you get to the TSA checkpoint, where you should not have those items on your person, or in your carryon, which will result in a big negative experience.
Do it right, and declare your firearm with your checked baggage, and not try to pass TSA with it.
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It’s a bit time consuming, but surprisingly easy!
I flew to Montana to pick up my RV with a change of clothes, a blanket to fill space in my luggage, and a pistol/ammo….
If that item list didn’t raise eyebrows, nothing will! 
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The trick is knowing the rules and procedures, if you have a new rookie counter clerk / ticket agent they may get flustered, just ask for their supervisor, and they being more experienced should Wiske you through.
The main deal is starting the process by declaring that you want to check in a firearm (in a casual tone, not threateningly), you will have to unload it, keep extra ammo in original paperboard boxes.
There is a form that you must sign and throw in the luggage with your gun and ammo likely locked in a hard sided case.
Zip up your bag and continue checking it in like any other luggage.
Get your boarding pass if not on your phone, and proceed to the TSA checkpoint, and do their rigamarole.
When you get to your destination you will likely have to show ID getting your checked luggage from the baggage claim office. Just so no unauthorized person can grab your bag off the baggage conveyor.
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I had the unloaded gun in a locked hard case in my luggage, the luggage was also locked (zippers padlocked with TSA approved locks) ammo was in it’s original packaging outside the hard case, as was my folding knife. (Obviously both inside the locked luggage)
No unzipping, just some paperwork and an X-ray of the bag!
USCCA does a nice breakdown of it all here
https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/blog/how-to-fly-with-a-handgun/
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Sorry to be off on a tangent there,… good luck with your pursuit of a FFL!
Too bad you’re not in Colorado! I’m considering a new gun… maybe another NFA one?…. I REALLY want a SBR P-90! 
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As long as we are talking about traveling with a firearm, and procedures, and TSA. Here is one additional wrinkle that you should have ironed out before the fast approaching deadline to get yourself a REAL ID on or before you may have to travel starting this May 7, 2025. Check your Driver License, or state issued Photo ID for a star 
in the upper right corner of your DL, or any printed words to the affect that it is or, is not good for federal purposes.
If you don’t show a star or it say s not for federal purposes it is not a real ID. See below 
what you can do between now and May 7, 2025 to get what you need to fly. The official website stuff below
Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint | Transportation Security Administration
Transporting Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration
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Wow! This has literally never happened to me.
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Good luck! I only used one home-based FFL when I ordered from Buds and chose him from their preferred FFL list (not sure how one gets on their list) based on who’s nearest to my location.
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I’ve ordered from several on-line venders including Buds. If my preferred FFL is not on their list, then I send a copy of the FFL license I get off the FFL’s website. My FFL has always shown up on the preferred FFL list when using that on-line vendor again.
I think its a good idea for new FFLs like @Trever1 to contact on-line vendors to get set up on their preferred FFL list. That should help drum up business from people that would otherwise not know you are available.
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I’d like to get my FFL so I can run a small handgun gunsmithing shop out of my home. I’m going to wait until all the alphabets get lined up and decide who they are going to be. Good luck on getting your FFL…
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