FFL Transfer Policy

Last updated: July 09, 2026

Federal law requires that all firearms shipped from a retailer be transferred through a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer, not shipped directly to a private buyer. This policy explains how the FFL transfer process works when you order a firearm from Spirit Gun Works.

1. What is an FFL Transfer?

An FFL transfer is the legally required handoff of a firearm from a shipping dealer (us) to a receiving dealer that you choose, followed by the receiving dealer completing the sale to you in person. The receiving FFL runs the background check (NICS), verifies your ID, has you complete ATF Form 4473, and only then may hand the firearm to you.

2. Selecting Your FFL

At checkout you will provide the details of the FFL dealer you want the firearm shipped to. This can be:

  • A local gun shop that offers transfer service
  • A pawn shop or sporting-goods store with a Class 01 FFL
  • Spirit Gun Works itself (if you are picking up in Frisco)

If you don’t already have an FFL in mind, useful search tools include FFL Registry, FindFFL.com, and FFL Dealer Network. Call your chosen dealer first to confirm they accept transfers, ask what they charge (their fee is separate from ours), and let them know a shipment is coming from Spirit Gun Works.

3. Our Transfer Coordination Fee

We charge a flat $30 transfer coordination fee, which matches our in-shop transfer rate. This covers:

  • FFL verification with the ATF
  • Communication with your receiving dealer
  • Preparation of shipping documentation and A&D book entries
  • Insured, adult-signature-required shipping to the receiving FFL

Your receiving FFL will charge their own transfer fee, paid directly to them when you pick up the firearm. Their fee is not included in our $30 fee.

4. Information You Must Provide

At checkout, provide the following about your chosen FFL:

  • Dealer name (business name on the license)
  • Physical street address
  • Phone number

You do not need to provide the FFL license number — we look that up ourselves using the dealer’s name and address.

5. Our Verification Process

Before shipping any firearm we:

  1. Verify the dealer’s FFL is active and current using the ATF Federal Firearms Licensee eZ Check system.
  2. Call or email the receiving dealer to confirm they will accept the transfer and request a copy of their current license on file if we don’t already have one.
  3. Prepare the shipment with the receiving dealer’s name and address, an SGW packing slip, and any additional paperwork required.
  4. Log the firearm out of our Acquisition & Disposition (A&D) book at time of shipment.

If we cannot verify the FFL, or the receiving dealer will not accept the shipment, we will contact you promptly. You may choose a different FFL or cancel for a refund per our Refund & Return Policy.

6. Shipping Timeline

  • Verification: typically completed within 1–2 business days of order
  • Shipping: firearm ships the same or next business day after verification
  • Transit: UPS or FedEx overnight for handguns; USPS Priority or UPS Ground for long guns (2–6 business days)
  • Arrival to receiving FFL: the FFL logs the firearm into their A&D book and will contact you when it’s ready for pickup

7. Picking Up Your Firearm

At the receiving FFL, you must:

  • Present a valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID showing your current address (driver’s license, state ID, or passport plus proof of address)
  • Complete ATF Form 4473 truthfully — falsifying this form is a federal felony
  • Pass a National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS) that the FFL runs before releasing the firearm
  • Pay the receiving FFL’s transfer fee (paid to them, not to us)
  • Meet any state or local waiting period, permit, or additional-paperwork requirements

8. Background Check Denials and Delays

If NICS returns a denial, you cannot take possession of the firearm. If NICS returns a delay, the FFL must wait the required number of days (typically 3 business days for federal, longer in some states) before they may release the firearm at their discretion. If the transfer cannot be completed:

  • The receiving FFL will hold the firearm and contact us.
  • You may appeal the NICS decision directly with the FBI (we cannot appeal on your behalf).
  • If the transfer is ultimately unable to be completed, the firearm may be returned to us at your expense, subject to our Refund & Return Policy.

9. Straw Purchases Are Illegal

You must be the actual buyer of the firearm. Purchasing a firearm on behalf of someone else who is prohibited from owning one, or knowingly lying about the actual buyer on Form 4473, is a federal felony. Do not order from us if you are not the intended end user of the firearm.

10. State and Local Compliance Is Your Responsibility

State, county, and city laws vary widely. It is your responsibility to know what is legal to purchase and possess in your jurisdiction — including magazine capacity, feature restrictions, waiting periods, roster requirements (e.g., California), and required permits. If you order a firearm that is illegal in your jurisdiction, we will cancel the order and refund per our policy after applicable fees.

11. Contact

FFL transfer questions: zanemitchell@spiritgunworks.com
Phone: (940) 268-5702
Spirit Gun Works, 15222 King Rd #204, Frisco, TX 75036
FFL license on file with ATF

Disclaimer: This policy explains our current transfer process at a general level. Federal, state, and local firearms law is complex and changes over time. Please have this document reviewed by a licensed attorney familiar with federal firearms law and applicable state law before relying on it.

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