Buyer Guide
FFL Transfer Step by Step
Every firearm purchased on EGO Arms must be transferred through a licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) dealer. This guide walks you through exactly what to expect from the moment you win an auction to the moment you take possession.
What is an FFL Transfer?
Federal law requires that when a firearm is sold across state lines — or by any licensed dealer — it must be transferred through a licensed FFL dealer in the buyer's state. The FFL dealer verifies your identity, conducts the NICS background check, and completes the ATF Form 4473. The seller ships to the FFL, not to you directly. Antique firearms (pre-1899) and some C&R eligible firearms are exempt.
1
After Winning
Choose Your FFL Dealer
Your first task after winning is to select an FFL dealer near you to receive the shipment. You have 48 hours to submit your FFL dealer's information through your EGO Arms account.
- Use the EGO Arms FFL Network to find a verified dealer near you.
- You can also use any local gun shop, range, or pawn shop with a valid FFL — call ahead to confirm they accept transfers and ask about their transfer fee.
- Transfer fees vary widely — typically $20–$75 per firearm. Some dealers charge extra for NFA items.
- Confirm the dealer accepts transfers from private parties (not just dealers).
Tip: Many gun ranges and sporting goods stores offer transfers. Big-box stores like Cabela's and Bass Pro often charge less than independent shops. Independent FFLs (home-based dealers) are usually the cheapest option.
2
Coordination
Send Your FFL's Information to the Seller
Once you've chosen your dealer, you'll need to provide their FFL copy to the seller so they can legally ship the firearm. This is done through your EGO Arms order page.
- Contact your FFL dealer and ask them for a copy of their FFL license (Form 7). Most dealers have a digital copy ready to email.
- Upload the FFL copy in your EGO Arms order tracking page, or provide it directly to the seller via the platform inbox.
- The seller cannot legally ship the firearm until they have your FFL's information on file.
EGO Arms streamlines this: If your dealer is in our FFL Network, you can select them directly from your order page and we send them a transfer request automatically.
3
Shipping
Seller Ships to Your FFL
The seller will ship the firearm directly to your chosen FFL dealer — not to your home. Tracking information will be posted in your order once it ships.
- Handguns must ship via overnight carrier (UPS or FedEx). Long guns can ship via USPS Priority Mail.
- Estimated shipping time: 1–3 business days once the seller ships.
- You'll receive an email notification when the tracking number is added to your order.
- Your FFL dealer will notify you when the firearm arrives at their location.
Do not go to the FFL until they confirm the firearm has arrived. Carriers do not allow you to intercept shipments at the facility.
4
At the FFL Dealer
Complete Your Form 4473 & Background Check
Visit your FFL dealer to complete the federal transfer paperwork. This is required by law for every firearm transfer — no exceptions. Bring valid government-issued photo ID.
Government-Issued ID
Driver's license or state ID matching your current address. Out-of-state ID may require additional documentation.
ATF Form 4473
Completed at the dealer. Covers eligibility questions required by the Gun Control Act. The dealer keeps this on file permanently.
NICS Background Check
The dealer runs this through the FBI. Most checks return instantly (Proceed, Deny, or Delay). You pay the dealer's transfer fee at this step.
State Permits (if applicable)
Some states (IL, MA, NY, NJ, etc.) require a Firearm Owner ID card or purchase permit. Bring yours if your state requires it.
What if I get a Delay? The FBI has 3 business days to resolve a Delay. If they don't respond within 3 days, the dealer may proceed at their discretion — though many choose to wait for a resolution. A Delay is not a Denial.
5
Final Step
Take Possession & Confirm Receipt
Once your background check clears, the dealer hands you the firearm. The transfer is complete. Log into your EGO Arms account to confirm receipt, which closes out the order and releases the seller's payment.
- Inspect the firearm thoroughly before leaving the dealer. If anything is wrong — wrong model, damage not disclosed, missing accessories — contact EGO Arms support immediately before accepting the transfer.
- Once you confirm receipt on the platform, the transaction is considered complete.
- Leave feedback for your seller — it helps the community and takes 30 seconds.
Transfer complete. You're now the legal owner. Enjoy your firearm responsibly and in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Expected Timelines
Standard Firearm Transfer Most Common
Pistols, rifles, shotguns — any Title I firearm. This covers the vast majority of EGO Arms listings.
Win → FFL selected → Shipped → Arrived → 4473 + NICS → Transfer complete
Typical total time: 5–10 business days
Instant Check State State NICS
Some states run their own background check systems (e.g. CA, IL, HI, MA). These states may add 3–10 days for state-level processing on top of the standard transfer timeline.
Timeline varies by state — confirm with your FFL dealer
NFA Item — Form 4 Transfer NFA
Suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, machine guns, AOWs, and destructive devices require ATF Form 4 approval. The $200 tax stamp must be paid and approved before the dealer can release the item.
Current Form 4 wait time: approximately 9–14 months (individual Form 4) · 2–4 months (eForm 4)
C&R Eligible Firearm C&R
Firearms that are 50+ years old or on the ATF C&R list may be shipped directly to a licensed C&R collector (FFL 03). If you hold a Curios & Relics license, you can receive eligible firearms directly at your home address.
Verify C&R eligibility before purchase — contact the seller directly
Common Questions
Can I use any FFL dealer, or only ones in the EGO Arms network? ›
You can use any FFL dealer in your state — they do not need to be in our network. The EGO Arms FFL Network is simply a curated list of dealers we've verified and who have agreed to our standard transfer terms. Using a network dealer is faster and often cheaper, but not required.
What if I fail the background check? ›
If you receive a Denial from NICS, the firearm cannot be transferred to you. The FFL will return the firearm to the seller at your expense, and the sale will be reversed. A denial does not necessarily mean you are permanently prohibited — you can appeal a NICS denial through the FBI's NICS Appeal process. Contact support immediately if this happens so we can coordinate the return.
My FFL charges $75 for transfers. Is that normal? ›
Transfer fees are set entirely by the receiving FFL dealer — EGO Arms does not control or cap them. Fees range from $15 (home-based FFL) to $100+ (big box stores, some ranges). Shopping around for a dealer with reasonable transfer fees is worth doing before winning an auction.
The firearm arrived at my FFL damaged. What do I do? ›
Do not complete the transfer (do not sign the Form 4473). Contact EGO Arms support immediately through your order page. Photograph the damage with the FFL dealer present as a witness. We will open a dispute and coordinate with the seller. Once you complete the Form 4473, you legally own the firearm and dispute options become limited.
Can I ship a firearm to myself in another state via an FFL? ›
Generally, no — you cannot ship a firearm you own to yourself in another state through an FFL transfer (that would be a transfer to yourself). However, you can ship a firearm to an FFL in another state for storage, service, or temporary safekeeping, then retrieve it when you return to that state, as long as your intent is not to permanently relocate the firearm without a proper transfer.
Does EGO Arms guarantee the sale if the background check is delayed? ›
Yes. If your background check is delayed, the seller will hold the firearm for you for up to 10 business days while the FBI resolves the delay. During this time the item is reserved for you and will not be relisted. If the delay extends beyond 10 days, contact support and we will work with both parties on next steps.
Ready to find an FFL near you?
Browse our verified network of FFL dealers. All network dealers have agreed to EGO Arms transfer standards and pricing.