Federal Firearms Auction Laws

Auction retailers must hold a Federal Guns License.

Federal gun laws and regulations contain provisions which cover the purchase of weapons at auction. Generally, auctions are handled by exactly the same laws and regulations as gun shows. Retailers must hold an FFL (Federal Guns License) then sell simply to qualified purchasers. On-line auctions might be impacted by limitations on retailers conducting business outdoors the condition by which they contain the license.

Federal Guns Licence Requirement

A legitimate FFL should be held by anybody "selling, manufacturing, or posting guns, ammunition, and certain gun parts." Federal laws and regulations about holding a FFL are found in Title 18, Section 923 from the U.S. Code. These laws and regulations are enforced through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Guns.

Internet Purchase of Guns

Laws and regulations regulating the purchase of guns on the internet auctions overlap with individuals that affect gun shows or gun stores. The dealership must hold an FFL and could transfer guns simply to qualified persons dwelling within the same condition by which he's licensed. To market from condition, he or she must locate an FFL holder within the condition in which the customer resides. The 2nd FFL holder would result in acquiring an ATF Form 4473 (Guns Transaction Record) in the customer and performing the needed criminal record check.

Estate Auctions

An auctioneer selling guns in an estate auction doesn't need an FFL because he isn't technically a dealer "selling guns at wholesale or retail." His clients are to not sell arms, but to operate the auction for that estate owner. The estate could be bound through the laws and regulations regulating the selling of arms, although not the auctioneer. He would, however, result in selling simply to qualified purchasers as based on what the law states from the condition.