ATF Lets Firearms Dealers Verify Licenses Online Instead of With Paper Copies
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Table of Contents
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is updating a regulation to let licensed firearms dealers verify each other’s licenses using an existing online system called eZ Check. Previously, dealers were required to obtain and keep a certified paper copy of another dealer’s federal firearms license before shipping or transferring firearms to them. Under the new rule, a dealer only needs the other dealer’s license number to check if the license is active and matches the details provided by the other business.
Why it matters: This is a minor administrative update that mainly saves firearms dealers a small amount of paperwork and postage. By allowing an instant online lookup, ATF is reducing the need to mail or fax certified license copies between businesses. The practical effect is just a faster, free compliance step for dealers who already use digital tools.
Who it affects
- Licensed firearms dealers who ship or transfer firearms between states
This action comes from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives via the Federal Register, and you should review the full direct final rule at regulations.gov before relying on it for compliance.
Agency: Justice Department, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau
Source: Federal Register — read the official document