Buying a Gun Online? How FFL-to-FFL Transfers Actually Work at Coastal Firearm
Buying a firearm online can give you access to a wide selection of new and used firearms. The purchase still has to be completed through the proper legal process.
For most interstate online firearm purchases, the seller ships the firearm to a licensed dealer in the buyer’s state. That dealer completes the required records, background check, and final transfer. This is commonly called an FFL-to-FFL transfer or an FFL transfer.
Coastal Firearm Corporation provides FFL transfer services at 534 S. Navy Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32507, right outside NAS-Pensacola. Our transfer fee is straightforward:
- FFL transfer fee: $45.00
- Background check: $5.00
- Total: $50.00
This guide explains how the process works and what you need to do before your firearm is shipped.
What Is an FFL Dealer?
An FFL dealer is a business or individual licensed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, commonly called the ATF.
An FFL acts as a third party between the seller and buyer. The dealer receives the firearm, records the required information, maintains the chain of custody, and completes the final transfer to the buyer when legally permitted.
The dealer also completes the required federal transaction records and conducts the applicable background check before releasing the firearm.
You can review general federal firearms guidance through the ATF firearms industry resources.
Step 1: Choose the Firearm and Confirm It Is Legal
Before placing an online order, confirm that the firearm is legal for you to own and possess in your state.
You are responsible for verifying that the firearm, magazine, configuration, and any related item comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Restrictions can vary depending on where you live and what you are purchasing.
If you are uncertain, contact a local firearms dealer or qualified attorney before completing the purchase. Coastal Firearm can help explain the transfer process, but the customer is responsible for confirming that the firearm is legal to own in the customer’s state.
Also review the online seller’s shipping and transfer requirements before placing the order. Some sellers require an FFL copy before shipment. Others may need the receiving dealer’s information during checkout.
Step 2: Select Coastal Firearm as Your Receiving Dealer
When you buy a firearm online, select Coastal Firearm Corporation as the receiving FFL.
Our address is:
Coastal Firearm Corporation
534 S. Navy Blvd
Pensacola, FL 32507
We are conveniently located right outside NAS-Pensacola and serve military personnel, law enforcement officers, and responsible firearm owners throughout the Pensacola area.
If the seller asks for our FFL, the transferring FFL must call or email us and request a copy. Our FFL is on file with GunBroker.
The customer is responsible for notifying us about the incoming transfer and making pickup arrangements. Do not assume the seller or shipping carrier has completed this step for you.
Step 3: Send Us the Required Order Information
To help us identify your incoming transfer, we need the following information:
- Your full name
- Your phone number
- Your email address
- The order number, item number, or auction number
- A description of the firearm
The transferring FFL should call or email us to request our FFL copy and provide the shipping information. For questions or to notify us about a shipment, call 850-725-2500 or email Info@cfcguns.com.
Providing complete information before the firearm arrives helps us match the package to the correct customer.
Step 4: Make Sure the Shipment Includes the Correct Documents
The documents required with the shipment depend on who is shipping the firearm.
Shipment From an FFL
FFL license holders should include a copy of their FFL with the shipment of all firearms.
The transferring FFL should also contact us before shipping and request a copy of our FFL.
Shipment From a Non-FFL Seller
If the seller is not using an FFL, the seller must include a copy of their driver’s license photo with the shipment.
If the driver’s license copy is not included, there may be delays in receiving and processing the firearm.
The seller should package the firearm securely and follow all applicable shipping rules. The seller is responsible for complying with the carrier’s requirements and any applicable federal or state law.
If there is uncertainty about how a private seller should ship a firearm, contact us before shipment.
Step 5: Allow Time for Processing After Delivery
Once the firearm is delivered, Coastal Firearm must receive and process the transfer before pickup.
Please allow up to 24 hours for processing after delivery notification. Delivery confirmation does not necessarily mean the firearm is ready for pickup. We first need to receive the package, verify the shipment, record the firearm, and prepare the transfer.
We will contact you or use the information provided when the transfer is ready. Keeping your phone number and email address current helps avoid communication delays.
You can also contact us directly if you have tracking information or need to confirm the status of an incoming transfer.
Step 6: Complete the Pickup Process
When the firearm is ready, come to Coastal Firearm during our business hours to complete the transfer.
Bring valid identification and any other documentation required for your situation. You will need to complete the required federal firearm transaction paperwork and the applicable background check before the firearm can be released.
The results of a background check may be proceed, delay, or deny. A delay or denial can affect when or whether the firearm may be transferred. Coastal Firearm must follow applicable law and cannot release a firearm when the transfer is not legally permitted.
The firearm must be transferred to the person who is legally completing the transaction. It cannot simply be picked up by a friend or another person on your behalf.
Transfer Fees at Coastal Firearm
Our standard online firearm transfer pricing is:
FFL transfer: $45.00
Background check: $5.00
Total: $50.00
Additional services or special circumstances may have separate requirements. Contact us before shipping if your order involves an unusual firearm, multiple items, an NFA item, or a complicated transfer situation.
We also offer military and law enforcement discounts as a straightforward thank-you to those who serve. Ask our staff about eligibility when you visit.
Important Pickup Deadline
Customers are responsible for arranging pickup after the firearm arrives and is processed.
Coastal Firearm reserves the right to sell any transferred firearm that is not picked up within 30 days of receipt. Contact us promptly if you expect a delay or have questions about the pickup timeline.
Do not wait until the last day to contact the shop. Early communication gives us a better opportunity to help resolve an issue.
Visit Coastal Firearm for Your FFL Transfer
An online firearm purchase does not end when the seller ships the package. The receiving dealer still needs to process the firearm and complete the final transfer properly.
Coastal Firearm provides local, practical assistance for customers buying firearms online. We can help with the receiving process, required information, transfer paperwork, and pickup arrangements.
Before ordering, confirm that the firearm is legal for you to own. Then notify us, provide the order details, and make sure the seller includes the correct documentation.
For help with an FFL-to-FFL transfer, contact us:
Coastal Firearm Corporation
534 S. Navy Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32507
Right outside NAS-Pensacola
850-725-2500
Info@cfcguns.com
Review our FFL transfer details or contact Coastal Firearm before your seller ships the firearm.