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Transfers

Can I have an online gun purchase shipped to my house?

Almost always no — and it catches a lot of first-time online buyers out. Here is what actually happens instead.

Short answer: no. With very narrow exceptions, a firearm bought from a dealer or an out-of-state private seller has to ship to a licensed dealer near you, not to your door. You collect it there after the paperwork and background check.

That dealer is your transfer FFL, and that step is what an "FFL transfer" is.

Why the rule exists

Federal law requires that a firearm crossing state lines to a non-licensee go through a licensed dealer, so the background check happens face-to-face with someone who holds a licence. It is not the retailer being awkward — they cannot legally ship it to you.

How it works, start to finish

01

Buy the firearm

From any retailer, marketplace or private seller who ships to an FFL.

02

Name your transfer dealer

At checkout most sites ask you to pick one. Search their list, or tell them your dealer directly.

03

The seller gets a copy of the licence

Most dealers want your transfer FFL on file before shipping. We send ours the same business day when asked.

04

It ships and gets logged in

The package arrives at the dealer and goes into their bound book. You get a call.

05

You complete the 4473

Photo ID, the federal form, and the NICS background check. About fifteen minutes.ATF Form 4473

06

Proceed — take it home

On a proceed, and once state and federal requirements are met, it is yours.

What it costs

Transfer fees in Houston generally run between $15 and $50. Ours is $35 for the first firearm and $20 for each additional in the same shipment — so having several sent together saves money.

Mistakes worth avoiding

  • Shipping before you have spoken to the dealer. A package that turns up with no buyer name attached slows everyone down. One short call prevents it.
  • ID with an old address. Your photo ID needs your current address, or bring supporting documentation.
  • Assuming a delay is the dealer’s fault. Delays are issued by NICS. No dealer can override one.
  • Forgetting the transfer fee. It is separate from what you paid the retailer.

What about private sales inside Texas?

Texas does not require a dealer for an in-state private sale between residents. Plenty of people still prefer to run one through a dealer for the paper trail and the background check, and we are happy to do that.

How a firearm transfer works — what to bring, and where sellers ship →

FFL transfer

First firearm
$35
Each additional
$20
NFA / suppressor
$85
Time on site
≈ 15 min
Book Appointment Now

Ready when you are

Get in touch.

No booking forms. Reach us on either number, or email if you would rather put it in writing — attach your paperwork and we will read it before you arrive.

832-488-3464 281-969-6057 Email us

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