From what I've heard, it used to be easy to get the FFL and work out of your home, but that the licenses are not usually granted these days without a storefront of some kind. But that's only hearsay.
Just out of curiousity, these folks that do operate out of their basement, are they long time FFL holders then? I understand current circumstances and things are much more stringent now, but just curious how they are doing it.
I know that in Marion County(Indianapolis area) you have to be zoned a certain way to conduct firearms transactions. Residential is a no go. This friend of mine who operates out of his house is in Fishers which I believe is Hamilton County(not 100% sure on that) He went into their city hall or what ever they call it and they signed off on it and told him no problem. I am to assume that it is on a county by county basis. I do know that they have made it much more difficult, especially to run out of your home. I read somewhere where I believe about 10 or so years ago there were well over 300 thousand ffls in the US and now there is somewhere around less than 50 thousand across the country. They thinned it out quite a bit and were trying to eliminate what they called the kitchen table dealers.EDIT POST - shooter521 I am sure knows much more about this than I do. I would certainly take his advice over mine!!!!
My OP: (No. I know several people who operate out of their homes (basements) and do transfers, but have zero stock, etc. Now, most of them have formed a business as an LLC I believe in order to limit personal liability, but no actual store front.)
I had looked into this option. The atf agent actually suggested it. Seemed like a long process. Am I reading the fees correctly on going this route. It seemed pretty expensive and time consuming. Am I correct in saying this? I was also told that at the end of the day after going through applying for a variance or rezoning it may still be denied. My other issue was my wife. She was not exactly comfortable with me running a firearms business out of the house and strangers coming over, etc.I have my FFL, that I operate from my house, in Marion county. The biggest issue was the zoning. I had to apply for a zoning variance from the state/city once that was approved, then ATF proceeded with issuing my license.
I do have the front of my house blocked off form the rest of the house to act as my "store front". I had to supply blue prints and a detailed business plan stating what I was and was not going to do while running the business.
In the end it took me just under one year to complete the process. Ive had my FFL since Dec. 2006
It took me about 5 months before I cleared the background portion. Had some issues. Now I am on my second month of clearinf zoning, insurance, and other issues. Once I get a place to do business and meet with the atf, he said it would be about a month or so after that before my license is issued. It has been a process for sure and at times not a lot of fun. But it is what I want to do and will not quit. Good luck to you and keep us posted on your progress.I will keep you guys informed as I am getting ready to go through the process myself. I live in a town and county with no zoning laws in southern indiana. Hopefully, this will work in my favor to obtain an FFL.
From the research I have done I need to plan at least 3-4 months minimum to complete the project.
Thanks,
Paul
Blue River Guns