GUN SHOW GUIDELINES

This notice applies to activities permitted at 

qualifying gun shows, as defined in Title 27 

of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 

478.100. Federal firearms licensees (“FFLs” 

or “Dealers”) may only sell firearms at gun 

shows within the State in which their licensed 

premises is located. Furthermore, all activities must be in compliance with Federal, State 

and local laws/ordinances.

FFLs Licensed Within The State

Must display license.

Must comply with all recordkeeping requirements 

of ATF regulations concerning acquisitions and 

dispositions of firearms, including the recording 

of the place of sale.

May dispose of handguns (pistol or revolver)

to residents of the State only, provided that the 

purchaser is at least 21 years of age and all background check and recordkeeping requirements 

have been met.

May dispose of long guns (rifle or shotgun) to 

residents of any State, provided that the purchaser 

is at least 18 years of age, the laws of both States 

are complied with, and all background check and 

recordkeeping requirements have been met.

May dispose of frame, receiver, or firearm 

having a pistol grip that expels a shotgun shell 

to residents within the State only, provided that 

the purchaser is at least 21 years of age and all 

background check and recordkeeping requirements have been met.

May dispose of firearms to any FFL as long as all 

applicable recordkeeping requirements have been 

met.

May acquire firearms from any FFL licensed 

within the State and from any non-licensed 

individual, provided the laws within the States and 

all recordkeeping requirements have been met.

May take orders for any firearm from a nonlicensee and ship the same to a licensee within 

the purchaser’s State of residence from whom the 

purchaser can then take possession if all recordkeeping requirements have been met.

Note: The licensee within the purchaser's State of 

residence must comply with all background check 

and recordkeeping requirements.

FFLs Not Licensed Within The State

Must display license.

Must comply with all ATF recordkeeping requirements concerning the acquisition of firearms.

May acquire firearms from any FFL licensed 

within the State and from any non-licensed 

individual, provided all recordkeeping requirements are met.

May make a transfer of a curio or relic firearms 

to any other FFL licensed in any State as long as 

there is compliance with the laws of both States 

and all recordkeeping requirements are met. 

May ship curio or relic firearms to any other FFL.

May display and take orders but may not conduct 

transfers other than curio or relic firearms.

Non-Licensed Residents 

Within The State

May acquire long guns (rifle or shotgun), handguns (pistol or revolver), frames, receivers, or 

firearms having a pistol grip that expels a shotgun 

shell from FFLs licensed within the State, provided all age, background checks and recordkeeping 

requirements have been met.

May dispose of personal firearms to any FFL.

May acquire from and dispose of personal 

firearms to non-licensed residents of the State. 

However, non-licensed individuals may not be 

engaged in the business of dealing in firearms 

without a Federal firearms license.

Cannot acquire from or dispose of firearms to 

non-licensed residents of any other State.

Cannot ship in interstate commerce, except 

to themselves or an FFL, a firearm that has 

otherwise been lawfully acquired; must, when 

shipping to themselves, declare the firearm to 

the commercial or contract carrier.

Note: Carriers may have additional requirements.

Non-Licensed Residents From 

Another State

May dispose of personal firearms to any FFL.

May acquire long guns (rifle or shotgun) only 

from FFLs licensed within the State, provided 

the laws of both States are complied with, and 

all age, background checks and recordkeeping 

requirements have been met.

May order firearms from any FFL and have 

them shipped to an FFL in their State of residence in accordance with State and Federal law.

Note: Carriers may have additional requirements.

Cannot acquire handguns (pistol or revolver).

Cannot acquire frames, receivers, or firearms 

having a pistol grip that expel a shotgun shell.

Cannot acquire from or dispose of firearms to 

non-licensed individuals.
U.S. Department of Justice

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Enforcement Programs and Services

Important Notice to FFLs 

and Other Participants at 

Gun Shows

ATF Information 5300.23A

Revised October 2016

U.S. Department of Justice

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Firearms Industry Programs Branch

99 New York Avenue, NE.

Washington, DC 20226

www.atf.gov

ATF How To Contact Us

If you have any questions relating to your Gun 

Show responsibilities, please contact:

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Firearms Industry Programs Branch

99 New York Avenue, NE.

Washington, DC 20226

Telephone: (202) 648-7190

Fax: (202) 648-9601

fipb@atf.gov

To contact your local ATF office go to:

https://www.atf.gov/contact/atf-field-divisions

To report suspected illegal firearms activities, 

please call 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867).