FFL Transfer Fees: What an FFL Transfer Costs and Why

Updated October 17, 2026 · By the team at Condition Red Tactical, Greenfield, IN

How much is an FFL transfer?

There’s no government-set price. Each dealer decides what to charge, so fees vary from shop to shop and sometimes by the type of item. The best way to know the real cost is to ask the dealer before you buy, and to ask whether anything else gets added at pickup.

At Condition Red Tactical in Greenfield, an FFL transfer costs $35 for the first firearm, $25 for each additional item in the same transfer, and $50 for NFA items not bought through us. Details are on our FFL transfers page.

Transfer type at CRT Fee
First firearm in a transfer $35
Each additional item in the same transfer $25
NFA items not bought through CRT $50

What does the FFL transfer fee pay for?

A transfer looks simple from the buyer’s side, but the dealer takes on real work and legal responsibility:

  • Receiving the gun. Checking the box, matching the serial number and logging it into the dealer’s federal acquisition and disposition records.
  • Licensing paperwork. Sending a copy of the dealer’s license to the seller when needed. Federal rules require a licensed seller to verify the receiving dealer’s license before shipping (27 CFR 478.94).
  • Form 4473 and the background check. Verifying your ID, reviewing the form and running the NICS check.
  • Record keeping. Dealers must keep transaction records and be ready for ATF inspection.
  • Storage and security while the gun waits for you.

What can make a transfer cost more?

When you compare shops, look past the headline number. Things that can change what you pay include:

  • Multiple guns. Some dealers charge a full fee per gun. Others, like us, charge less for additional items in the same transfer.
  • NFA items. Suppressors and other NFA items can involve more paperwork, so many shops charge more.
  • Sales tax. Some shops add tax to the fee. Ask.
  • Storage. Some dealers charge if a gun sits too long before pickup.
  • Denials and returns. If you can’t pass the background check or change your mind, you may owe the fee anyway plus return shipping.
  • Private-party or out-of-state sellers. Some shops charge differently when the gun comes from an individual rather than a business.

Is a cheap FFL transfer near me worth it?

A low price is nice, but a transfer that goes wrong costs more than the few dollars you saved. Before you pick a dealer, check:

  • Hours that fit your schedule. A cheap shop that’s only open when you’re at work isn’t cheap.
  • Clear pricing with no surprise fees at pickup.
  • Responsiveness. Do they answer the phone and send their license to sellers quickly?
  • What they accept. Some shops won’t take certain items or private-party shipments.

We’re at 866 S State St in Greenfield, on State Road 9 in Hancock County. Our hours are Tuesday and Wednesday noon to 6pm, Thursday 11:30am to 6pm, Friday 9:30am to 6pm and Saturday 11am to 7pm. We’re closed Sunday and Monday.

Do you pay the FFL fee when you order or when you pick up?

You usually pay the receiving dealer at pickup, separate from what you paid the seller. The seller’s shipping charge is also separate. Budget for three pieces: the gun, the shipping, and the transfer fee.

Questions to ask before you choose a transfer dealer

  • What is the total I will pay at pickup, including any tax?
  • Is the fee per gun, per box or per order?
  • Do you charge differently for items from private sellers, or for NFA items?
  • How long will you hold a gun before storage fees start?
  • What happens if my background check is delayed or denied?
  • Will you send your license to the seller, and how fast?

A shop that answers these clearly on the phone will usually handle the transfer smoothly too.

How to use CRT for your transfer

  1. Call us at (317) 967-7172 or check the FFL transfers page before you order.
  2. Choose Condition Red Tactical as your ship-to dealer at checkout, and make sure the seller has our license on file.
  3. When the gun arrives, come in with a valid Indiana driver’s license or ID showing your current address.
  4. Complete Form 4473 and the background check, pay the fee, and you’re done.

New to this? Start with what an FFL transfer is.

Laws and agency guidance change. This guide is general education, not legal advice. If you’re unsure about your situation, ask the shop before you buy or talk to an attorney.

Common Questions

Why do FFL transfer fees vary so much?

Each dealer sets its own price based on its costs, time and the legal responsibility it takes on. There is no federal fee schedule for transfers.

Do I pay a transfer fee if my background check is denied?

Many dealers still charge the fee, since the work was done. Ask your dealer about their policy and about return shipping before you order.

What does Condition Red Tactical charge for a transfer?

$35 for the first firearm, $25 for each additional item in the same transfer, and $50 for NFA items not bought through CRT.

Do suppressors cost more to transfer?

At many shops, yes. At CRT, NFA items not bought through us are $50.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws and court rulings change; check current law or talk with an attorney about your situation.