At a Glance: An FFL number is a 15-digit code assigned by the ATF to each Federal Firearms Licensee. Every digit has a meaning that reveals details like region, state, license type, expiration date, and a unique identifier. Knowing how to read it helps gun dealers stay compliant during every firearm transfer.
An FFL number is a unique identifier issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to licensed firearm dealers, manufacturers, and importers. While the number may seem like just a sequence of digits, each part holds valuable information that helps verify a business’s legitimacy, track compliance, and streamline firearm transfers. Knowing how to read and interpret each section of the FFL number ensures that firearms transactions are done legally and smoothly, reducing the risk of compliance issues. Below, we’ll break down the six sections of the FFL number, highlighting what each part reveals and how it plays a role in the transfer process.
1st Set – Region Code
(1 Digit: Part of the RDS Key)
The first digit in every FFL number represents one of seven ATF regions in the United States where the federal firearm license was issued. The region code helps identify which field division oversees the license and confirms that the FFL dealer operates in the correct jurisdiction. This information can be cross-checked when verifying a valid FFL or reviewing a firearm shipment approval letter.
Region Code | Region Name |
1 | Southeast |
3 | Midwest |
4 | Central |
5 | Southwest |
6 | North Atlantic |
8 | Mid Atlantic |
9 | Western |
Codes 2 and 7 are not used. If the region code does not match the FFL holder’s business address, contact information, or the state’s database listing, it could indicate a compliance issue that needs review before any firearm transfer or outgoing transfers occur.
2nd Set – District Code
(2 Digits: Part of the RDS Key)
The second set of digits in an FFL number identifies the state or territory in which the license was issued. Some states have multiple codes because of population size or the number of active FFL dealers. This set helps confirm that the selling dealer and transferring FFL are located in the correct state for shipping, sales tax, and person transfer regulations.
Code | State / Territory | Code | State / Territory |
|---|---|---|---|
01 | Maine | 61 | Kentucky |
02 | New Hampshire | 62 | Tennessee |
03 | Vermont | 63 | Alabama |
04 | Massachusetts | 64 | Mississippi |
05 | Rhode Island | 66 | PR or VI (Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands) |
06 | Connecticut | 68 | California |
11 | New York | 71 | Arkansas |
13 | New York | 72 | Louisiana |
14 | New York | 73 | Oklahoma |
16 | New York | 74 | Texas |
22 | New Jersey | 75 | Texas |
23 | Pennsylvania | 76 | Texas |
25 | Pennsylvania | 77 | California |
31 | Ohio | 81 | Montana |
33 | California | 82 | Idaho |
34 | Ohio | 83 | Wyoming |
35 | Indiana | 84 | Colorado |
36 | Illinois | 85 | New Mexico |
37 | Illinois | 86 | Arizona |
38 | Michigan | 87 | Utah |
39 | Wisconsin | 88 | Nevada |
41 | Minnesota | 91 | Washington |
42 | Iowa | 92 | Alaska |
43 | Missouri | 93 | Oregon |
45 | North Dakota | 94 | California |
46 | South Dakota | 95 | California |
47 | Nebraska | 98 | Guam |
48 | Kansas | 99 | Hawaii |
51 | Delaware | ||
52 | Maryland | ||
54 | DC or Virginia | ||
55 | West Virginia | ||
56 | North Carolina | ||
57 | South Carolina | ||
58 | Georgia | ||
59 | Florida |
When verifying an FFL, always ensure the state code aligns with the FFL license copy on file, the business’s current address, and the state’s database information before processing any firearm transfer.
3rd Set – FIPS or County Code
The third section of an FFL number, made up of three digits, corresponds to the FIPS code for the specific county or locality where the FFL operates. This ensures each license can be matched to the correct physical location.
For firearm dealers, this section helps confirm that a license is linked to the correct premises before accepting an incoming transfer or processing outbound transfers. When verifying, confirm the county listed matches the address, customers name, and phone number on the transferring FFL’s copy of our FFL documentation.
If the location or county does not match the FFL holder’s records, pause the transfer procedure until the discrepancy is corrected with the ATF.
4th Set – License Type
The fourth set contains two digits identifying the type of license issued. This determines whether the FFL holder is a dealer, manufacturer, importer, or collector. Knowing this is vital for ATF compliance, especially when dealing with lower receivers, long guns, or ammunition.
Code | License Type |
01 | |
02 | |
03 | |
06 | |
07 | |
08 | |
09 | |
10 | |
11 |
Always check the license type before transferring firearms. For example, a dealer cannot perform manufacturing under a 01 license. Ensure the selling dealer and transferring FFL share appropriate license types before shipping or charging transfer fees.
5th Set – Expiration Code
The fifth set includes a number and a letter that represent the expiration date of the FFL. The number indicates the final digit of the year, and the letter identifies the month.
- Number = last digit of the expiration year
- Letter = month (A = January through L = December, skipping I)
Example: 5K indicates a license expiring in November 2025.
Verifying this section helps prevent compliance issues caused by expired licenses. Before processing any firearm transfer, confirm the license expiration date using the ATF’s eZCheck tool.
6th Set – Unique Sequence Number
The final five digits of an FFL number form the unique sequence that distinguishes each license. Even if two dealers share the same region and state codes, this number identifies each FFL holder individually.
Always ensure the sequence number matches the copy of the license provided by the transferring FFL before proceeding with any firearm transfer, person transfer, or outgoing transfer. This prevents confusion during audits and ensures each firearm is tied to the correct FFL license and transaction record.
Managing FFL Numbers and Compliance with FastBound
The ATF’s eZ Check system is a free tool that provides up-to-date information on the validity of an FFL, ensuring firearms are transferred under legitimate licenses. FastBound simplifies FFL verification by integrating directly with eZ Check, allowing dealers to verify FFL status in real time. This automation reduces manual effort and ensures compliance with ATF regulations. FastBound pulls key details like the FFL holder’s business name, expiration date, and address, preventing errors related to expired or invalid licenses and keeping the process secure.
FastBound’s integration flags any mismatched or expired licenses immediately, preventing delays and regulatory issues. Dealers can trust that every transfer is backed by accurate, verified FFL data, saving time and minimizing non-compliance risks. This seamless process enhances recordkeeping, streamlining workflow while maintaining full ATF compliance.
FastBound helps firearms dealers stay compliant as rules change. Its cloud-based A&D system automates recordkeeping, integrates with electronic 4473 workflows, and flags issues before they become violations. Start your Free Trial today to learn how our compliance software can protect your business while saving you valuable time and resources.
