If you have purchased your firearm(s) from any online seller or auction site, you will need to complete the FFL Transfer process with a licensed dealer so that you can legally own your gun. Our goal is to make that process as smooth and efficient as possible for you in clean, safe and secure environment. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you take the next step after you make any online purchase of a firearm:
Step-by-Step Guide
Receiving an FFL Transfer through Lone Star Defense & Arms is fast, easy, and hassle-free! Please follow the easy step-by-step guide below:
First, after you complete your transaction with the seller, auction site or dealer; then send us an email to: info@defenseandarms.com or fax: (713) 465-1821 and include ALL of the following information below to ensure accuracy:
- BRIEF DESCRIPTION of the firearm(s) and please provide any ORDER, INVOICE or AUCTION numbers associated with that transaction. Use the serial number(s) if there are no other identifying information for the transaction.
- The SELLER’s (transferor) information – NAME of business or person + E-MAIL ADDRESS or Fax Number. We MUST have an e-mail or fax for the seller so that we may have a reliable/traceable way to reach out to them on your behalf.
- The BUYER’s (transferee) information – your FULL NAME, a reliable PHONE NUMBER & E-MAIL. Let us know if you have a nickname you prefer to use.
Upon receiving all of requested of information above, we’ll contact the seller/dealer on your behalf via e-mail or fax and initiate the FFL Transfer. You will then receive a forwarded copy of that correspondence that will have PLEASE READ in the subject line showing proof of us providing our FFL to your seller/dealer. *Any missing or omitted information will delay the transfer process. We kindly ask to submit the information above even if we are “ON FILE” with your online seller to decrease the chance of any errors or missing information from the seller in the package.
Secondly, PLEASE BE PATIENT AND WAIT FOR US TO CONTACT YOU WHEN THE TRANSFER IS READY FOR PICK UP.
PLEASE READ: If you are tracking the shipment, there is no need to call the shop to inquire about the status of your transfer, and please do not show up at the shop if tracking shows that we signed for your item. Doing so only slows down the process for you and us. Please allow us time to properly and safely process the shipments, in accordance with federal regulations, in the order that they’re received. We assure you that you WILL be contacted within 24 hours by the next business day, so there is no need to worry as we kindly ask you to wait for a call from us.
When the item arrives, per federal law, we verify that the serial number on the actual firearm(s) matches the seller’s paperwork/documentation. Then we have to log it into our ATF Firearms Log and upon doing so, we will contact you to coordinate pick up.
We normally allow customers ONE full week (7 days from date of pick-up call or voicemail) to pick-up their transfer or at least begin the background check. Because we secure all the firearms in vaults, this limits the time we can store firearms due to the sheer number of firearms that we process – however, a few days to a week beyond the normal one week period is no big deal and won’t incur any fees, we just ask that you let us know via e-mail as a courtesy. If for whatever reason an extended storage time is needed beyond a 3+ weeks, we can work out a fair & reasonable solution with you on a case-by-case basis, and again, simply reach out to us via e-mail to let us know and we’ll gladly work something out to accommodate your needs.
TRANSFER PICK UP HOURS ARE ANYTIME BETWEEN:
10:00AM until 2:30PM TUESDAY thru SATURDAY
We’re CLOSED Sundays & Mondays
When you get the call that your transfer is ready, you may come in anytime between 10:00AM until 2:30PM as appointments are not necessary and we do not take a lunch break in the afternoon. However, please note that we do not allow any transfer pickups or background checks to begin after 2:30PM to ensure there is plenty of time for you to inspect your transfer, complete your paperwork and then finish your transaction and take your new firearm home as we lock our doors at 3:00PM SHARP. Please respect our time and we’ll respect yours.
We are always here to help. We will help you through the entire process so that the transfer goes smoothly, and you can receive your firearm quickly.
Transfer Guidelines and Store Policies
- Every transferee must possess a valid Texas ID or DL and if you possess a valid Texas LTC, bring it with you, you’ll save a lot of time. If you are a NON-U.S. CITIZEN, per federal law, please bring ALL of your immigration status documents WITH YOU when you come in to complete the paperwork so that we can verify the authenticity of them and make copies. If you are unsure of what to bring, bring it ALL, or contact us via e-mail during regular business hours for clarification. We will NOT transfer any firearms without these documents. NO EXCEPTIONS.
- For security reasons and for the safety of everyone, we close promptly at our regular closing time at 3:00PM. Please be courteous and arrive at least 30 minutes prior to closing time to start your paperwork when picking up a transfer; no one is allowed in AFTER closing time. NO EXCEPTIONS.
- We handle a LOT of transfers. With that being said, we normally allow our transferees ONE (1) WEEK to pick up their transfers after receiving notice that it’s ready for pick up. Any additional time will require prior written consent and/or agreed upon storage fees. Any item(s) left beyond one (1) month without proper communication and/or consent, will be designated abandoned and become legal property of the store without compensation to transferee.
- The $15 FFL Transfer fee is due for EACH firearm upon submission of the background check. The fee is due even if the background check is put on “DELAYED” status by the ATF/FBI. If your background is DELAYED, upon getting the approval of the submitted background check, you will promptly receive a follow up call or an e-mail from us for you to come in to finalize the paperwork and legally take possession of your firearm(s).
- If the background check comes back “DENIED” anytime during the background process, the transferee is still responsible for the transfer fee(s) and the transferee is responsible for the return to the items to the original online seller. If there is no resolution of return of firearm after a background denial and/or not picked up after 30 days (with no communication or agreement for extended storage) the item will then be considered ABANDONED and become the legal property of the store without compensation to the transferee.
- We reserve the right to refuse or decline service to anyone who does not follow or chooses to ignore our transfer guidelines & policies and/or exhibits any rude, obnoxious, condescending attitudes or dangerous threats/actions toward our team and other valued guests either on the phone, via e-mail, or in person. If this happens, we will not initiate the transfer, nor allow the transfer to proceed and return the firearm to the sender. Remember, respect is a two-way street. Be respectful to us and we will be respectful to you.
Thank you so very much for the opportunity to earn your business through this transfer. We handle and process all transfers from an actual storefront, so you will be receiving your purchase in a safe and clean environment and in a very timely manner to go along with the low $15.00 transfer fee. We PROMISE everyone first-class service so, with that being said, we do ask for everyone’s cooperation with our guidelines and store policies and we thank you in advance for your patience.
What is a Federal Firearms License?
Interstate trade or commerce of firearms or ammunition was all but prohibited after the Gun Control Act of 1968. Only individuals or companies with a Federal Firearms License can engage in manufacturing or selling firearms across state borders. This requirement becomes complicated when dealing with the modern advent of online sales of guns and ammo, which is why we are happy to offer this valuable service to our valued clients.
If you purchase a gun online as so many countless others have done, it is required by federal law that the purchaser/applicant have that firearm transferred to a dealer with an active and valid Federal Firearms License, also known as an FFL. The designated dealer will be responsible for the accurate processing of the ATF/FBI background check via ATF FORM 4473 to ensure that the purchaser/applicant of the firearm is qualified under the strict guidelines to legally buy and take legal possession of any serialized firearm.
Once we receive the shipment of the firearm, we will carefully open the package, inspect/verify its information is accurate to what the seller provided and log each and every serialized firearm according to ATF guidelines & regulations into our shop’s ATF Log Books. We will then promptly notify the buyer/transferee to come and complete the mandatory background check. Once the background check is submitted, the buyer will pay the $15.00 FFL Transfer fee per firearm and upon official approval, the firearm will then be legally released (or transferred) to the new owner. For all Class 3 NFA transfers, the fee is only $75 per NFA item and the request for that is the same as an FFL Transfer but does require and the extra step of the dealer to file an ATF Form 4 on behalf of the buyer/applicant for a Federal Tax Stamp. More information will be found on the NFA Transfers page.
We offer the lowest FFL Transfer fee of any other gun shop, dealer or range in the Houston area. Unlike other shops or dealers, after the firearm is properly processed and ready, we promptly notify the buyer/transferor once the item is processed & ready (by the next business day at the latest) so you don’t have to wait to pick up the firearm when it’s convenient for the dealer or shop. When you get the pickup notice, you’re more than welcome to stop by anytime between our regular pick up times posted that works best for your schedule. Again, no need for an appointment.
When you let Lone Star Defense & Arms handle your FFL transfer, you can be sure you’ll receive fast, friendly service. We hope you’ll let us show you why we should be your trusted source for all your FFL Transfer needs and experience the Lone Star Difference!
Questions? Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions and answers below were written in October 2025.
For the most updated information visit: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing
That’s a great question! An FFL Transfer is the legal process of transferring ownership of a firearm purchased online or from an out-of-state seller to you, through a federally licensed dealer like us – Lone Star Defense & Arms. Federal law (specifically the Gun Control Act of 1968) requires that firearms sold across state lines be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. We, as an FFL holder, will then properly process each and every firearm we receive as a transfer, initiate the federally mandated background check and ensure all your paperwork is processed correctly so that you may legally take possession (or transfer) of your firearm.
For the most updated information visit: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing
Lone Star Defense & Arms makes FFL transfers fast, easy, and hassle-free! Please see the step-by-step guide (above) for more in-depth details, but in a nutshell, you let us know what you purchased, who you bought it from and how we can get a hold of you when your transfer is ready for pick up after we process it. That’s essentially it and we’ll normally call you by the next business day to come in to complete the background check. When the background check is processed, you pay our low $15 transfer fee (per firearm), and finalize the process. When the background check is approved, you can then legally take possession of your firearm(s). The background check process is normally instant to about 5-15 mins with their approvals but can take longer in some cases if you have a very common name, or if you’re a junior or a II, III, etc. In the case the ATF needs more time for the research before approving your background check, they will put it on a DELAY STATUS. That’s nothing to worry about, it just means the agents need more time investigating and/or awaiting a more thorough background information to come in from other government sources on your specific background check. So in the case of your background being placed on DELAY STATUS, we will contact you as soon as we get an official approval from the government and/or we reach the 5-Day Federal Brady Transfer Date, whichever comes first, to come in to sign off and take legal possession/transfer of your firearm(s). We DO NOT release/transfer firearms unless there is an official approval or we reach the 5-Day Federal Brady Transfer Date.
For the most updated information visit: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing
Absolutely no hidden costs or extra charges! At Lone Star Defense & Arms, we pride ourselves on transparent pricing. Our $15 FFL Transfer fee (per firearm) is one of the lowest in the Houston area, with no hidden charges, fees or gimmicks. The only other potential fees/costs would only be in the case of extended vault storage of a firearms transfer, but normally most transferees are able to pick up within a full week and if a bit more time is needed due to work or being of town, just be sure to let us know in writing (via e-mail) that you need more time, no worries. If the case of truly needing extended storage, we will gladly work with you to come up with a fair deal to accommodate your needs and situation. We believe in fair and upfront pricing, and we’ve built our reputation on it over 11 years of serving our community. Please note: FFL transfer fees can be even lower under our Fellowship program.
For the most updated information visit: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing
When you get the pick up call that your transfer is ready for you to come into the storefront, be sure to bring a valid, state-issued identification such as your Texas Driver’s License or Texas ID. If you possess a valid Texas License to Carry (LTC) then bring that with you as well, as that will serve as your background check and it speeds up the process immensely if you bring both cards with you when coming in.
All transferees who are NON-U.S. CITIZENS are required to bring the same state-issued ID’s as stated above AND must bring along their original immigration documents that apply to them, such as a PERMANTANT RESIDENT CARD (GREEN CARD) or a current printed copy of their I-94 w/ a valid TEXAS HUNTING LICENSE. We’ll guide you through the background check process (ATF Form 4473) and ensure all paperwork is completed correctly and entered accurately. Please be aware that all Non-U.S. citizens will have their background check placed on immediate DELAY STATUS to allow the proper processing of the form through the system. This delay will only be from 1-5 days and when approved, we may legally release/transfer the firearm to the transferee.
For the most updated information visit: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing
That’s another great question, and it’s important to fully understand the difference! A regular FFL transfer, as we offer at Lone Star Defense & Arms for just $15, covers most standard firearms like pistols, rifles, and shotguns purchased online or from out-of-state sellers. A Class 3 NFA transfer, however, is required for items regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA). Lone Star Defense & Arms’ NFA Transfer fee is only $75 per NFA item and those regulated items include:
- Suppressors (Silencers): Devices that reduce noise of a firearm discharge.
- Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs): Rifles w/ a barrel length less than 16”.
- Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBSs): Shotguns w/ a barrel length less than 18”
- Machine Guns: Firearms that fire automatically more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger (manufactured before May 19, 1986 – newer ones are not transferable to civilians).
- Any Other Weapon (AOW): This is a catch-all category for certain unusual firearms, like pen guns or cane guns.
For the most updated information visit: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing
- Federal Registration: NFA items must be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE). This involves a much more extensive application process than a standard background check.
- ATF Form 4: Instead of the standard ATF Form 4473 (used for regular firearm transfers), a Class 3 NFA transfer requires ATF Form 4 (“Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm”). This form includes detailed and comprehensive information about the NFA item(s), the transferee (you), and the transferor (the dealer or seller).
- Tax Stamp Fee: A $200 tax stamp is required for most NFA items (AOWs have a $5 tax stamp). A tax stamp is required for EACH ITEM on any application and each $200 fee is the responsibility of the applicant and not include with our NFA Transfer fee.
- Longer Wait Times: The traditional ATF approval process for Form 4 applications often takes several months (sometimes 4-9 months or even longer, though wait times can fluctuate significantly). This is waiting period is much longer than the instant background check for regular firearm transfers. However, with recent upgrades & revisions to the BATFE site, we gladly offer filing your Form 4 electronically via E-File, which does drastically reduce the wait time down to a month to possibly even a few days; all of which is all relative to the applicant and how they wish us to file on their behalf.
- Fingerprints and Photographs: You’ll need to submit fingerprint cards and passport-style photographs with your NFA Form 4 application. We do offer in-house traditional finger printing services and we’ll be able to offer electronic prints in the very near future as well, that will further enhance and speed up the application wait time for our valued clients.
In summary, while both types of transfers involve an FFL dealer, a Class 3 NFA transfer is a much more involved federal registration process with significant wait times and additional requirements due to the nature of the regulated items. PLEASE VISIT OUR NFA TRANSFER PAGE FOR FURTHER DETAILS. Lone Star Defense & Arms is experienced in handling these transfers and will make the process as smooth as possible for your NFA Transfer process. We’ve been serving the Houston community for over 11 years and have built a reputation for accuracy, expertise and first-class customer service.
For the most updated information visit: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing
Besides our unbeatable $15 Transfer fee, Lone Star Defense & Arms offers a level of service and commitment that’s hard to find elsewhere. We’re a family-owned, woman-owned business that’s been serving the Houston area for over 11 years. We have thousands of 5-star reviews online which is a testament to our dedication to providing first-class customer service and satisfaction. We prioritize the customer experience, offering a safe, clean, friendly, welcoming environment where you can ask the important hard, difficult questions without feeling intimidated or shamed.
We’ll walk you through the entire process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transfer.
Pick up times are anytime from 10:00 am until 2:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday for your convenience. We don’t require appointments – so after getting the pick-up notice, just stop by our storefront anytime between 10:00am till 2:30pm Tuesday through Saturday. We also offer a nice selection of new, pre-owned and consignment firearms, ammunition, and accessories if you’re looking to add to your collection when at our storefront picking up your transfer. We’re confident that once you experience the Lone Star difference, you’ll see why people come in from all over the city and why we’re the highest-rated gun shop in all of Houston!
For the most updated information visit: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing