Buying a gun online is legal and common, but the firearm cannot ship straight to your house. It ships to a licensed dealer, called an FFL, and you pick it up there after a background check. Here is what actually happens between “add to cart” and walking out our door.
Why online guns ship to a dealer
Federal law requires a licensed dealer to handle the transfer when a firearm crosses state lines to a buyer. The dealer receives the gun, confirms you can legally own it and records the sale. That is the whole job of an FFL transfer.
Step 1: Pick your dealer before you check out
Most online stores ask you to choose an FFL at checkout. Call the shop first. A quick call confirms they accept transfers, tells you the fee and avoids a package sitting in limbo. At Circle Star in Anderson, a transfer is $30, with law enforcement, veteran and other discounts. Call (936) 873-2055 before you order.
Step 2: The seller ships to the shop
The seller needs a copy of the dealer’s license before shipping. Big online retailers often have it on file. Smaller sellers and private sellers usually ask the shop to email it. Once it ships, save the tracking number.
Step 3: The shop logs it in and calls you
When the package arrives, the dealer checks it in and records it in their books. Then you get the call that it is ready.
Step 4: Paperwork and the background check
At the counter you show a valid government-issued photo ID with your current address and fill out ATF Form 4473. The dealer runs the federal background check. Most checks come back quickly. If yours is delayed, the FBI needs more time and the shop will explain what comes next.
Step 5: Pay the fee and take it home
Once you clear, you pay the transfer fee and the firearm is yours. Before you sign, look it over. Check the model and serial number against your order and make sure nothing was damaged in shipping.
Rules that trip people up
- Age: 21 for handguns and 18 for rifles and shotguns from a dealer.
- Residency: handguns can only go to residents of the dealer’s state. Rifles and shotguns can go to out-of-state buyers in person when legal in both states.
- No stand-ins: the buyer has to be the one who fills out the form and picks it up.
- NFA items: suppressors and short-barreled rifles follow extra rules. Since August 2026, members of covered groups like GOA can buy a suppressor over the counter. Here is how that works.
Ready to order?
Ship it to us. Our FFL transfer page has our address, what to bring and answers to common questions. For more straight answers, browse the Circle Star blog.
