When you need an FFL transfer
Federal law requires that firearms purchased across state lines (or in many cases through a private dealer) ship to a licensed dealer in your state of residence — not directly to you. A licensed dealer in your state receives it, runs your background check, and hands it over. That's us.
Common cases:
- You bought a firearm on GunBroker, GunsAmerica, or another online marketplace
- You bought from a Montana-resident private seller in another county where the seller wants to use FFL dealer-to-dealer transfer for legal safety
- You bought from an out-of-state dealer (Brownells, MidwayUSA, Bud's, etc.)
- You bought a firearm at a out-of-state gun show and the seller is shipping it to your local FFL
- You inherited a firearm from a family member in another state
$40 flat, period
We charge $40 per transfer. That's the whole price — no separate background-check fee, no paperwork fees, no per-page nonsense. If you're transferring multiple firearms in one trip (rare but it happens), each one is $40.
NFA items (suppressors, SBRs, machine guns) are different. Those go through the ATF Form 4 process, take ~10 days for ATF approval, and our handling fee for those is bundled with our suppressor service. The $40 transfer rate is for non-NFA firearms.
How to start a transfer
1Fill out the form below
Give us your info, the firearm, and your seller. The moment you submit, we email you our FFL and shipping address automatically — no waiting on us.
- What firearm you're buying (make, model, serial number if you have it)
- The seller's name and contact
- Your name and email (we send our FFL there)
Most online retailers have a streamlined "where do I send this?" form. Just give them our shop name (Northmark Arms / Northmark Enterprises LLC), our FFL number (in the email we send you), and our address. They'll handle their end.
2We email you our FFL — instantly
The moment you submit the form below, our FFL and shipping address land in your inbox automatically. Forward it to your seller, or just give them our license number — most online retailers accept it directly.
3The seller ships
Once they have our FFL, they ship the firearm to us. Email us the tracking number when you have it so we know what to expect.
4We receive + log it in
When it arrives, we open it, make sure it matches the paperwork, and check it in. We call or email you the moment it's ready to pick up.
5You come pick it up
Schedule a 30-minute appointment. Bring photo ID. We complete ATF Form 4473 at the counter, run the NICS background check (it's instant for clean records), and you walk out with your firearm. Total counter time is usually 15–25 minutes.
Questions we hear
How long does it take from shipping to pickup?
Shipping time varies (UPS Ground from the East Coast is 4–5 days; same-day pickup from a nearby Montana dealer is available). Once we receive the firearm, we typically call or email you within the hour to schedule pickup. Most customers are out the door within 24 hours of the package arriving.
What ID do I need?
A current government-issued photo ID with your address. Montana driver's license is standard. If your ID doesn't show your current address, bring a recent utility bill or lease to confirm.
What firearms can NOT transfer to Montana residents?
Most can. Some categories have specific rules:
- Handguns from an out-of-state PRIVATE seller — federal law requires those to go dealer-to-dealer; the seller's FFL ships to us, no exceptions.
- NFA items — these go through Form 4 / Form 5 process, not a regular transfer. See our suppressor process.
- NFA imports — additional paperwork required; call us before you commit to the purchase.
- Items prohibited in your home state — if you're a Montana resident, this is rare. Some configurations banned in CA, NY, NJ, MA, etc. don't apply to MT.
What if I fail the background check?
Rare for clean records. If NICS comes back "delayed" or "denied," we follow the federal process — for denials, you're entitled to challenge through the FBI's Voluntary Appeal File system. The firearm stays in our possession until the situation is resolved. We don't keep the $40 if the transfer ultimately can't complete; the fee is refunded after a final denial.
Can I have the seller ship faster / use a specific carrier?
That's between you and the seller. Most online retailers default to UPS Ground for firearms. Some allow expedited shipping for an additional fee. Don't ask USPS to ship handguns — federal law doesn't allow it.
Can I pick up on a Sunday or Monday?
By appointment, yes. We're a by-appointment shop, not a walk-in counter, which means we can typically accommodate weekend or after-hours pickup with a day or two of notice.
Do you transfer to other FFLs?
Yes. If you bought a firearm from us and want it shipped to an FFL near you (rather than picking up in Bozeman), we handle that direction too. Outbound shipping cost is at our cost; insurance recommended.
Start your transfer
Fill out the form below and our FFL lands in your inbox the moment you submit. Or call (406) 518-7280 if you have questions before the seller ships.