FFL paperwork for a transfer: mail or by fax?

[StephenT]

Hi all,

I'm trying to obtain a firearms from out-of-state, but have run into an unexpected hurdle. Yesterday, I won a nice K-38 revolver on auction arms from a vendor in MA. According to the seller, my FFL handling the transaction needs to mail a copy of his paperwork signed in blue ink. Apparently, a fax is not good enough. My FFL, who's an attorney, insists that this info can be faxed. I realize that I'm dealing with a pretty restrictive state, but the firearm is shipping out of Massachussets in this instance. I was also looking at the ATF's website, but apparently all requests must be sent in writing, so I guess I can't talk to an agent on the phone.

Anyone know what the deal is here? Thanks!

 

[StephenT]

Hmmm, no one?

Anyway, here's a photo of what I got. I paid $226 for it, which seems very reasonable.

 

[cane]

According to the August 2005 FFL newsletter, a faxed copy of an FFL is now acceptable. You can read a copy online at the ATF website. The information on the faxed copy can also be verified online using the EzCheck feature.

 

[tg_26101]

There's a huge thread on this running here the past couple weeks, which I'm sorry to say I got involved in. Bottom line is, the faxed FFL is now somewhat acceptable, depending on your interpretation of the latest FFL newsletter. However, many FFL holders either (1) didn't receive or read the letter, or (2) are playing it safe and staying with the old tried and true mailed copy signed in ink other than black. Sounds like the seller is playing it safe. Why is mailing a copy a problem for your guy? Give him an addressed, stamped envelope, have him insert his FFL, and send it on it's way. Everybody's happy, and no one gets hurt.

 

[thatguy]

I got a notice from the ATF (I have a C&R FFL) that faxed copies are now legal. That doesn't mean every dealer will know of the change or want to do it this way.

What's the big deal? Just mail a signed copy.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

Read the BATFE info release.

Fax is now okay, but ... it puts the responsibility on the FFL on the selling end to verify the legitimacy of the faxed copy. I can understand an FFL being wary of accepting what he/she views as additional liability/responsibility.

Besides -- the new ruling says an FFL "may" accept a faxed copy, it doesn't say they "must" accept a faxed copy.

 

[El Rojo]

I am just about to get my FFL. I say what is the big deal with the fax? You run the number through the EZ check and you are good to go. And if the guy doesn't want the fax, then send him the snail mail copy as everyone has mentioned. If you are in a hurry, over night it. Good luck.

 

[StephenT]

Thanks guys.

I can understand why an FFL in a state like MA might be paranoid and want to cover his rear. I'm going to check again with my FFL next week and simply ask him to mail his paperwork so that I can receive my purchase.

With the transfer and shipping, my total comes out to $271 for a K-38 in very good shape with a 6" barrel. Is this a pretty decent deal?

 

[gezzer]

I am a dealer, have been through 2 fax machines and cannot get a ledgible copy of an ffl the stinking numbers are white on black and the whole stip comes out black.

We are not accepting faxed copys. To bad an ink signed copy costs very little to make and mail. Don't want to wait buy an in stock gun from your local dealer.

The internet, emails and such are making foks way to impatient.


Nice deal usualy I can get 325-350 for one on auction.

 

[waterhouse]

I am just about to get my FFL. I say what is the big deal with the fax?

I also say what's the big deal, but some of these guys have been doing it through the mail for a very long time and are a little afraid of the power of the ATF. Change takes time, especially when messing up the change can effect your income. I accept faxed copies, but I completely understand that some dealers won't.

 

[Old Fuff]

FAXed copies are now legal if they are varified, but because of the BATF&E's well deserved reputation for being JBT's many dealers are afraid to do anything differently then they have been doing. This is unfortunate, but understandable.

To save your dealer time and trouble, do what I do. Write a short cover letter explaining what gun is involved, and to ship it to your attention to the receiving dealer. Make a matching envelope with the dealer's return address and put a stamp on it. Making things easy insure that the letter/licence won't be delayed on your end.

That is a neat revolver. You did VERY good.

 

[pete f]

If time is such a worry, Give your attorney a fed ex envelope and ask him to overnight it. almost as fast, he can have it by 8 am following day.