Scanned or e-mailed copies of federal firearms licenses
An article in the August 2005, FFL Newsletter states that faxed copies of Federal firearms licenses (FFLs) are now acceptable. We have recieved many inquiries about acceptance of other "electronic" versions of licenses such as e-mailed or scanned copies. After further review of this issue, ATF has determined that scanned or e-mailed versions of licenses are also acceptable.
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Further, the regulations do not specifically address whether the certified license furnished to the transferor must have an original signature. However, the license itself indicates that the signature on each copy of the certified license must be an original signature. It is ATF's position that any signature--whether it is done by hand with a pen, stamped or auto-penned--is an original signature, if the person whose signature appears intends it as an original signature.
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All should be aware of the security issues surrounding transmission of electronic information. An additional precaution can be the use of a PDF protocol, which is less likely to be altered. It is incumbent upon all FFLs to safeguard their personal and business information to prevent fradulent activity involving their Federal firearms license.
Finally, a license is not considered valid unless a legible copy of the transferee's license clearly identifies the name, address, license number, and expiration date. Acceptance of blurred or illegible copis of a transferee's license may constitute noncompliance with regulations. If you should have questions regarding this information, please contact your local ATF field office.
