Starting a Gun Store

[alby]

It is my assumption that on a federal level, all you need is a Federal Firearms Licenses Type 1
to become a firearms dealer. If I'm mistaken, just let me know. As for the State level, what licenses
do you need in Virginia to begin legally operating a Gun Store?

Thanks,

[allingeneral]

You need to start by filing a business name with the Virginia State Corporation Commission so that they can collect Virginia state sales tax, then get your FFL using that business name. After those hoops are jumped through, you'll need to file a Virginia Form SP-69 - Virginia Firearms Dealer Registration.

Section 18.2308.2:2, of the Code of Virginia, requires all persons, firms, partnerships, or corporations, licensed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives as a firearms dealer, to contact the Department of State Police for a criminal history record information check to be performed on the prospective firearms purchaser prior to the actual release of the firearm. The Virginia Department of State Police is the official Point of Contact (POC) for the FBI’s National Criminal Instant Check System (NICS).
Firearms dealers must register with the Department of State Police, Firearms Transaction Center, to be assigned a Dealer Identification Number (DIN). The State Police Firearms Transaction Center will not conduct a criminal history record information check without a valid DIN provided by the dealer.

Dealer registration records must be maintained current and accurate at all times.
Registered firearms dealers must notify the Firearms Transaction Center Help Desk
promptly upon any change in registration information, i.e., telephone number,
address, federal firearms license number, tax identification number, business
license number, etc.

The DIN is confidential and shall be used only by firearms dealers or those persons
authorized by the Department of State Police.

VCheck (Virginia’s Instant Criminal Background Check) provides Virginia firearms
dealers with easy Internet access to the State Police’s firearms transaction system,
and is accessed via your Internet service provider. A member of the FTC Support
Team will contact you by telephone to finalize your VCheck authorization. In
addition to a user ID and password, a “Store Key” will be provided for extra security
purposes.

Mail completed registration form to:
Firearms Transaction Center
Criminal Justice Information Services Division
Department of State Police
Post Office Box 85608
Richmond, Virginia 23285-5608

The following will be returned to the dealer upon registration: SP69 original which will include assignment of a Dealer Identification Number (DIN), a supply of Virginia Firearms Transaction Record (SP65) forms, and a Procedures Manual for Firearms Dealers.

[Vahunter]

On the state level you'll need a buisness license and a tax exempt number. Make sure the location you have is zoned for buisness.

[allingeneral]

On the state level you'll need a buisness license and a tax exempt number. Make sure the location you have is zoned for buisness.

Yep - good additions there VaHunter.

Tax Exempt Number = FEIN - Federal Employer Identification Number
This allows you to use an FEIN for tax purposes instead of relying on your Social Security Number - Especially if you are operating as a Sole Proprietorship.

Business License (County) - You'll have to talk to your County Treasurer about this one. They want to collect taxes as well!

[alby]

Thanks. Most of what was posted I figured was obvious on the administrative side of the business.
With getting Tax IDs and such. But the Virginia Form SP-69 and Zoning are the missing links. I doubt the Virginia Form SP-69 would be a big issue. But the Local Zoning might be the biggest hurdle, because that means if you aren't renting/buying a store front that was previously a Gun Store, you'll have to go before the Planning Board and/or Board of Supervisors to get zoning permission on a location you've already signed a contract on. Ouch...

Nothing sucks more than signing on the dotted line for a store front and then hoping the Government gives you the rubber stamp to actually open business.

[allingeneral]

Thanks. Most of what was posted I figured was obvious on the administrative side of the business. With getting Tax IDs and such. But the Virginia Form SP-69 and Zoning are the missing links. I doubt the Virginia Form SP-69 would be a big issue. But the Local Zoning might be the biggest hurdle, because that means if you aren't renting/buying a store front that was previously a Gun Store, you'll have to go before the Planning Board and/or Board of Supervisors to get zoning permission on a location you've already signed a contract on. Ouch...

Nothing sucks more than signing on the dotted line for a store front and then hoping the Government gives you the rubber stamp to actually open business.

I was just trying to cover all the bases in one shot...didn't know if you were familiar with the "obvious" business processes.

Let us know how it goes with the Board of Supervisors!

[alby]

Let us know how it goes with the Board of Supervisors!

Hahahah.. You know how the government can be.. lol