Everything You Need to Know About FFL Transfers in Illinois
If you have ever purchased a firearm online, you know that it cannot be shipped directly to your home. Federal law requires all interstate firearm transactions to be completed through a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. This process, commonly called an "FFL transfer," is how the vast majority of online gun purchases are completed. Whether you are buying from major online retailers like Palmetto State Armory, Bud's Gun Shop, or GrabAGun, or winning an auction on GunBroker, understanding the FFL transfer process saves you time, money, and frustration. This guide covers everything Illinois residents need to know about FFL transfers in 2026. For even more detail on buying online, see our companion article on how to buy a gun online and ship to an Illinois FFL.
What Exactly Is an FFL Transfer?
An FFL transfer is the legal process of transferring ownership of a firearm from one party to another through a licensed dealer. Under the Gun Control Act of 1968, any firearm sold across state lines must be shipped to and received by an FFL holder, who then completes the federally required background check and paperwork before releasing the firearm to the buyer. Even within the same state, buying from an online retailer typically involves this process since the retailer ships from their FFL to your local FFL.
The FFL dealer acts as the regulated intermediary, ensuring that the buyer meets all federal, state, and local requirements before taking possession. In Illinois, this includes verifying the buyer's FOID card, completing ATF Form 4473, submitting the NICS background check, and tracking the mandatory waiting period.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete an FFL Transfer in Illinois
1. Choose Your Receiving FFL Dealer
Before you purchase a firearm online, identify the local FFL dealer where you want the firearm shipped. Contact the dealer to confirm they accept transfers and ask about their process and fees. At Ernie's Arms Accessories in Oak Lawn, IL, we accept transfers from any licensed dealer or retailer. Contact us before placing your order and we will provide our FFL information. Many online retailers have our FFL already on file in their system.
2. Place Your Online Order
When checking out on the online retailer's website, you will typically see an option to select your receiving FFL or enter the FFL's information. Most major retailers (Palmetto State Armory, Bud's Gun Shop, GrabAGun, Brownells, etc.) maintain databases of FFL dealers. Search for your chosen dealer in their system. If the dealer is not in their database, you will need to have your FFL dealer send a copy of their license to the retailer. We handle this routinely and can send our license the same day you contact us.
3. Your FFL Receives and Logs the Firearm
When the firearm arrives at the dealer's location, they are required by federal law to log it into their Acquisition and Disposition (A&D) book, which is a permanent record of every firearm that enters and leaves the dealer's possession. The dealer will inspect the firearm and contact you to schedule your pickup appointment. At Ernie's, we contact you the same day or next business day after receiving your shipment.
4. Complete Your Paperwork
At your appointment, you will complete ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record). This is a federal form that collects your identifying information and asks a series of eligibility questions. You must answer all questions truthfully. False statements on Form 4473 are a federal felony punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.
You will present your valid Illinois FOID card and a government-issued photo ID. The dealer will verify both documents and proceed with the NICS background check submission.
5. Background Check
The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is used to verify that you are not prohibited from purchasing a firearm. Results come back as one of three responses: PROCEED (approved), DELAYED (requires additional review), or DENIED. Most checks return a PROCEED result within minutes. A DELAYED status means the FBI needs more time and can take up to 3 business days. If no definitive answer is received within 3 business days, federal law allows (but does not require) the dealer to proceed with the transfer.
6. Waiting Period
Illinois mandates waiting periods: 72 hours for handgun transfers and 24 hours for long gun transfers. For a full overview of Illinois gun laws, see our dedicated guide. The clock starts when the NICS check is submitted, not when it returns a result. You will need to return to the dealer after the waiting period expires to pick up your firearm. There are no exceptions to this waiting period in Illinois.
- Forgetting to contact the FFL dealer before ordering (can cause delays if they are not expecting your shipment)
- Letting your FOID card expire before the transfer (your FOID must be valid at the time of pickup)
- Mismatched address between FOID card and driver's license (these must match for the transfer to proceed)
- Expecting same-day pickup (Illinois waiting periods mean you will always need at least two visits)
- Not bringing proper ID to the appointment (you need both your FOID card AND a government-issued photo ID)
How Much Does an FFL Transfer Cost?
FFL transfer fees vary by dealer and typically range from $20 to $75 per firearm in the Chicago metro area. Some dealers charge additional fees for multiple firearms in the same shipment, while others offer flat-rate pricing. At Ernie's Arms Accessories, we strive to keep our fees competitive while providing personalized, appointment-based service that the big box stores cannot match. Contact us for current transfer pricing.
When calculating the total cost of buying online, factor in the firearm price, shipping cost from the retailer, the FFL transfer fee, and any applicable taxes. Sometimes buying online saves money even with the transfer fee, and sometimes your local dealer can match or beat the online price. It is always worth checking. You can also ask us to special order the same firearm at a competitive price, eliminating the transfer fee entirely.
Ready to Start Your Transfer?
If you are planning an online firearm purchase and need a reliable FFL dealer in the Oak Lawn / Chicago south suburbs area, learn more about our transfer services or contact us directly to get started. We handle transfers from every major online retailer and will walk you through the process from start to finish. If this is your first time visiting a dealer, read our guide on what to expect at your first dealer appointment. We serve the entire Greater Chicago area by appointment.