How to Buy a Gun Online & Ship to FFL in Kentucky
Buying a firearm online is safe, legal, and straightforward — but it requires one key step that doesn’t apply to most online purchases: you can’t have it shipped directly to your house. Federal law requires all firearms purchased from a licensed dealer to be transferred through another licensed FFL dealer in your state. Here’s everything you need to know.
Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Online Gun Buying in Kentucky
Find Your Firearm and Add to Cart
Browse our inventory and select the firearm you want to purchase. Check that it’s legal in your state (Kentucky has very few restrictions for law-abiding adults). Verify the caliber, configuration, and any accessories. When you’re ready, add to cart and proceed to checkout.
If you’re unsure about any model, call us at (502) 385-0294. We’re happy to walk you through the differences between models, explain features, and help you make the right choice.
Choose Your Local FFL Dealer
During checkout, you’ll need to provide the name, address, and phone number of an FFL dealer near you. This is the gun shop that will receive the firearm on your behalf and complete the transfer paperwork. Any licensed gun dealer can serve as your receiving FFL.
To find a licensed dealer near you, use the GunBroker FFL Finder or the ATF’s FFL eZ Check database. We recommend calling ahead to confirm their transfer fee and that they accept transfers from online dealers.
We Ship the Firearm to Your FFL Dealer
After your order is processed and payment is confirmed, we prepare your firearm for shipment. We package it securely, attach our FFL copy, and ship via FedEx or UPS with adult signature required and full insurance coverage. You’ll receive a tracking number the same day your order ships.
Delivery to most Kentucky FFL dealers takes 2–3 business days after shipment. We typically ship within 1–2 business days of receiving payment.
Your Dealer Receives the Firearm and Contacts You
When the FFL dealer receives your firearm, they’ll log it into their bound book (acquisition record) and contact you to schedule a pickup. This usually happens within 24 hours of delivery. Some dealers will call you; others send a text or email.
If you haven’t heard from your dealer within 2 business days of the expected delivery date, call them directly with your tracking number. Occasionally packages are held at the FedEx/UPS facility if no one is available to sign.
Visit the Dealer with Your ID and Complete Form 4473
Go to your FFL dealer with a valid, government-issued photo ID. You’ll complete ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record) — a one-page federal form that verifies your identity and eligibility to own a firearm. The form asks about citizenship, criminal history, mental health, and other disqualifying factors.
The dealer will then submit your information to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). In most cases, the check is completed in minutes. If approved, you proceed to pickup. If delayed, the dealer may wait up to 3 business days before the check must resolve one way or another.
Pass the Background Check and Take Your Firearm Home
Once your NICS background check comes back as “Proceed,” the dealer records the transfer in their disposition records, hands you your firearm, and the process is complete. You are now the legal owner of your firearm. Pay the dealer their transfer fee at this time.
Kentucky has no waiting period, so there’s no delay between approval and pickup. In most cases, the entire visit to the FFL dealer takes 20–30 minutes.
What to Bring to the FFL Dealer
- Valid, government-issued photo ID — Driver’s license, state ID, or passport. Must show current address (if your ID shows an old address, bring proof of current address such as a utility bill).
- Your order confirmation or tracking number — Helps the dealer locate your specific transfer
- Payment for the transfer fee — Usually $20–$50 cash or card, depending on the dealer
Understanding ATF Form 4473
Form 4473 is the federal document that makes every firearm transfer from an FFL dealer legal. It collects your identifying information and asks a series of questions to confirm you’re not a prohibited person. These questions include whether you’ve ever been convicted of a felony, whether you’re under indictment, whether you’ve been adjudicated mentally defective, and other disqualifying conditions under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). Answering falsely on Form 4473 is a federal felony.
Understanding the NICS Background Check
The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), operated by the FBI, checks federal and state criminal databases, mental health records, and other disqualifying databases. The vast majority of checks (over 90%) return an instant “Proceed” decision. Some checks come back as “Delayed” — meaning the FBI needs more time to research records. Federal law allows dealers to transfer after 3 business days on a delayed check, though many dealers prefer to wait. A “Denied” response means the buyer is prohibited from receiving the firearm; they may appeal through the NICS appeal process.
Finding an FFL Dealer in Louisville and Kentucky
There are hundreds of licensed FFL dealers in the Louisville metro area and throughout Kentucky. To find one near you:
- GunBroker FFL Finder: Visit gunbroker.com/ffl-finder and enter your zip code to find nearby dealers by distance.
- ATF eZ Check: The ATF maintains a public database of all active FFL holders at atf.gov. Search by city, county, or zip code.
- Ask Us: We work with FFL dealers across Kentucky regularly. Call us and we can recommend dealers in your area we’ve had positive experiences with.
Transfer Fee Expectations
Transfer fees vary by dealer. In the Louisville area, fees typically range from $20 to $50 per firearm. Some dealers charge less for their regular customers; others charge a flat fee regardless of the firearm type. A few dealers don’t accept transfers from online retailers at all — always call ahead to confirm. When comparing total costs, factor in the transfer fee when comparing our online prices to local shop prices.
First-Time Buyer Tips
- Call the receiving FFL dealer before placing your order to confirm they accept online transfers and their current fee.
- Make sure your photo ID shows your current address. This is the most common cause of delays at pickup.
- Don’t be nervous about the Form 4473. If you’re a law-abiding citizen, the process is straightforward and quick.
- If your background check comes back “Delayed,” don’t panic. It usually resolves within 1–3 business days. Contact us if you have concerns.
- After taking possession, store your firearm safely. Consider a gun safe or lockbox. Keep firearms away from unauthorized access, especially children.
FFL Transfer FAQ
Can I use any FFL dealer in Kentucky?
Yes — you can choose any active FFL dealer in Kentucky as your receiving dealer. The dealer must hold a current Type 01 (Dealer in Firearms) or Type 02 (Pawnbroker) FFL at minimum. You are not required to use a dealer in your own city — just one that’s convenient for you. Some dealers are more transfer-friendly than others; dealers who specialize in transfers typically have lower fees and smoother processes.
What if my background check is denied?
If your NICS check is denied, the FFL dealer cannot transfer the firearm to you. The firearm will be returned to us. You may appeal a denial through the FBI’s NICS Section by calling 1-877-324-6427. Denials can occur due to errors in federal databases — approximately 5% of denials are due to misidentification or data errors. If you believe your denial is in error, the NICS appeal process can correct it. Refunds on denied purchases are handled case-by-case; contact us if this occurs.
How long does the transfer take from start to finish?
From the time you place your order, the entire process typically takes 5–8 business days: 1–2 days for us to process and ship, 2–3 days for shipping to your dealer, and then your same-day or next-day visit to the dealer. Total elapsed time from purchase to having the firearm in hand is usually under 2 weeks, often under 1 week for Kentucky residents.
Do I need to tell the FFL dealer anything about my online purchase?
Just bring your ID and tell them you’re there to pick up a transfer from Kentucky Gun Shop. They’ll look up the package by your name. Having your order number or tracking number handy can speed things up. The dealer handles all the ATF paperwork — you just need to complete the 4473 form they provide.
Can the FFL dealer refuse my transfer?
Yes — an FFL dealer has the right to refuse any transfer at their discretion, though this is uncommon for straightforward purchases. More commonly, a dealer may not accept transfers from certain online retailers, or may not accept certain types of firearms (e.g., some dealers won’t transfer NFA items). Always call ahead to confirm. If your chosen dealer cannot complete the transfer, we can work with you to redirect to another local dealer.