If you collect older military rifles, vintage revolvers or other historic firearms, the federal Collector of Curios and Relics license — the “C&R” or Type 03 FFL — can save you transfer fees and open up interstate buying. It’s inexpensive and aimed at collectors, not businesses. Here’s what it does and doesn’t allow.
What counts as a curio or relic?
Under ATF regulations (27 CFR 478.11), curios or relics are firearms of special interest to collectors because of a quality beyond their use as weapons. A firearm generally qualifies if it falls into one of three groups:
- Manufactured at least 50 years ago, excluding replicas. This is the most common route — firearms roll into C&R eligibility as they age.
- Certified by a museum curator as a curio or relic of museum interest.
- Derives a substantial part of its value from being novel, rare, bizarre or associated with a historical figure, period or event.
ATF also publishes a list of firearms it has classified as curios or relics. Note that a firearm’s age is measured from its manufacture date, and the firearm should generally remain in original configuration — heavily modified guns may not qualify.
What a C&R license lets you do
- Receive C&R-eligible firearms across state lines directly — shipped to your licensed address — without going through a local dealer, from dealers or other collectors.
- Skip FFL transfer fees on C&R firearms, which adds up quickly for active collectors.
- Sometimes receive dealer discounts; some distributors and retailers offer C&R holders pricing on eligible items.
- Buy and sell C&R firearms to build or improve a collection — occasional sales to enhance a personal collection are expected.
What it does not allow
- It isn’t a dealer’s license. You can’t engage in the business of buying and selling firearms for profit. Doing so requires a Type 01 or other business license.
- It only covers C&R firearms. Modern firearms still go through a regular FFL transfer.
- It doesn’t override state or local law. Some states restrict direct shipments or certain firearms regardless of federal C&R status.
- NFA items (machine guns, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, suppressors) remain subject to the National Firearms Act registration and approval process even if they are C&R eligible.
How to apply
- Complete ATF Form 7CR (Application for License — Collector of Curios and Relics), on paper or through ATF’s eForms system.
- Pay the application fee. It has long been $30 for a three-year license; check ATF’s current instructions before applying.
- Send a copy of the application to your local chief law enforcement officer, as the form instructs.
- Wait for ATF to process it. Once issued, you’ll provide a signed copy of your license to sellers who ship to you.
Record-keeping and inspections
C&R licensees must keep an acquisition and disposition record — often called a bound book, which can be paper or an approved electronic system — logging every C&R firearm acquired and disposed of under the license. ATF can inspect those records, so keep them accurate and current. Firearms you owned before getting your license don’t have to be logged, though many collectors choose to.
Is a C&R license worth it?
If you buy more than one or two eligible firearms every three years, the license usually pays for itself in saved transfer fees alone. If you only occasionally buy an older gun, a regular FFL transfer is simpler and avoids record-keeping obligations.
Buying and selling C&R firearms online
On Liberty Gun Trader you can browse the Curios & Relics category, buy at a fixed price or at auction, and pay through escrow. When buying as a C&R holder, coordinate with the seller so they have a copy of your license before shipping. When selling, read how to price a used gun — originality and condition matter even more on collectibles.
General information about federal rules, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with ATF and your state’s laws before applying for or using a C&R license.