A special type of FFL is available to individual collectors of curio or relic (C&R) firearms. C&R firearms are defined in Title 27, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 478.11 as those "which are of special interest to collectors by reason of some quality other than is associated with firearms intended for sporting use or as offensive or defensive weapons." An application for a C&R FFL is filed using ATF Form 7CR.

To be recognized by ATF as a C&R firearm, a firearm must fall into at least one of the following three categories:
		Firearms which are certified by the curator of a municipal, State, or Federal museum which exhibits firearms to be curios or relics of museum interest; and
		Any other firearms which derive a substantial part of their monetary value from the fact that they are novel, rare, bizarre, or because of their association with some historical figure, period, or event. Proof of qualification of a particular firearm under this category may be established by evidence of present value and evidence that like firearms are not available except as collector's items, or that the value of like firearms available in ordinary commercial channels is substantially less.

Individual license holders Interpret this different with some abiding by the 50 year old rule and some by only accepting what is one the list published by BATFE and BATFE only replies with the above 3 criteria for eligibility when inquiries have been made. Certain automatic weapons have been designated as C&R firearms, and although a C&R FFL can be used to acquire these as well, they are also subject to the controls imposed by the National Firearms Act of 1934. ATF maintains a current list of approved C&R firearms on its website.

Licensed collectors (who have been issued a C&R FFL) may acquire C&R firearms in interstate commerce, e.g., via mail or phone order or the Internet, or in person. (This is especially important for collectors of pistols and revolvers since they may not otherwise be acquired outside a collector's state of residence.) However, the selling FFL dealer or collector must have a certified copy of the buyer's C&R FFL before the C&R firearm can be shipped to the licensed collector.

Licensed collectors are not considered to be FFL dealers and have no special privileges concerning non-C&R firearms, nor may they "engage in the business" of regularly selling C&R firearms to persons who do not have a FFL. The purpose of the C&R license is to enable a collector to acquire C&R firearms for his/her personal collection and not to become a firearms dealer.

Conditions of Application

ATF will approve the application if the applicant:
		Is over the age of 21.
		Is not prohibited from handling or possessing firearms or ammunition.
		Has not violated the Gun Control Act or its regulations.
		Has not failed to disclose information or facts in connection with their application.
		Has premises for conducting business or collecting.

The applicant must also certify that:
		The business to be conducted under the license is not prohibited by State or local law in the place where the licensed premise is located.
		Within 30 days after the application is approved the business will comply with the requirements of State and local law applicable to the conduct of the business.
		The business will not be conducted under the license until the requirements of State and local law applicable to the business have been met.
		The applicant has sent or delivered a form to the chief law enforcement officer where the premises are located notifying the officer that the applicant intends to apply for a license.
		Secure gun storage or safety devices will be available at any place in which firearms are sold under the license to persons who are not licensees.

Application Fees
$30 both for Application and/or Renewal.

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