How to Get a Federal Explosives License

Completing an Application

1. Download the application. You need to complete an 'Application for Explosives License or Permit,' which is available from the Department of Justice's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives website.

   1. You can either print the form out and write in your information or you can enter the information into a PDF on your computer before printing it out.
   2. If you print, then use all block letters.

2. Complete multiple applications, if necessary. One permit is required for an individual or business to acquire, use, or transport explosives. However, you need to submit a separate application and license fee for each premises on which you will manufacture, import, or distribute explosives.

3. Provide personal information. The form will ask for basic information about you and your business in Section A. If you need additional space for any item, then include a sheet of paper with your name and address at the top, and clearly identify the item the additional information refers to. Required personal information includes:

   1. Name
   2. Trade or business name
   3. Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number
   4. County where your business is located
   5. Physical address of the premises
   6. Mailing address (if different from physical address)
   7. Business and residence telephone numbers
   8. Fax and email address
   9. Your business's legal form (partnership, corporation, sole proprietorship, etc.)

4. State your method of payment. You can pay by check, money order or cashier's check, or credit/debit card. If you are paying by credit or debit card, then include the following:

   1. Card number, without dashes
   2. Name as printed on the card
   3. Expiration date
   4. Billing address
   5. Total amount of fees
   6. Signature of cardholder
   7. Date

5. Complete the Responsible Persons List. As part of the application, you need to identify all 'responsible persons.' This term is defined in the application's instructions. Essentially, it includes anyone with the power to direct the management of the applicant, such as an owner, partner, or shareholder (if the shareholder has the power to direct management and policies). Provide the following information for each 'responsible person':

   1. Full name
   2. Alien number or admission number, if not a citizen
   3. Position at the business
   4. Social Security Number (voluntary)
   5. Home address
   6. Email address
   7. Home and work telephone numbers
   8. Date of birth
   9. Place of birth
   10. Country of citizenship
   11. Sex
   12. Ethnicity
   13. Race

6. Identify the particular license or permit that you want. For example, if you intend to manufacture explosives, then you should check all of the different explosives you manufacture, such as dynamite, fireworks, black powder, etc.

   1. You also should provide information about any local or state license you had to obtain in order to run your explosives operations or business.

7. Provide criminal background information. You will be asked a series of questions about your criminal background and the background of all people listed as Responsible Persons on your application. The following is a sample of what you will be asked:

   1. Whether you are a fugitive from justice
   2. Whether you are under indictment or information for a felony or any crime for which you could be imprisoned for more than a year
   3. Whether you are presently appealing a conviction
   4. Whether you have ever been convicted of a felony
   5. Whether you have ever received a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces

8. Provide additional information about your business. The application also requests information about where your business is located and when it operates. For example, the form asks for the following:

   1. Your hours of operation (when you open and close)
   2. The type of building your business is located in (commercial building, residence, etc.)
   3. Whether you own or rent the premises

9. Contact ATF with questions. You can call ATF at (877) 283-3352. Alternately, you could review information online at www.atf.gov.

   1. If you want to mail correspondence, then send it to ATF Federal Explosives Licensing Center, 244 Needy Road, Martinsburg, WV 25405.