Learn about ATF’s authority to revoke some federal firearms licenses (FFLs) and how the process works. There is a separate process for federal explosives licensees and permittees (FEL/FEPs).

ATF’s core mission is to protect the public from violent crime, particularly crimes involving the use of firearms. An essential part of this mission is ensuring that federal firearms licensees (FFLs) comply with applicable federal laws and regulations, particularly the implementing regulations of the Gun Control Act (GCA).

Some regulatory violations of the GCA pose inherent public safety risks and, when willfully committed, will result in ATF taking action to revoke the license of the offending FFL. ATF will also take action to revoke the license of an FFL that knowingly engages in a criminal violation of the federal firearms laws.

Basis for Revocation

ATF has updated the national policy for administrative actions related to compliance inspections of federal firearms licensees. The policy replaces the 2021 Enhanced Regulatory Enforcement policy, also known as the "zero-tolerance" policy.  This policy was updated to promote consistent, effective, and equitable responses to violations of the Gun Control Act of 1968(GCA), as amended, 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44.

Revocation Process

When ATF does pursue revocation, the procedures specified under Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 478 (27 CFR 478), are followed.

1. First, ATF sends the licensee a notice of revocation (ATF Form 4500) that includes the violations that are the basis for pursuing revocation.
    
2. The licensee has 15 days from receipt of the notice to file a request for a hearing with the Director of Industry Operations (DIO) in their ATF field division.
    
3. At the hearing, the licensee can be represented by an attorney and may bring employees and documentation to address the violations cited in the notice. ATF is represented by ATF counsel and the industry operations investigators (IOIs) who conducted the inspection(s) that resulted in the revocation recommendation.
    
4. During the hearing, the licensee has the opportunity to challenge the violations. Based on the evidence, testimony and exhibits presented at the hearing by the licensee and ATF, the DIO decides whether to continue with the revocation.
    
5. If the DIO decides that the violations were willful and revocation is justified, or if the licensee does not request a hearing, ATF sends a final notice of revocation (ATF Form 5300.13) to the licensee with a summary of the findings and legal conclusions that warrant revocation. If the DIO decides that the license should not be revoked, ATF will notify the licensee in writing.

Appeal Process

Within 60 days of receipt of the final notice of revocation, the licensee may file a petition for judicial review in federal court. This petition must be filed with the U.S. District Court for the district where the licensee resides or has their principal place of business. There is a fee for filing a civil action in federal court.

Learn more about appeals in federal court

Request to Continue Operations

During the appeal process, the licensee may not continue operations. However, if the licensee makes a request to the DIO to allow continuance of business operations, the DIO may allow the licensee to operate during the appeal process.

If the DIO prohibits continuance of operations during judicial review because of the risk to public safety, the licensee can appeal to the court to continue operations during the review process.

Questions

If you have any questions about the firearms license revocation process, please contact your local ATF office.