I have a simple procedural question about FFL (Federal Firearm License) forms that I hope someone can answer.  Do I need to change my gender with Social Security in order to mark my gender as "female" on the form to purchase a firearm?  Or will my state ID be enough to satisfy that requirement?

I do not wish to get into an argument over gun politics or the ethics of whether or not I should have a firearm, please.  As a mature, law-abiding adult I believe I can make that call for myself.

I'm assuming you don't want an actually FFL to become a gun dealer.

To purchase a firearm you fill out an ATF form 4473 and the dealer calls for a NICS check. You can see a copy of form 4473 here:  https://www.atf.gov/file/61446/download   

The form doesn't ask for alternate names or aliases, and the social security number is optional. If you don't give them your social security number the gender marker should not be an issue.

Best of luck,

Randi

Yes, it is form 4773 I'm referring to.

Reading up on it, not giving an SSN can slow the process or result in a denial if someone with the same name has a criminal conviction.

Any idea whether NICS contains gender data and how often dealers actually look at this?

If you have a concealed license a lot of these questions go away. Think of NICS containing arrest records, so if you ever been arrested, Yes it will have gender information, the gender information at the time of arrest.  You will have to show the FFL holder your driver's license or I'd, which he will use to finish filling out the form. Thus, that document marking would be what you put on the form.  Hope that helps

Deanna

Quote from: deanna7506 on November 04, 2016, 11:13:53 PM
If you have a concealed license a lot of these questions go away. Think of NICS containing arrest records, so if you ever been arrested, Yes it will have gender information, the gender information at the time of arrest.  You will have to show the FFL holder your driver's license or I'd, which he will use to finish filling out the form. Thus, that document marking would be what you put on the form.  Hope that helps

Deanna

Well, I've never been arrested so it shouldn't be a problem then.  Thanks!

I made sure that my social security records and state issued ID both had been corrected before applying for my FFL and Class III. Make sure that your business licensing and tax information is up to date.

Since background checks will be involved, I'm pretty sure any discrepancies will cause problems, questions and possible rejection of your app.  Take your time and prep before submitting anything to ATF.

Just wanted to share an update, this will be of interest to others since I know many people in the trans community who are considering a firearm for self-defense given the generally negative climate toward transfolk right now.

I was able to make a purchase with no trouble with my name and gender changed on my license only.  Gender marker on my Social Security was not a factor though I did make sure I had changed my name with them.  I made my purchase at a chain sporting goods store in the Portland Metro area, so YMMV with small "Mom and Pop" gun shops or outside of relatively safe places for transfolk.

Hope this info has been helpful to someone.