Firearm Transfers - Process and Policies
Updated: May 29, 2023

ATTENTION!  On Jan 31, 2023, ATF Final Rule 2021R-08F, “Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached ‘Stabilizing Braces” was added to the Federal Register. In short, this action means any pistol with an arm brace or other arm brace device is considered an "SBR", (Short Barreled Rifle), and will need to be registered as such with the ATF.

Hellebuyck's Trading Post is not licensed to buy, sell or transfer NFA firearms. We will not accept packages containing pistol braces - no exceptions. We will refuse delivery; items will be sent back to the shipper, and we will not be responsible for return shipping, re-stocking fees, etc.
Business Hours: Wed, Thu & Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-5pm, closed on Sun, Mon & Tue.
​Phone: 810-667-7200

We offer transfer services for customers purchasing firearms online or from out-of-area FFL dealers. Our transfer fee is $45 per firearm which includes a NICS background check. Read policies below.

Transfer Process
If you never experienced the transfer process, here's how it's typically done.
  1. You, the buyer, purchases a firearm from an online dealer or auction site
  2. During checkout and based on your zip code, you'll select a local dealer that you want your firearm shipped to (firearms cannot be shipped directly to you). We are listed with most major online sellers.
  3. You'll pay the seller for your item including sales tax, shipping, insurance, etc.
  4. If your seller does not have us on file as a dealer, then you will need to email us your name and phone number, the seller's email address and phone number, your invoice/order number, and a brief description of the item.
  5. We will then send the seller a copy of our FFL license so they can ship the firearm to us.
  6. Once the firearm is delivered to us, we require 2-3 business days to open your package and process your firearm in our system.
  7. Once processed, (2-3 days), we will call you to confirm your item is ready to be picked up
  8. When you arrive to pickup your firearm, we will need your valid driver's license or state issued pictured ID that shows your current address. Note: The firearm can only be picked up by the same person listed on the order. The name and address on the order must match the person's ID that the firearm is transferred to.
  9. Next, you'll fill out a form 4473 and answer about a dozen or so questions
  10. We verify your ID and submit a NICS FBI background check
  11. The background check response can be instant or take as long as 30-35 minutes.
  12. There are three responses we receive from the background check: Proceed, Delay or Denied
  • Proceed = we can complete the transfer and you will be leaving with your firearm
  • Delay = we have to wait before we can complete the transfer, NICS will list a transfer date, sometimes this status is updated sooner, but not typically
  • Denied = We cannot transfer the firearm to you, (or anyone else), and the firearm is sent back to the seller you purchased it from, (read our policies below)​​​
Once a "Proceed" status is received from the background check, we charge you a $45 transfer fee, finalize the paperwork and now you legally own your purchased firearm.
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Transfer Policies (please review all)
  • We only accept incoming transfers from Federal Firearms Licensed (FFLs), dealers, C&R or manufactures. Unlicensed, private-party seller shipments will not be accepted. If purchasing via Gunbroker, Armslist, etc., please verify the seller holds a valid firearms license (FFL), before you select us for your transfer.
  • Incoming transfers only, we do not handle "outgoing" transfers that require shipping.
  • Privately Made Firearms (PMFs) - Due to August 2022 regulations, we will not accept transfers on PMFs that do not have required markings such as: Mfg./Importer, model, serial number, etc.
  • No NFA/Class 3 items. We are not licensed to handle suppressor, Class 3 or NFA transfers.
  • Firearms will only be transferred to the person listed as the buyer. The name and address on the shipment must match the ID of the person picking up the firearm - no exceptions.
  • A valid driver's license or state issued ID card that lists the buyer's current residence address is required before the firearm will be transferred. If you recently moved, be sure to update your ID with Michigan Secretary of State.
  • Federal form 4473 must be completed in person on the day of pickup. Allow at least 20-30 minutes for this process. Sometimes it may take longer depending on the background check.
  • NICS background check required. As of March 3, 2020, Michigan CPLs are no longer a valid exemption for a background check. We submit a NICS check on everyone - no exceptions. 
  • Once received, we require 2-3 business days to process your firearm. This depends on how busy we are and how many shipments arrived. We will contact you via phone when your firearm is ready to be picked up. Do not expect to receive your item the day it is delivered.
  • Loss, damage, return shipping, missing or incorrect items is the seller or buyer's responsibility. You should contact the seller immediately to file a claim. We are only the transferring agent and are not responsible for slow shipping, package tracking, missing items and/or additional costs.
  • It is also the buyer's responsibility to know all local, state and federal laws. If you order an item that cannot be legally transferred, or you are "Denied" during the NICS background check, your item will be returned to sender at your cost. Example: You must be 21 years old to purchase a receiver, pistol grip shotgun or handgun.
  • ​No third-party transfers, such as family member to family member or private individual sales. If you want to sell or transfer your handgun to another person, we recommend contacting your local police or Sheriff Department. They can assist you with this type of transfer and usually at a lower cost.