The Complete Curios & Relics (C&R) License Guide

The Type 03 Curios & Relics license is the most accessible FFL — and the best $30 a collector can spend. It lets you receive eligible firearms directly by mail, skip transfer fees, and access dealer pricing. Here's everything you need to know.

By Dwight Ringdahl — GunExpos.com

What Is a C&R License?

A Type 03 FFL that allows you to receive curios and relics firearms directly from FFLs, dealers, and out-of-state sellers — shipped to your door without a local FFL transfer.

What Qualifies as C&R?

  1. Over 50 years old — Manufactured 50+ years before the current date
  2. On the ATF's official C&R list — Specific models regardless of age
  3. Certified by a museum curator — As being of museum interest

This means most WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam-era firearms qualify. The ATF's list also includes some newer firearms.

Benefits

  • Direct shipping — C&R firearms shipped to your home
  • No transfer fees — Save $25–$75 per purchase
  • Dealer pricing — Many wholesalers offer C&R holder discounts
  • CMP eligibility — Satisfies the CMP's affiliated organization requirement
  • Interstate purchases — Buy C&R firearms from any state
  • Documented provenance — Your bound book creates a collecting record

How to Apply

Step 1: Download ATF Form 7CR

Available free at atf.gov.

Step 2: Complete and Submit

Fill out the form, attach a passport photo, and mail with a $30 check or money order.

Step 3: Wait for Approval

Processing takes 30–60 days. No in-person interview or premises inspection required.

Step 4: Receive Your License

You'll receive multiple copies. Keep one, send copies to sellers when ordering.

Step 5: Notify CLEO

Within 30 days, notify your local chief law enforcement officer that you've received a C&R license.

Bound Book Requirements

You must maintain an acquisition and disposition (A&D) record for all firearms received on your C&R license:

What to Record

  • Acquisition: Date received, manufacturer, model, serial number, caliber, type, name/address/FFL of seller
  • Disposition: Date sold/transferred, name/address of buyer (if applicable)

Tips

  • Buy a pre-formatted bound book from Amazon or a firearms supply company
  • Record every acquisition within the required timeframe
  • Keep your bound book at your licensed premises (your home)
  • Retain records for the life of the license (and beyond — keep them indefinitely)

What a C&R License Does NOT Allow

  • Buying non-C&R firearms without a transfer
  • Selling firearms as a business
  • Dealing at gun shows
  • Manufacturing or importing

Popular C&R-Eligible Firearms

  • M1 Garand — Available through the CMP
  • Mosin-Nagant (all variants)
  • SKS (all variants)
  • Mauser K98k and other WWII Mausers
  • Lee-Enfield (WWII and earlier)
  • M1 Carbine
  • Colt 1911 (WWII and earlier)
  • Smith & Wesson Victory Model
  • Tokarev TT-33

Where to Use Your C&R

  • CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) — M1 Garands, 1911s
  • GunBroker — Specify C&R shipping at checkout
  • Simpson Ltd — Specialty milsurp dealer
  • Gun shows — Present your C&R to dealers for credibility. Find shows in our directory.
  • Private sellers — Out-of-state private sellers can ship C&R firearms directly to you

A C&R license is the best investment any firearm collector can make. Start browsing at your next gun show.