November 2026 // By Carl Woodard
We get this question every week: "Can't I just send you my dealer's FFL number?" No, and it isn't our rule. Federal regulations require us to have a signed copy of the receiving dealer's license on file before any firearm or serialized frame leaves our shop. No copy, no shipment. Here's why, and exactly what to do so your order doesn't sit on the shelf.
When one licensed dealer ships a firearm to another, federal law (27 CFR 478.94) puts the burden on the shipping dealer. That's us. Before we ship, we have to verify the receiving dealer's identity and license status by having a certified copy of their license in hand.
A number typed into an email doesn't prove anything. A copy of the license, signed by the licensee, is what the regulation calls for. It's also what an ATF inspector looks for in our records. If it isn't in our files, that transfer is a violation on our license.
Your dealer's signed license copy is our proof that the gun went to a real, active, licensed business. We can't skip it, and we won't. Our license is what lets us build and ship your pistol in the first place.
It almost did. On May 6, 2026, the ATF published a rule that would have let dealers verify each other through the ATF's online FFL eZ Check system instead of exchanging a certified copy. It was set to take effect August 4, 2026.
Then the ATF received adverse comments, and on July 6, 2026, it withdrew the rule. The old requirement stayed in place. Some articles written in May are still floating around saying the copy is no longer needed. They're out of date.
You can read both notices straight from the ATF:
ATF: Licensee "eZ Check" Verification for Transfers (the original May 2026 rule) →
ATF: Withdrawing the Direct Final Rule (July 2026) →
We still use eZ Check to confirm a license is active. But under current rules, it doesn't replace the signed copy. If the ATF brings this rule back, we'll update this post.
Subject: Order #1234 – Signed FFL License Copy
Your order is finished, packed, and ready, and it sits. We can't legally ship it until the signed license copy is in our file. That's the most common reason an order that's ready to go is delayed.
Don't wait for the ship notice. Send the license as soon as you place your order. We'll keep it on file and your build ships the day it's ready.
Yes. If your FFL gives you a signed copy, forward it to legionprecision@gmail.com with your order number in the subject line.
Yes. We can't accept an unsigned copy. Ask your dealer for a signed copy of their license.
We do look it up, but under current federal rules, an online lookup doesn't replace the certified copy. The ATF proposed allowing that in 2026 and then withdrew the rule.
If you use a different FFL, yes. If it's the same dealer, email us with your new order number and we'll confirm whether the copy on file is still current.