ATF license and Criminal Record

[displayfireworks1]

ATF license and Criminal Record
I occasionally get questions from people with past criminal records inquiring if they can obtain a ATF Fireworks license. As far as I can see the ATF does not keep a list of offenses. I suspect it would be the same offenses that prevent someone from purchasing a handgun. Below is a list of offenses that would prevent firearm ownership in Pennsylvania.
.
http://pyrotalk.com/wp-photos/wp-content/gallery/united-states-pennsylvania/img060-1fddea120fe19a3f03fa9c0a03b31558f32d9f00.jpg
.
http://pyrotalk.com/wp-photos/wp-content/gallery/united-states-pennsylvania/img059-be80fbd03109c8f2222c5f42562f84de03039474.jpg
.
I am sure the ATF added a few more onto this list.

[JoeR]

An application for relief of disability can be filed

https://www.atf.gov/content/Explosives/explosives-industry/explosives-how-apply-relief-explosives-disability

[displayfireworks1]

I recommend that to people, however it does not guarantee you will be cleared. Over the years I only heard of a few people that were granted license or permits. If the charge is anything around violence or aggression you can probably forget it.

[JoeR]

Heard the same thing. Know somebody getting ready to go through the process, but my hopes aren't too high for him

[displayfireworks1]

I believe an average time frame is 150 days after filing. an interesting thing is, once you are licensed, the ATF is poor at finding out if you were convicted of any of the serious charges. I often wonder if they run background checks on an applicant during the renewal process. I recently found out if your ATF license/permit was revoked and you still have copies. You can probably continue to purchase explosives. I recently suspected someone I know of lost their ATF license so I ask a 1.3 distributor is there a way they can run a persons name to see if the lost their license, they told me no. I ask one of my ATF sources and they said if someone has a copy of their license after it was revoked, they probably can continue to make purchases. They catch ATF Firearms people doing this all the time.

[Ignite]

Hey all, new to this forum. I have an extensive criminal history and looking to get my license. Can’t find any sure answers so I’m gonna need to just give it a go. One question: if I get denied and apply for a relief of disability, will I have to continue to repay the fees if I need to apply again? I’d love to share the process in detail whatever the outcome, ESPECIALLY if I get approved. I would share my whole criminal history which is basically a ton of theft from years ago from being on drugs, just to give others some hope in this area. Maybe if all fails my wife can apply for the license ��. Just kidding

[Arclight]

The ATF does have a license portal you can use to check their number before you ship something. There is also a guide to decoding the number, so you know the state, type of license, etc. from that and can make an educated guess as to whether their info/end use statement matches reality:

FEL EZ-Check site:
https://felezcheck.atf.gov/FELEzCheck/

How to read an FEL:
https://www.atf.gov/explosives/docs/newsletter/explosives-industry-newsletter-july-2017/download