How to Get a Federal Explosives License

Check that your storage facilities are adequate. You need to read the storage requirements set forth in 27 CFR, Part 555, Subpart K – Storage. Your application will be denied if your storage facilities are deemed inadequate after an investigation.

• You can find this federal regulation on the Internet.^[1]

Complete the Explosives Storage Magazine Description Worksheet. This form is part of the application. You must complete one worksheet for each magazine that you use as storage. Provide the following information:

• Magazine ID number
• Any state or local explosives magazine certificate number
• Storage magazine address
• Type of magazine (permanent, mobile, indoor or outdoor, etc.)
• ATF type
• Distance to nearest storage magazine, regardless of ownership
• Anything that could be damaged if the magazine exploded, such as nearby roads, buildings, utilities, etc.
• Materials used in the magazine
• Security or safety features
• Explosives that will be stored in each magazine, including quantity and weight
• A plat plan which shows all buildings on the premises and all magazines identified, including the distances between the magazines and the distances between the magazines and public highways, inhabited buildings, and passenger railways

Complete the Employee Possessor questionnaire. This questionnaire must be filled out by each employee who has “actual” or “constructive” possession of explosive materials during employment with you. “Actual” possession means the person has immediate physical possession or control. Someone has “constructive” possession when they don't physically possess the explosives but otherwise exercise control—for example, someone who has the keys to the magazine. The form asks for the following information:

• Name
• Social Security Number
• Place of birth
• Date of birth
• Ethnicity and race
• Sex
• Home and work telephone numbers
• Home address
• Name and address of employer
• Job position
• Countries of citizenship
• Questions about criminal background
• Employee signature given under penalty of perjury

Complete a fingerprint identification card. Each “responsible person” must submit a completed FD-258 Finger Identification Card. You will need to contact your local law enforcement agency to have fingerprints taken.

Get a photograph for each “responsible person.” You will need to submit a 2”x 2” photograph of each responsible person. The photograph must show a full frontal view of the person's features. The head must be bare. Make sure that the picture is not more than six months old.

Have the forms signed. After filling out the forms, you should go through and double-check that you have answered everything. Then have the forms signed by an appropriate person in the business:^[2]

• The application form should be signed by the sole proprietor, corporate officer, or partner.
• Each Employee Possessor form must be signed by the employee listed on the form.

Pay the fee. The fees are listed on the form, under Item 12. For example, a license to manufacture dynamite costs $200 ($100 for renewal). A permit to use dynamite costs $100 ($50 renewal).

• Make your check or money order payable to: “Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.” Be sure to include your Social Security or employer identification number on your check or money order.

Mail the application. You should mail the completed application to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, P.O. Box 409567, Atlanta, GA 30384-9567.

• You should mail the application at least 90 days before you will need the license or permit. Remember that you cannot start operating your business until you receive the license or permit.