What is a C&R License?

Do you love collecting old firearms? Are you tired of paying Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL) transfer fees each time you purchase an old-timey gun online? If you answered yes to any of the questions above, a C&R License could be right for you.

What Does C&R Mean?

C&R stands for Curio and Relic. What do these seemingly odd-sounding words mean? A curio is an item that sparks curiosity due to its odd or rare nature. Relics are culturally significant due to their old age and or historical provenance. The Curio and Relic License was envisaged by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) as a convenient way for individuals to collect historic or antique firearms. C&R License holders can have eligible firearms shipped to their residence versus transferring them through an FFL.

How To Get A C&R License

One can obtain a C&R License by filling out the ATF E-Form 7(5310.12)/7CR(5310.16) and selecting number three from the choices of various Licenses. BATF notifies License holders 90 days before the C&R License expires.  Fingerprints and a photo are not required to apply. One copy of the form is submitted to the BATF. Another copy is submitted to the chief law enforcement officer (CLEO) in your area which is typically your county sheriff or chief of police. Detailed instructions for completing and submitting the application can be found on the BATF website. 

How Much Does A C&R License Cost?

The cost of the C&R License is $30 and it lasts for three years.

Which Firearms Are C&R Eligible

To quote the BATF website, firearms are C&R eligible under three conditions:

1. Firearms which were manufactured at least 50 years prior to the current date, but not including replicas of such firearms;
2. Firearms which are certified by the curator of a municipal, state, or federal museum which exhibits firearms to be curios or relics of museum interest; and
3. Any other firearms which derive a substantial part of their monetary value from the fact that they are novel, rare, bizarre, or because of their association with some historical figure, period, or event.

The BATF maintains a list of acceptable firearms, however, firearms in an unmodified form made before 1968 are considered C&R eligible as of this writing. Replicas of eligible firearms are not allowed under C&R. It should also be noted that fully automatic firearms that meet the age requirement for C&R are still regulated by the National Firearms Act ( NFA) and do not qualify for C&R.

What are the Benefits of Holding a C&R License?

C&R Licenses are particularly handy for purchasing eligible firearms from online dealers. If you have a C&R License and wish to purchase an eligible firearm, send your License to the dealer you wish to purchase the firearm from. Once the dealer receives and verifies the C&R License, the purchased firearm can be shipped to the C&R License holder’s residence.

What You Can’t Do With A C&R License

Individuals that hold a C&R License can have eligible firearms shipped to their residence, however, some restrictions apply. C&R License holders cannot act as firearm dealers or sell guns in any commercial capacity. The C&R License is strictly meant for personal collecting.

Conclusion

The Curio and Relic License is often overlooked and sometimes misunderstood. However, the C&R License is a very useful tool for the American firearm collector.  Have any questions? Drop them in the comments below.

We are thrilled to offer a wide variety of C&R eligible firearms. Our most popular C&R firearms sell out quickly. Make sure to sign up for our mailing list to see when items arrive back in stock. Happy collecting!