# FFL transfer guide for frames

A frame, or any serialized part such as a Sig P320 fire control unit, is a firearm under federal law, so it ships to a licensed FFL dealer you choose, not to your door. You complete ATF Form 4473 and a background check at the dealer and pay their transfer fee.

By The Button Land Customs shop, Machinists and gunsmiths · Button Land Customs, Sedalia, NC · Last updated 2026-11-02
Source: https://buttonlandcustoms.com/guides/ffl-transfers-for-frames

## What has to go through an FFL?

The serialized part, which federal law treats as the firearm. On a Glock that's the frame; on a Sig P320 or P365 it's the fire control unit. Slides, barrels, grip modules and other unserialized parts ship straight to you in most states.

Serialized parts we sell now: [Sig Sauer P320 Fire Control Unit, Flat Trigger](https://buttonlandcustoms.com/product/p320-fcu-flat), [Sig Sauer P320 Fire Control Unit, Manual Safety Flat Trigger](https://buttonlandcustoms.com/product/sig-sauer-p320-fire-control-unit-manual-safety-flat-trigger-p320), [Sig Sauer P365 Fire Control Unit, Flat Trigger Gold](https://buttonlandcustoms.com/product/p365-fcu-gold) and [Sig Sauer P365 Fire Control Unit, Flat Trigger Black](https://buttonlandcustoms.com/product/sig-sauer-p365-fire-control-unit-flat-trigger-black-p365).

## How does a transfer work?

1. Pick a licensed FFL dealer near you and confirm they accept transfers and what they charge.
2. Order online and enter the dealer at checkout.
3. We send our license to the dealer and ship the part to them.
4. The dealer contacts you when it arrives. You fill out ATF Form 4473, pass the background check and pay their fee.
5. You take it home, subject to any waiting period your state has.

## How do you choose a dealer?

Gun shops, ranges and home-based dealers can all hold an FFL. Call first: ask about their transfer fee, whether they take transfers from other licensees, and what ID they need.

## What does a transfer cost?

Each dealer sets their own fee, and some states add their own fees or rules. Ask the dealer before you order.

## What about state law?

Some states restrict certain parts or require extra steps. It's your responsibility to know whether a purchase is legal where you live. See our [FFL information](https://buttonlandcustoms.com/ffl-information) page, and ask us before you order if you're unsure.

## Sending your own firearm to us for work

That's different: you don't need an FFL to send us your own firearm for work, and we ship it back to you. See [how to ship us your firearm](https://buttonlandcustoms.com/how-to-ship-your-firearm). Questions? Call (720) 549-3265.

## Questions

### How do I buy a serialized frame online?

Order online and choose a licensed FFL dealer near you at checkout. We ship the frame to that dealer, not to you. You then visit the dealer, fill out ATF Form 4473 and pass the background check, and pay their transfer fee before you take it home. Check that the part is legal where you live first.

### How much does an FFL transfer cost?

Each dealer sets their own transfer fee, and some states add fees of their own. Call the dealer before you order to confirm their fee, that they accept transfers from other licensees, and what ID they need from you. Ask us if you need help choosing a dealer.

### Can I have a frame shipped to my house?

No. A frame is the serialized part, so federal law treats it as a firearm and it has to ship to a licensed FFL dealer. You pick it up there after the paperwork and background check. Unserialized parts like slides and barrels are different: they ship to your door in most states.

### Do slides and barrels need an FFL transfer?

No. Slides, barrels, grip modules and other unserialized parts aren't firearms under federal law, so they ship straight to you in most states. Only the serialized part, such as a frame or a P320 fire control unit, goes through an FFL dealer. Check your state and local laws before you order.

## About the author

Written by the team that designs, CNC machines and Cerakotes our slides and does gunsmithing work in our Sedalia, NC shop, formerly GunCuts.com. Facts like prices, lead times and fitment come from our own catalog.