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Can dealer require SSAN on 4473?

TWalker
Went to a local pawn shop today to buy a .22 rifle listed at fixed price on GB's auction side. Store owner was reviewing my 4473 and noticed that I didn't include my SSAN. He tells me to fill it in. I tell him, "No, It's optional and I choose not to" He tells me I have to because it's a Pawn Shop law in Virginia. I still decline as I tell him that I'm not making a loan, but just buying a gun and the ATF isn't entitled to my SSAN. So...he refuses to sell me the gun. Which is fine with me. Anyone else ever have this problem with a dealer? The reason I don't give my SSAN is because I'm ALWAYS delayed when I do, plus I don't like being ordered to do something I know is not necessary. I respect his right to refuse to sell to me, however, I can can choose as well.
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • TWalker
    I have bought guns in at least a dozen other pawn shops in Virginia without listing my SSAN. This is the first one that has refused to sell to me because I didn't put it on the 4473. I know a SSAN is required when making a loan, but this was a straight sale only.
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  • perry shooter
    You are correct it is an option I live in Va.
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  • armilite
    It is an option in Wisconsin as well. In fact I'm 99.9% sure it is listed that way on all the form 4473's.
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  • 11b6r
    You may very legally buy a firearms in VA without a social security number, Not EVERYONE that BUYS a gun HAS a social security number. If you read 18 US Code 922, an ALIEN that has a hunting license can buy a gun. THEY do not HAVE a SSAN. You have a dealer that is making up his own rules. Go on to the next dealer. You probably do not want the hassles of dealing with him anyway.
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  • tsr1965
    I agree with the above. The pawn broker/dealer, is making his own rules. Sometimes the NICS check processes faster with a SSN, especially when there is a common name involved, and there are several people listed with the same name. I have had problems with that for years, including the NICS check, Law Enforcement warrants, and CREDIT reports, because there is another in the area who is an idiot, with the same firs name, middle initial, and last name, and same birthdate.

    But, this is the local shops rules, not federal or state.

    Best
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  • CDMead
    4473 is a federal form and is uniform throughout the US. The last one I filled out showed the SSN as optional. Due to concerns about identity theft, I do not volunteer my SSN except where absolutely necessary.

    The dealer is making up laws. I would have told him to do something with that rifle other than its intended purpose.

    BTW - since it sounds like you bought the rifle through GB, I believe if you open up a support issue on the auction side, it will be addressed.
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  • jjmitchell60
    As a FFL holder, it is an option that makes the NICS check go through a lot easier. You stand a much better chance of being delayed with just your DL as your identification number. Now I have had cuatomers who did not want to use theur SSn so I called in with only the DL number and not get delayed but have had some to get delayed. With that said, I have had them delayed with SSn as well.

    So yes it is optional an dthe Pawn Shop employee/owner was bing an azz IMHO or does not know the BATF rules.

    As to Pawn Shop rules, I know they vary by state but that is as to selling to or getting a loan from a pawn shop that most states require a SSN as well as a fingerprint and/or photo.
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  • David Nunn
    You ran into an idiot. They are everywhere, and a lot of them work in pawn shops. I think it's a question on the application: "Are you an idiot?" Answer "No," and you won't be hired.

    Giving the SSN does not necessarily speed up the process.

    Back before the "Instant Check" was streamlined a bit, I called in a NICS check, with the applicant's SSN, and the transfer was "delayed." In those days, a "delay" was a serious delay, and the transfer could not take place for three business days unless the NICS people called back, which they seldom did.

    Just for grins, I called the NICS center with the same information, leaving off the SSN this time, and got a "proceed" reply.
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  • Henry0Reilly
    An ill informed manager at the local Wal-mart tried to tell me it's unlawful to sell firearms and ammunition in the same transaction. She also thinks background checks are run by the ATF.

    Another employee there said SSN is required.......
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  • cbyerly
    You have all forgotten that the owner of the firearms can decide to sell it or not. The Govt and the federal form do not make it mandatory to sell or transfer anything.
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