how to get atf type 54 license

[@yogidemis8513]

Pretty informative, a good friend of mine got his and basically he did the same as you said and he said it was the easiest thing he's ever done. When the ATF showed up at his house he was pretty chill. He said that it was a pleasant visit he said. Have a clean house be in nice clothes and have everything in order and don't say anything stupid and you got your license. That's how easy he's said it was. I'll be working on getting mine within the next year, I would like to get it sooner but more important things I gotta do first. Responsibilities.

[@fireworksphill6640]

from what I understand, (I haven't confirmed it yet), this license is a "shall issue". Another words you are not qualifying for it, they are interviewing you making sure there is no reason to deny you one.

[@IrishBurgerKing-fx2nj]

@@fireworksphill6640 Does renting and having a landlord complicate getting an ATF License or Permit? If so, how does it complicate it? Thanks.

[@MasterChief0522]

Great video, very informative! I have a couple questions regarding storage I'm hoping you can answer or help me find where to look to find the answer. What structure is considered sufficient to store 1.3G fireworks? Would a storage/shipping container work? How far from a home would it need to be? Also, how far from a home/building do you have to be to shoot the fireworks? Again, great video, definitely one of the better, more concise ones on KZbin. Thanks!

[@fireworksphill6640]

There are 2 types of storage. Indoor magazine and out door magazine. Indoor magazine can be stored anywhere except in your house. There is no table of distances for indoor magazine, and you are limited to 50lbs of pyro weight. Out door magazine can store much more product. The farther away from roads and structures, the more you can store. There are many types of construction. All information is in the atf federal explosives law and regulations book. Fireworks fall into type 4 magazines, and are considered low explosives. Minimum distances to inhibited buildings, passenger railways, or public highway is 150ft. which allows you to store up to 1000 lbs of pyro weight. If you go 230 ft., you can store up to 5000 lbs of weight. 300 ft., and you can store up to 10,000 lbs. as far as construction, there are different ways to construct them, a storage container can meet the requirements with some modifications and proper set up. All magazines have to be inspected and authorized by the atf prior to using them. Fireworks shooting distances depends on many factors. the best book for safety is PGI's Display Fireworks Operator Certification Study Guide. HIGHLY recommended. Basically though a general rule of thumb is a shell can go approximately 100ft for every inch of diameter. 3" shell, 300ft altitude. If your shooting a 10" shell, you have to consider the height, what if it tips over? 1000 ft travel. then you have to think of the blast diameter. add that up, your spectators should be that far away, However, there are some protocols that cut down those distances. Burying your launch tubes, angling away from the crowd can help as well. a download version of the atf explosive law www.atf.gov/explosives/docs/publication-federal-explosives-laws-and-regulations-atf-p-54007/download hard copy link for the atf explosive law www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=atf+federal+explosive+law+and+regulations+2012 PGI Display Fireworks Operator Certification Study Guide www.pgi.org/files/2011-PGI-Fireworks-Safety-Guidelines.pdf

[@bjeff24]

@@fireworksphill6640 k

[@lukekincaid946]

I’ll be sending my app in the next week or so. Thank you for the great information.

[@wilson324]

Very helpful video. Sadly I found out after getting fingerprinted and getting ready to send the forms off I realized I had to apply for my state (Georgia) license first and it is prohibitively expensive. So maybe someday I will move to a state that will let me finish the type 54.

[@BoBoThePyro]

Sounds somewhat similar to Michigan's ccw process.

[@jonnyblazee1558]

Would I be able to get my ATF if I live in California ?

[@fireworksphill6640]

Yes. It's a federal license. All you have to do is follow the application requirements, if all is correct, you'll get interviewed by the atf, if their investigations of you and your background check out, you'll get your license.

[@jonnyblazee1558]

fireworksphill thank you my good sir

[@pyroneerjoe1206]

Can you explain a bit of how you fill out the magazine/storage section

[@fireworksphill6640]

I did another video on how to fill out the atf application. At 21:45 of the video, It walks you thru the magazine portion of the application. Here is a link to that video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWmxmptmia-SsNU

[@lastingeffort6775]

Hey Phill, hopefully you're doing well and getting ready for the 4th! I just had a few questions regarding the interview. I know you gave a detailed response to another person in the comment section about this subject but I have some concerns. I am fully aware that the type 54 license is only to purchase the product. Here's my current situation: I live in Arizona where all Ariel Fireworks are prohibited (fountains are the only thing allowed basically). I also don't own a large flat piece of land where it is safe to shoot off the stuff. Western Pyrotechnic Association is a club in my state that holds an event every year but it's about 4.5 hours away from my home. So my only convenient option is driving to a large open piece of land and shooting product off there. When they ask: "Why do you want a license?", could my response just be: " I want bigger, more exciting stuff than fountains ". I don't do any shows like you, all of this is for personal entertainment. Do you think they would decline considering I live in an area where there aren't many appropriate places for ariel fireworks? What additional advice could you give when being asked why you want the license? Thanks!

[@fireworksphill6640]

Actually I only do 1 show a year. It is on my personal property. In Michigan there is no law requiring any safety course, or shooters course. Although you can get certified here for both, they are not a requirement for your type 54 license. When I interviewed, I had no professional training for safety or how to properly set up fireworks. Since the type 54 license is for purchasing product, there is nothing in the atf book that requires those other certifications. I received my license before I had any professional training. I would tell them you want to be able to go to the a fireworks club open shoots and be able to shoot off the fireworks that you pick out and enjoy. The great thing about fireworks clubs is that when they get together, they take care of all the legalities to be able to shoot. They have the location, they have the insurances in place, they have the fireworks permits, they have the safety protocols in place. The laws that you are referring to in Arizona are for 1.4 consumer products. Those laws do not pertain to professional 1.3 fireworks. With the type 54 license, When you buy product, you have to shoot it off that day unless you have atf approved storage. Even if you go to open land near you, it won't be legal until you fulfill all the other requirements the state sets. You do not necessarily need a large piece of land to be safe. There are safety rules for being a shooter or operator. I believe in Arizona to legally shoot the 1.3 fireworks, you will have to take a certified safety course. That usually is a certain number of classroom hours on safety, followed by a written test as well as hands on training to shoot some fireworks. There may be a little more to the safety course in Arizona, but that is what my course consisted of. All of these safety guidelines and rules are in the Pyrotechnics Guild International book. "Display Fireworks Operators Certification Study Guide" I received My safety certification after passing the testing. There is also a shooters course or Operators course. Usually that consists of working with a professional display company. You will be on the set up crew learning how to safely set up a show. You will be helping. In Michigan, I would have to be on a minimum of 5 show set ups. The more you learn, the more you will do. At least one of those shows you will be asked to be the lead shooter, which has all authority aspects of the show. Making sure the set ups are safe, making sure you planned properly for the fall outs, proper distances from public, etc. Once you have succeeded in that, you get your certification as a shooter of operator. Once you have the license and certificates, you are on your way to legally being able to shoot the fireworks. By that I mean that you will have credentials that will allow you to apply for a display permit. To get the permit, you will have to show proof of insurance for the shoot. That could be about $2500 for 24 hours. You will have to have the local authorities notified in advance that you have a legal permit. You will also need permission from the land owner where you want to shoot. You may be required to show a detailed fire prevention plan or have the local fire department on site. All in all, to be able to shoot fireworks legally, it is very expensive. It's also a lot of fun. I wish I was 4 1/2 hours from the Western Pyrotechnic Association club. From what I saw, it is an awesome event every year. Hell, some day when I grow up, I hope to get there for it. I did a video answering some 1.3 questions a couple of years ago. here is a link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/imibdXiXiN9mj8U I did another video that shows my shoot site with my mortar tube set up. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b57EfpqHoNuraK8

[@fireworksphill6640]

Another thing is if you shoot off product, it's an aerial. the local authorities can easily check with the atf on who has a license in the state. Very easy to get tracked. However My guess is that on the 4th, there is usually some one who buys aerials anyway. You may get lucky and they chalk it up to not following up because it's the 4th.

[@lastingeffort6775]

fireworksphill Sorry for the late reply. I’ll do my research and be prepared as much as possible when the time comes. Thanks again! 😃 🔥 💥

[@YessahBlessah608]

LastingEffort67 how did your interview go? I have my interview next week over the phone and I live in WI. Same rules apply I don’t have an area to legally shoot off my fireworks either

[@fredluden2298]

@@YessahBlessah608 did it ever come up in your interview? I’m in the same boat your in

[@jeffsherwood5259]

Great information. Thank you for sharing!

[@majesticTruth82]

Does the ATF require you to have a state license or insurance or both to be approved for the type 54 permit?

[@fireworksphill6640]

No. your type 54 license is to purchase 1.3 product. However a lot of states do require you to have safety training and state permits to shoot. that would also (most likely) require insurance as well.

[@pyroguy5766]

Hello. I love this video. So informative. Question though…what kinds of quest are asked during the interview as far as having storage?? So I live in an apt currently but I have proper storage at my other house. I keep those RIGID type containers…I’m just curious what I would respond with if they asked me or if living in an apt could anyway cause me to not get it?? I live in ct.

[@fireworksphill6640]

You will be asked how to store them. Most people do not have a magazine and use contingency storage, meaning some one else who already has atf approved storage will store them for you. Usually it is the place of business where you purchase them from. They are already storing the product. They continue to store the product until you pick it up. You can store it in the job box once the atf has approved it and given you your magazine numbers

[@tmgrk1]

Great video, thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@MadMax-rg2cg]

Hi I am just wanting to know for the firework magazine what are the requirerments on it and if i really need one. And just one more thing what can I use as a magazine/ or were could I get one.

[@fireworksphill6640]

You do not have to have a magazine to obtain your type 54 license. You will need a letter from where you will purchase your fireworks from stating that they will store them for you. Personally, I chose to do a type 4 indoor magazine. With that, I can store up to 50lbs of pyro weight. Pyro weight is how much the powder weighs. not how much a shell or cake weighs. I used a construction site job box. I painted the inside of it with a non sparking product. I actually used Flex seal rubber paint and just brushed it on. I've heard of guys using truck bed liner paint, while another attached plywood to the inside. Job site containers can be bought at any big box store like Lowes, Home Depot, Menards. I did the magazine because I didn't want to have to go back to where I bought them just to store a couple of left overs. It also comes in handy if you come across a really good sale on something.

[@wiLLgEEzY1]

Do you need to have some where to store them for the interview ? I want my license but I don’t have anywhere to store fireworks if I bought them in a huge quantity.

[@fireworksphill6640]

consumer fireworks are not regulated by the ATF. You will not be able to buy pro fireworks without the ATF explosives license. There for, you will not have any during your interview. Once you have your license, the place that you buy them from will store them for you until the day you shoot them off. All pro fireworks must be kept in an ATF approved storage.

[@wiLLgEEzY1]

fireworksphill thanks. You really helped me with this vid.

[@sawsickness]

Hey bud what questions are the ATF gonna ask me? Will they ask where I do my shoots and survey the area?

[@fireworksphill6640]

They will mainly ask why you want your license, and how you plan to store them. If it is contingency storage, get a letter in writing from the place storing them. Usually the letter will have their license number, a magazine number, and the terms of the storage, which usually states how long you can store them before you have to pick them up. They may ask where you plan on shooting, but realistically you are applying for a license to purchase. that's it. depending on where you live, dictates other rules. I live in Michigan, and there is no law requiring you to have a "shooters" license. I live on acreage, and shoot on my own property, so I do not need written permission. Again, the type 54 license is only to purchase the product. As far as your type 54 license, the ATF follows the "atf federal explosives law and regulations. If it not in that book, they can not enforce it. Many states do require a shooters license for you to legally set them off. Usually that will entail a certain number of hours of safety class, written tests, and also require you to be on a set up crew for a number of display shoots with at least one of those times being a lead shooter. Once you accomplish that, you will get a certificate confirming your training. Next up is a shoot site, which usually requires a state or local permit allowing you to shoot your show. Usually the permits require a site inspection, fire Marshall approval, proof of fireworks insurance for the event, and most likely some sort of fire prevention on site. All said and done, if you shoot for a show, it can be very expensive. However, a lot of people join fireworks clubs. They will usually set up some "open" shoots. They have locations already set, all permits and requirements met, and you just bring your product and every one gets to light their stuff off!

[@bjeff24]

Can u show the example records sheet thank you

[@fireworksphill6640]

Here is a link to 1.3 fireworks questions answered. kzbin.info/www/bejne/imibdXiXiN9mj8U At 11:50 in the video I start talking about the forms. At 13:50 in the video I show a couple of examples I made of the forms. Hope this helps.

[@YessahBlessah608]

Awesome! So I have my interview in 7 days! And I live in Wisconsin. So if I’m trying to do a show say in a different state? Like Michigan I could just explain that sounds like? That I just want to enhance my show with some 1.3g fireworks and do it at places that will allow 1.3g product? Simple as that

[@fireworksphill6640]

Michigan is pretty much a friendly pyro state. They do not require a safety course or a shooters course. However, If it is not your land, you will need permission. Also, You may be required to register your show, which gets into a lot of legal stuff. Michigan has certain holidays that they allow consumer fireworks. So if your show is then, you may get away with it. If not, you will have to get a permit to shoot. Doing that will require a safety plan, fireworks insurance, authority notifications, etc.

[@YessahBlessah608]

Just got approved! Waiting for my license! Interview was simple! Pyro on!

[@fredluden2298]

@@YessahBlessah608 any weird odd ball questions they asked or was it all pretty straight forward?

[@YessahBlessah608]

@@fredluden2298 nah everything was straight forward and no trick questions. Just be upfront. I think they really just wanna make sure you’re not trying to hurt anyone

[@fredluden2298]

@@YessahBlessah608 thanks a lot. That’s what I was thinking. I really want it to go well so I’m over thinking it a bit

[@welcome2cali946]

If i were to get my atf license would i be able to bring my product or ship it back to California with no worries or still illegal

[@fireworksphill6640]

You can purchase 1.3 in any state and transport them back with the type 54 license. You must store them in atf approved storage though. Transportation must be atf approved. Either you transport them yourself under your license, or have them shipped by a carrier that is approved to transport explosives. Keep in mind, the type 54 license is ony to purchase the product. that is it. California has many laws pertaining to legally discharging fireworks. www.americanpyro.com/assets/docs/State_Laws/ca16.pdf

[@welcome2cali946]

@@fireworksphill6640 thanks so much for each and everyone of us for every reply you gave us 👍

[@jordancchristipher5225]

can someone email me some info. on the book regulations? the good things to know when there interviewing?

[@fireworksphill6640]

a download version of the atf explosive law www.atf.gov/explosives/docs/publication-federal-explosives-laws-and-regulations-atf-p-54007/download hard copy link for the atf explosive law www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=atf+federal+explosive+law+and+regulations+2012 PGI Display Fireworks Operator Certification Study Guide www.pgi.org/files/2011-PGI-Fireworks-Safety-Guidelines.pdf As far as good things to know for the interview......do your homework. I got a copy of the atf laws and studied them. I also did searches for atf forms and how to fill them out. I even made my own forms that looked exactly like the examples. Another thing people may not realize, is the state of your residence. If your house is messy, and it looks like a junk yard, you are more apt to be scrutinized more. One of the things in the laws is about cleanliness. Keeping the storage areas clean. Keeping the fireworks organized. Most people do not store their fireworks. However, if your lazy about keeping a clean environment, they may feel that your laziness may transfer to the handling of the fireworks.

[@fireworksphill6640]

www.atf.gov/file/58741/download updated link to the atf explosives regulations

[@AlexanderRodriguez-ym7we]

If you don't have the proper storage, can you still get it? Thanks

[@fireworksphill6640]

yes. when you fill out the form, you choose contingency storage.

[@usarmy500]

Does this license allow you to get m80s and to make them

[@fireworksphill6640]

you can buy stuff better than m80's if your supplier carries them. I bought a case of firecrackers, 1.3, and they are by far, louder than any m80 I ever heard. It is illegal to make them unless you have a manufacturer's license.

[@celebpage6946]

Hey I wanted to know do you need this license to import 1.4 consumer? I'm having hard time figuring out how to get licensed to sell consumer and can find much help, if you or anyone reading this could help me out would greatly appreciate it.

[@fireworksphill6640]

no. the type 54 license is for purchasing 1.3 product only. Not sure what you would need for importing 1.4 product. I do know that selling fireworks can have expensive behind the scenes costs, such as insurance. I would suggest getting a hold of a large retailer of 1.4 product. You can usually get set up as a temporary dealer during the 4th of July season. By getting your foot in the door, and getting to know some one personally in the business may open the doors that you are seeking.

[@priestnotoriousdjsplashrob4949]

Hi I'm trying to get my ATF license type 54 I need your help. I'm from Memphis Tn. I want to do my own backyard show.I like loud noise & bright colors in the sky thanks.

[@fireworksphill6640]

To purchase the product, fill out the application. here is a link to the video I did on how to fill out the application. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWmxmptmia-SsNU The ATF type 54 license allows you to buy the product only. You will have to check with your state and local authorities to see what they require for lighting them off. A lot of states require you to have a safety course as well as a shoot license. Once you have it, you can buy all that stuff.

[@pyrobadger4241]

Great video, thank you.

[@abefavela6806]

Did your storage pass??

[@fireworksphill6640]

yes

[@ruffrize]

Is passport photo required? Or just ID?

[@fireworksphill6640]

Normally they say a passport photo however it is really just a photo from the top of your shoulders to the top of your head, straight on. not a side view or partial side view. it must be clear and 2" x 2". Generally passport photos already meet those parameters.

[@ruffrize]

@@fireworksphill6640 Do they ask you where you’re gonna shoot your 1.3g fireworks?

[@Fireworks_TV]

Can I get it in Minneapolis?

[@fireworksphill6640]

Yes. It is a federal license. Here is the link on how to fill out the application. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWmxmptmia-SsNU

[@K0ester]

I live in south st paul, any update on your liscense? Did you apply for it l?

[@fredluden2298]

@@K0ester I’m in St. Paul as well. Did you ever go through with it?

[@K0ester]

@@fredluden2298 no, i havent had the money to get a storage magazie. Once i get one i will apply. Im saving every month.

[@fredluden2298]

@@K0ester I hope you do soon I just sent in for my fingerprint card. You’ll have to double check but I think you can use the ridged 48x24 storage chest. All you have to do is put a rubber coating on the inside. Shouldn’t be more than $350 by the time your done. It’s what I’m going to do or fireworks that don’t go off kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpOXoJ5ofpajebM

[@jonnyblazee1558]

Can it be a 2x2 ID picture? I don’t have my passport

[@fireworksphill6640]

Yes it can. It has to be a clear, straight shot of your face. If I remember correctly it is basically from the top of your shoulders to the top of your head.

[@fireworksphill6640]

when I got my picture, I went to cvs Pharmacy because they take passport photos there. I think I paid $15 or so. They took my photo right there, printed out 2 copies for me that were already 2x2. I also do not have a passport.

[@jonnyblazee1558]

fireworksphill thank you , a buddy of mine and I are trying to get our type 54 license here in California. Hoping I get it. I wonder if they’re even accepting applications right now because of covid 19

[@fireworksphill6640]

@@jonnyblazee1558 The application is a federal application. It will most likely, (as mine did), get mailed to Atlanta Georgia for initial processing. Once your vetted, then a local atf agent will set up an interview. Your atf type 54 license is to purchase the fireworks. I believe in California you will also be required to take safety classes, and I think you are required to get a shooters license as well.

[@fireworksphill6640]

@@jonnyblazee1558 I would guess that they are essential workers. My bet is it gets processed, but the interview may be more of a challenge, but there is masks, social distancing, video interviews, electronic signing of documents, etc.

[@k-boomfireworksdisplay1380]

On fingerprint cards... On at "reason fingerprinted" put in type 54 license?!?

[@fireworksphill6640]

it's for "FBI FD-258EX - Explosives Applications ORI WVATF0900" Which is the reason you are requesting the fingerprint card. When you actually get fingerprinted, the agency doing it will ask you, and yes...it's to obtain your explosives license

[@k-boomfireworksdisplay1380]

Great! I already sent it out and they will receive tomorrow but i hope to get license and also, hope they don’t mind if my deafness.

[@pyro7060]

Toe Kicker how did it go?

[@k-boomfireworksdisplay1380]

@@pyro7060 it went good. I got it at all and got Exhibitior License to shoot it off, got permission authorization to shoot it off. Again it all good.

[@pyro7060]

Toe Kicker Nice congrats! God must be so nice man lol. Hope to get mine in the future. So you needed an ATF and another license to shoot? I’m still a bit confused

[@priestnotoriousdjsplashrob4949]

I want to get my atf type 54 bt I live in Memphis Tn. I'm just like you I like doing my 4th July small show for my family and myself. I like loud bang, and bright colors in the sky.

[@fireworksphill6640]

Go for it. It's easy to get. You will love the product available to you that the general public can't buy. You can buy salutes big enough to set of car alarms!

[@Ikej873]

I have one question… will they allow me to store fireworks in an ATF Approved storage container somewhere in a shed away from any houses or buildings near by? Hypothetically let’s say I live in a neighborhood, will I still be able to get my license or would it be best to get the contingency storage plan?

[@Rob-jf7li]

Just sent in for my type 54. I am concerned with the fact that, on the app, where it asks 'are business premises: owned, leased/rented, or other'...there is an asterisk beside leased/rented, but nothing noting what the asterisk means..I rent my home and am using contingency storage. hoping they don't get weird about it. great video.

[@fireworksphill6640]

You should be fine. Many people rent. Usually rent comes into play if you are storing product, as the owner of the property needs to comply with the atf storage rules. Contingency storage meets atf guidelines.

[@Reffolution]

You are all too correct that they make sure to get their money. My application was delivered Friday at 1p. The check cleared on Sunday. Yikes!

[@lockingpaul]

I’m in. I’ve been doing small consumer displays for the family for years. Today I tried to buy fuse and was told can’t do it! I can buy a shit load of pyro! Just no fuse🤣I mean I get it but.comon. But everything happens for good reason!

[@fireworksphill6640]

you can buy fuse. Heck, you can go to any gun shop and buy cannon fuse. Most big fireworks stores carry different fuses. they are sold mostly in small packages of wicks that have different burn rates. The green fuses burn approximately 20 seconds per ft, some are 30 seconds per ft. some others are quick fuse, burning at about 3 seconds per ft or faster.

[@fredluden2298]

I’m pretty sure you can buy fuse almost anywhere. I’m guessing your talking about ematch which is being regulated as class b for the first time this year. It’s the main reason why I want my type 54 now. I used the class c igniters this year and had a huge failure rate

[@lockingpaul]

Nah I’m talking about regular fuse I have been refused multiple times and told I must have a license to buy fuse in Ontario Canada! Call mystical distribution in Trenton Ontario Canada and ask if they will sell it to ya. Is the only one off top of my head but ya

[@jracer7189]

I don’t get why it’s so difficult it’s easier to buy gun and tanneright like how does that make any sense.

[@fredluden2298]

I don’t think you understand the kind of damage a 8 inch solute can make. It’s not what it does in itself it’s what can be made with the components

[@leonardoocampo6793]

Can I just buy fireworks from you lol 😂? Jk

[@414RadioTech]

That doesn't help since I live in Wisconsin and we are the most strict state when it comes to getting ATF licenses for some reason the feds are very strict where I live in Wisconsin and there's no way they would allow somebody to be licensed at all in this state I've been told not to bother applying for an ATF license in Wisconsin and was told if I want to do anything professional to join a professional company I would rather live in Pennsylvania where things are a lot less strict it's always about the politics of the fucking Democrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@fireworksphill6640]

Not sure who told you that, but the atf type 54 license is considered a "shall issue" license. When you fill out the application, you get checked out, the atf does a physical interview. If you have no felony convictions, no negative medical reasons, then the atf shall issue the license. Keep in mind that the atf type 54 license is Only to purchase the fireworks. That is it. A lot of states require you to have safety classes, and or Shooters courses that documents your training. You then need a place authorized to shoot them off, which in a lot of cases requires you to submit a plan to the local authorities, possibly obtaining a state permit for your shoot, then you'll have to show proof of fireworks insurance, most likely have the local fire department there as well. once you get the green light from every one involved, then you can shoot your show. it's very expensive just for a little fireworks show.