FFLDIRECT Service on APB360.com
Update, October 13, 2026: this integration is now complete. See FFL DIRECT Integration Complete.
We’re actively developing an integration with the ATF’s FFL DIRECT service on APB360.com to help our FFL customers respond to firearm trace requests more efficiently.
FFL DIRECT is a secure, asynchronous API from the ATF’s National Tracing Center. Participating FFLs can automatically receive and respond to trace requests for disposition data via JSON over HTTPS/TLS — no more email, phone, or fax back-and-forth.
Key Advantages
- Lower operational burden — Automated serial-number searches reduce or eliminate manual lookups
- Faster, more accurate responses — Improves data quality and helps law enforcement complete traces more quickly
- Minimal disruption — Runs in the background; no need to upload or sync A&D / bound book data
- No cost to participate — The ATF service itself is free
- Secure & reliable — Secure protocols with full traceability and validation
What This Means for APB360 Users
APB360 already supports electronic bound-book / A&D recordkeeping along with inventory and chain-of-custody tools. We are building the FFL DIRECT integration so eligible customers can connect their records management directly to the ATF service through the platform.
This is still in active development. FFLs interested in the broader FFL DIRECT program can contact the ATF team at FFLDIRECT@atf.gov for the integration guide and cooperative agreement process.