The process for acquiring or building an NFA item is elaborate, requiring careful attention to federal forms, taxes, background checks, and legal compliance. It can be time-consuming and sometimes frustrating. We are here to help you if it is your first time or if you are adding to your collection. Our suppliers carry a full line of suppressors. If one of them does not have what you are looking for, you can acquire it from another retailer and have it shipped to us just like you would a handgun or long gun, for transfer.
We have the equipment to submit your ATF Form 1 or Form 4 electronically which reduces your approval time. We do your fingerprints, pictures, complete the appropriate ATF Form and notify the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) in your jurisdiction as required by the ATF. An ATF eForms account is required to submit your forms electronically. We will help you set that up as well. If you purchase the item from us there is no charge for this service. If you purchase the item elsewhere and have it shipped to us, our fee for this service is $175.00.
Here is some more information on the NFA itself, the process and some other considerations:
The National Firearms Act (NFA), first enacted in 1934, regulates the transfer and possession of certain types of firearms and devices in the United States, including:
· Machine Guns: Fully automatic firearms capable of firing more than one round per trigger pull.
· Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs): Rifles with a barrel length less than 16 inches or overall length less than 26 inches.
· Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBSs): Shotguns with a barrel length less than 18 inches or overall length less than 26 inches.
· Suppressors/Silencers: Devices designed to muffle or silence the sound of a firearm.
· Destructive Devices: Includes explosives, bombs, grenades, and certain large caliber firearms.
· Any Other Weapon (AOW): Miscellaneous devices such as smoothbore pistols or disguised firearms.
The transfer of these items is overseen by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which has established a detailed process to ensure compliance with federal law.
The ATF NFA transfer process involves the legal transfer of ownership or possession of NFA items. This can occur between private individuals, dealers, or through trusts or legal entities. Transfers must comply with strict federal guidelines, including background checks, registration, and until December 31, 2025, payment of a tax.
The process begins when an individual or entity chooses an NFA item for purchase or transfer. The item remains in the possession of the dealer until approval has been received, and the transfer completed.
Step 2: Set up an ATF eForms Account
For individual transfers, the applicant must submit:
· Two FD-258 fingerprint cards
· Two passport-style photographs of the transferee
If the transfer is to a trust, all responsible persons named in the trust must submit these materials plus a Form 5320.23 – Responsible Person Questionnaire.
The ATF requires specific forms for NFA transfers:
· Form 4 (ATF Form 5320.4): Used for transferring an NFA item from a dealer or individual to another individual, trust, or entity.
· Form 1 (ATF Form 5320.1): Used for making an NFA item (for example, building an SBR or suppressor).
· Form 3 (ATF Form 5320.3): Used for dealer-to-dealer transfers.
The most common form for private purchases is the Form 4.
The transferee must accurately fill out the required form, which includes:
· Personal information (name, address, citizenship, etc.)
· Details about the firearm/device (make, model, serial number, type, etc.)
· Transferor’s information (if applicable)
· Information about the trust or legal entity (if applicable)
Until December 3, 2025 a $200 tax is required for most NFA items. Payment is made with your credit card during submission of your application. The tax is paid for each item transferred.
The completed form, fingerprint cards, photographs, and tax payment are electronically submitted to the ATF’s NFA Division
Federal law requires that a copy of the application (Form 4 or Form 1) be sent to the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) in the transferee’s jurisdiction. This is a notification, not a request for approval.
The ATF reviews the application for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with federal law. A comprehensive background check is conducted on the transferee (and all responsible persons for trusts/entities). We have been getting approvals back in as little as 24 hours.
Once approved, the ATF returns a tax-stamped copy of the transfer form to the transferor and transferee. The actual transfer is done through the completion of an ATF Form 4473 (5300.9). Legal possession of the NFA item is then permitted. The transferor must retain a copy of the approved form, and the transferee should always keep the approved form with the NFA item.
Some states and municipalities prohibit or further restrict NFA items, regardless of federal approval. Always verify local regulations before applying for a transfer.
Owners must securely store NFA items and ensure only authorized persons can access them. Travel with NFA items across state lines may require additional notification to the ATF.
Record Keeping and Maintenance
The approved transfer form must always accompany the NFA item. If ownership is transferred again, the process must be repeated. Maintenance and lawful use of the item are the owner’s responsibility.
Any loss or theft of an NFA item must be reported immediately to local law enforcement and the ATF.
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