ATF Form 4 Transfer Guide
The $0 tax stamp (effective January 1, 2026) eliminated the $200 fee for NFA transfers, but the Form 4 process is still required. This guide walks you through every step — whether you are buying in-state or across state lines.
Informational only — not legal advice. StampSwap is not an FFL and does not submit ATF forms. Consult a qualified NFA attorney or your local FFL/SOT for specific legal guidance.
Select Your Transfer Type
In-State Transfer Steps
10 stepsAs of 2026, the ATF allows private party transferors (non-FFL) to submit Form 4 applications through the eForms system. Verify current eForms capabilities at eforms.atf.gov.
Agree on Terms
Buyer and seller agree on the price, item condition, and logistics. For in-person transfers, choose a safe meet location. For shipped transfers, identify a local FFL/SOT to receive the item (even in-state, many buyers prefer using an FFL for convenience).
- Use StampSwap messaging to negotiate and keep a written record of the agreed terms
- We recommend GunTab (guntab.com) for secure escrow — protects both parties
- Discuss who covers shipping if applicable
Verify Same-State Residency
Both the buyer and seller must be legal residents of the same state. This is a federal requirement for direct private party NFA transfers without an FFL intermediary.
- Residency is based on your primary state of residence, not where you are physically located
- If buyer and seller are in different states, use the Interstate Transfer process instead
- Military personnel use their state of legal residence (Home of Record or state on their LES)
Buyer Completes ATF Form 4
The buyer fills out ATF Form 4 (Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm). This can be done electronically via the ATF eForms system or on paper. The seller initiates the form as the transferor, and the buyer completes their section as the transferee.
- Create an ATF eForms account at eforms.atf.gov if you don't have one
- Enter all information exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID
- Serial number must match exactly as engraved on the item (including spaces, dashes, prefixes)
- Choose whether to register as Individual or to a Trust/Corporation
- The tax amount field will show $0
Submit Fingerprints
The buyer must submit two FBI FD-258 fingerprint cards. These can be completed at your local police department, UPS Store, or a fingerprint service provider. Many eForms submissions now accept electronic fingerprints via kiosk.
- FD-258 cards are available from the ATF or can be ordered online
- Electronic fingerprint kiosks (e.g., Silencer Shop) are the fastest option
- Ensure prints are clear — smudged prints cause delays
- Each responsible person on a trust must submit fingerprints
Provide Passport-Style Photograph
The buyer provides a recent 2" x 2" passport-style photograph. This is attached to the Form 4 application.
- White or off-white background, face centered, no glasses or headwear
- Photo must be taken within the last 6 months
- For eForms, upload a digital photo (JPEG format recommended)
- Each responsible person on a trust must provide a photograph
Send CLEO Notification
The buyer must send a copy of the Form 4 to the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) in their jurisdiction. This is a notification, not a request for approval — the CLEO cannot deny the transfer.
- CLEO is typically the local chief of police or county sheriff
- eForms handles CLEO notification automatically in most cases
- For paper forms, mail a copy via certified mail and keep the receipt
- This is a notification requirement only — CLEO sign-off is not required
Submit Form 4 to ATF
Submit the completed Form 4 to the ATF. Electronic submission via eForms is strongly recommended — it is significantly faster than paper. The tax stamp fee is $0 as of January 1, 2026.
- eForms: Submit at eforms.atf.gov — both parties certify electronically with their PIN
- Paper: Mail to ATF, P.O. Box 530298, Atlanta, GA 30353-0298
- Double-check all information before submitting — errors mean starting over
- Save your eForms confirmation number for tracking
Wait for ATF Approval
The ATF conducts a background check and processes the application. Current eForms approval times average 10-15 days for individuals and 25-30 days for trusts. Paper submissions average 9-12+ months.
- Check status at eforms.atf.gov or call the ATF NFA Branch at 304-616-4500
- Do NOT take possession of the item before approval — this is a federal felony
- Use StampSwap's transaction tracker to monitor status and get reminders
- If additional information is requested, respond promptly to avoid further delays
Transfer Physical Possession
Once the Form 4 is approved by the ATF, the seller can legally transfer physical possession of the NFA item to the buyer. Verify the approved stamp on the eForms portal before exchanging the item.
- Both parties should verify the approved Form 4 stamp before transfer
- For shipped items, use insured shipping with tracking (UPS, FedEx, or ShipMyGun)
- Complete the transfer on StampSwap to leave reviews and build your reputation
Keep Your Approved Form 4
The buyer must retain a copy of the approved Form 4 and keep it accessible whenever the NFA item is in their possession. This is your proof of legal registration.
- Store a digital copy on your phone for easy access at the range or in the field
- Keep the original in a safe place (fireproof safe recommended)
- You are not legally required to show it to anyone other than ATF agents, but having it available prevents complications
- If registering to a trust, all trustees should have access to copies
Key Information
What You'll Need
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- Fingerprints — 2 FBI FD-258 cards or electronic kiosk submission
- Passport-style photograph (2" x 2", white background)
- CLEO information (local chief of police or county sheriff)
- ATF eForms account (eforms.atf.gov)
- Payment for the item (we recommend GunTab for escrow)
$0 Tax Stamp
As of January 1, 2026, the NFA tax stamp fee for suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs was reduced from $200 to $0 via the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Important: The Form 4 process is still required. Background checks, fingerprints, photographs, and CLEO notification remain mandatory. Only the $200 fee was eliminated — not the registration process itself.
eForms vs Paper Filing
Average approval: 10-15 days (individual) / 25-30 days (trust). Submit at eforms.atf.gov.
Average approval: 9-12+ months. Mail to ATF NFA Branch. Only use if eForms is unavailable for your situation.
Finding an FFL/SOT Dealer
For interstate transfers, you need a Class 3 SOT (Special Occupational Tax) dealer in the buyer's state. Not all FFLs handle NFA transfers — you need one with an active SOT.
- Search "NFA dealer near me" or "Class 3 dealer [your city]"
- Ask at local gun stores — many carry SOT status
- Check Silencer Shop's dealer network for partner locations
- Call ahead to confirm they accept private party NFA transfers
- Ask about their transfer fee ($50-$100 is typical) and any storage fees
Common Errors That Cause Delays or Denials
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the ATF Form 4 transfer process.
Yes. The Form 4 process is still required even though the tax stamp fee is $0. The ATF still conducts a background check, and you still need to submit fingerprints, a photograph, and CLEO notification. The $0 stamp means you don't pay the $200 fee, but the registration process remains mandatory. Possessing an unregistered NFA item is a federal felony regardless of the tax amount.
Yes, but the transfer must go through a licensed FFL/SOT (Class 3 dealer) in the buyer's state. The seller ships the NFA item to the buyer's chosen FFL/SOT, and then the dealer completes a Form 4 transfer to the buyer. Direct private party transfers across state lines are prohibited by federal law.
As of early 2026, ATF eForms approvals are averaging 10-15 days for individual registrations and 25-30 days for trust/entity registrations. Paper Form 4 submissions are significantly slower at 9-12+ months. We strongly recommend using the eForms system for faster processing.
If the ATF denies your Form 4, you cannot take possession of the item. The item stays with the seller (or FFL/SOT for interstate transfers). Common denial reasons include errors on the form, criminal history, or restraining orders. You may appeal a denial through the ATF. This is why we recommend using GunTab escrow — funds can be returned if the transfer is denied.
Absolutely not. Taking possession of an NFA item before your Form 4 is approved is a federal felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 in fines. The item must remain with the seller (or FFL/SOT) until the ATF formally approves the transfer. There are no exceptions to this rule.
You can file either way. Individual registration is simpler and generally processes faster (10-15 days vs 25-30 days). However, a trust allows multiple trustees to legally possess the item and simplifies estate planning. If your spouse or family members will ever handle the item, a trust is recommended. NFA trusts can be set up through an attorney or online legal services for $50-$150.
Ready to find your next suppressor?
Browse thousands of NFA items from verified sellers. With the $0 tax stamp, there has never been a better time to buy or sell on the secondary market.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general informational guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. StampSwap is not a licensed FFL, does not take possession of NFA items, and does not submit ATF forms on behalf of users. We are not responsible for Form 4 accuracy, ATF approval outcomes, or compliance with federal, state, or local laws.
All NFA transfers require ATF Form 4 approval regardless of the $0 tax stamp. Federal law requires a background check, fingerprints, photographs, and CLEO notification for every NFA transfer. Consult a qualified NFA attorney or your local FFL/SOT dealer for guidance specific to your situation.