The most common types of ATF Forms for consumers who purchase or build NFA firearms or other items are the ATF Form 4 and Form 1. In this blog post, you’ll learn the most common ATF electronic forms relating to these items.
ATF eForms what the heck?
ATF eForms is the online portal for filing paperwork for NFA items such as:
Short barrel rifle (SBR)
Short barrel shotgun (SBS)
Suppressor
Any other weapon (AOW)
eForm is the electronic version of the ATF Form 5320. These forms are required for consumers, manufacturers, and dealers to buy, sell, and build items regulated by the ATF.
On December 23, 2021, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives updated their online electronic submission portal for eForms to support Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9. Prior to this date, the eForms of the ATF did not support the Form 4, which had to be filed via a physical, paper submission.
If you’re electronically filing for an NFA tax stamp, you may be wondering if eForm and eFile are the same things. Yes: an eForm and eFile are the same.
What forms do I need to file to get my NFA item?
If you are buying an NFA item, you must file an ATF eForm 4. If you are building your own suppressor or building an SBR, you must file an ATF eForm 1. Details about the electronic submission of the different ATF forms are covered below.
What is the difference between ATF Form 1 and 4?
You may be wondering: what is a Form 1? If you’re building your own NFA item (such as a silencer or short barrel rifle from a braced pistol), submit an ATF eForm 1.
The difference between an ATF Form 1 and ATF Form 4 is building the item on your own or purchasing an item that’s been manufactured for that intended purpose. For example, a Form 4 is used when a consumer purchases an item (such as a suppressor), online, or through a local dealer.
If the suppressor was manufactured and shipped ready to use, you would use a Form 4. If you’re building the suppressor yourself using pieces and parts, you would file a Form 1.
What is a Form 3?
When a customer purchases a suppressor or other NFA item through Black Creek, it will be transferred to the customer’s local dealer using the ATF Form 3. Form 3s initiate a transfer from one federal firearms licensee (FFL) us, to another FFL your local guy, usually for the purpose of facilitating a sale to a customer in another state.
What Is A Form 4?
Unless you’re a federal firearms licensee (FFL), you’ll need to file a Form 4 in order to purchase an NFA item such as a suppressor, short barrel rifle (SBR), short barrel shotgun (SBS), machine gun, or any other weapon (AOW).
Example: if you live in any of the 42 states where suppressors are legal ( if you do not you should move to one) and purchase a suppressor, the seller will prepare a Form 4, which you will need to certify, in order for the ATF to approve and register the transfer of the suppressor to you.
What is a Form 4 suppressor?
If you’re buying an NFA item that was manufactured for purchase (as opposed to you making the item), you’ll file an ATF eForm 4.
Can you eFile a Form 4 as a Trust?
Yes! eForms allows you to eFile as a Trust, Corporation, or Individual.
How long does it take to get a Form 4 approved?
Currently, eForm 4 suppressor approvals are commonly taking a few days, for both individual and "standardized trust" submissions.
These are historically fast approval times, which ATF refers to as "the new normal."
How long does an NFA tax stamp last?
An NFA tax stamp is valid for the life of the item it is assigned to. Most suppressors will last a lifetime so they’re commonly passed down through trusts. When an NFA item is registered through a trust and still in working order, the same tax stamp still applies. There is no predetermined expiration date for an NFA tax stamp.
Do I need to submit fingerprints with my eForm?
Yes, fingerprints are required for consumers when filing an eForm 1 or eForm 4. When you purchase a silencer through Black Creek, we offer complimentary digitized fingerprinting to ensure a seamless submission. If you've purchased your silencer elsewhere, we also offer digital fingerprinting as a standalone service at nearly half the cost of other online providers. Your digitized fingerprints will be securely included in your NFA application, which you can certify and submit with your local FFL.
Things to Keep In Mind With Electronic Form 4 Submissions
You must create an ATF eForms account in order to submit an eForm. To create an account, visit eforms.atf.gov. When creating your ATF eForms login, please use the same email address as your Silencer Shop account.
In order to submit an eForm 4 successfully, it has to be done with a dealer that has an SOT.
Errors in the application: The ATF has made it clear that with eForms, accuracy is extremely important. Applications with an error cannot be pulled for correction. The application will follow the estimated 90 days for processing and then be rejected due to the error. It will need to be corrected and then resubmitted, with another estimated 90 days for approval.
Submitting an eForm can be done remotely if you file as a Trust or Corporation. If you file as an individual, you must certify in person with your Powered By Silencer Shop dealer.
Per the ATF, your eForms username, PIN, and password information are confidential and should not be shared with anyone.
When filing your eForm 4, the NFA item must already be assigned to you. You can’t file your eForm while you’re still deciding if/which item(s) you’ll purchase.
What Is An Electronic Form 1?
If you’re building your own short-barreled rifle or shotgun or converting your brace weapon to an SBR/SBS, you will utilize the ATF eForm 1. The ATF eForm 1 allows you to create your own NFA item after approval.
Keep in mind that on the eForm 1 application, the serial number you will be engraving must be listed in box 4H. Your serial number must also include a letter and a number. Additionally, no special characters are allowed.
How To Fill Out ATF Form 1
To file a Form 1, which is required to make and register a firearm under the National Firearms Act (NFA), start by creating an account on the ATF eForms website. After logging in, select "ATF Form 1 (5320.1)" and choose whether you’re applying as an individual, trust, or legal entity. For individuals, you’ll need to complete the form with details about the firearm you intend to make, including its type and specifications. If applying as a trust or legal entity, upload the necessary trust documents or legal entity papers. Next, provide a recent passport-style photo and submit your fingerprints electronically. Pay the $200 tax stamp fee online. Once all documents are uploaded and the fee is paid, you can submit your application electronically through the ATF eForms system. Be aware that if you opt to mail a paper fingerprint card, your processing time will begin only after the ATF receives and scans the card.
What Is An Electronic Form 3?
The purpose of a Form 3 is to transfer NFA items from one SOT to another SOT.
Note: this is not an aspect that involves the consumer.
Example: if you make a purchase on blackcreekfirearms.com, we will do an eForm 3 to transfer your item to the dealer that you selected. You will not have any direct involvement.
Changes That May Impact You
An eForm 3 is related to an eForm 4 because eForm 3 must be completed prior to an eForm 4 being filed. The receiving FFL/SOT must formally acquire the NFA item. Once acquired, the eForm 4 will be submitted.
Understanding ATF electronic forms is essential for anyone involved in purchasing, building, or transferring NFA items. The ATF eForms portal simplifies the process for filing Forms 1, 3, and 4, each serving a distinct purpose whether you're building a new NFA item, transferring it between dealers, or purchasing a ready-made item.
As regulations and processes evolve, it's crucial to stay informed about current procedures to ensure a smooth application process. At Black Creek Firearms, we offer efficient and cost-effective services, including complimentary digitized fingerprinting for our customers, to help facilitate quicker approvals. Whether you're a first-time filer or a seasoned collector, leveraging the eForms system and our specialized services can streamline your experience with NFA items and keep you compliant with ATF requirements.
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