NFA items — suppressors, SBRs, and more

The National Firearms Act (1934) regulates a specific category of firearms and accessories, collectively known as NFA items. Buying one requires ATF approval and a $200 tax stamp (with limited exceptions).

What counts as an NFA item?

• Suppressors (silencers)
• Short-barreled rifles (SBRs) — rifles with barrels under 16"
• Short-barreled shotguns (SBSs) — shotguns with barrels under 18"
• Machine guns — pre-1986 registered transferable machine guns
• Destructive devices — grenades, 40mm launchers, certain large-bore firearms
• Any Other Weapon (AOW) — a catch-all category for disguised or specialty firearms

The basic process

1. Choose an item. Purchase it from a dealer that holds a Class 3 Special Occupational Tax (SOT) license. The item stays at the dealer until the transfer is approved.
2. File ATF Form 4. The dealer helps you submit a Form 4 application, including fingerprints, a photo, and the $200 tax.
3. Wait for approval. ATF processing times vary. Electronic filings (eForms) typically take 30-120 days. Paper submissions can take much longer.
4. Take possession. Once approved, you pick up the item from the dealer.

NFA items must be registered to a specific individual, trust, or legal entity. Many buyers use an NFA gun trust to simplify inheritance and allow multiple authorized users.

State legality

NFA item ownership is also restricted by some states. Suppressors are legal in most states but prohibited in CA, DC, DE, HI, IL, MA, NJ, NY, and RI. SBRs are prohibited in DC, HI, IL, and NJ. Always verify your state's rules before filing a Form 4.