Form ATF F 4 (5320.4) ATF F 4 (5320.4) Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Fi

OMB No. 1140-0014 (xx/xx/xxxx)

U.S. Department of Justice
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Application for Tax Paid Transfer and
Registration of Firearm

ATF Control Number
National Firearms Act Branch
SUBMIT in DUPLICATE to: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, P.O. Box 530298, Atlanta, GA 30353-0298
2a. Transferee's Name and Address (Include trade name, if any) (See instruction 2d)

1. Type of Transfer (Check one)
$5

$200

Submit the appropriate tax payment with
the application. The tax may be paid by
credit or debit card, check, or money
order. Please complete item 21. Upon
approval of the application, we will affix
and cancel the required National Firearms
Act stamp. (See instructions 2b, 2i and 3)
3b. Transferor’s Telephone Number and
Area Code

2b. County
3a. Transferor's Name and Address (Include trade name, if any) (Executors: see instruction 2k)

3d. Number, Street, City, State and Zip
Code of Residence (or Firearms
Business Premises) If Different from
Item 3a.

3c. If Applicable: Decedent's Name, Address, and Date of Death

The above-named and undersigned transferor hereby makes application as required by Section 5812 of the National Firearms Act to transfer and register the firearm
described below to the transferee.
d. Model
4. Description of Firearm (Complete items a through i) (See instruction 2m)
a.

Name and Address of Maker, Manufacturer and/or
Importer of Firearm

c.

b. Type of Firearm
(See instruction 1c)

Caliber
or
Gauge

Length
(Inches)

e. Of Barrel:

f. Overall:

g. Serial Number
h.

Additional Description or Data Appearing on Firearm (Attach additional sheet if necessary)

5. Transferee's Federal Firearms License (If any)
(Give complete 15-digit number) (See instruction 2c)
2 digits
First 6 digits
2 digits

5 digits

6. Transferor's Federal Firearms License (If any)
(Give complete 15-digit number) (See instruction 2c)
First 6 digits
2 digits
2 digits

5 digits

7. Transferee's Special (Occupational) Tax Status (If any)

8. Transferor's Special (Occupational) Tax Status (If any)

a. Employer Identification Number

a. Employer Identification Number

b. Class

b. Class

Under Penalties of Perjury, I Declare that I have examined this application, and to the best of my knowledge and belief it is true, correct and complete, and that the transfer of
the described firearm to the transferee and receipt and possession of it by the transferee are not prohibited by the provisions of Chapter 44, Title 18, United States Code; Chapter
53, Title 26, United States Code; or Title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, as amended; or any provisions of State or local law.
9. Consent to Disclosure of Information to Transferee (See instruction 8). I Do or Do Not (circle one) Authorize ATF to Provide Information Relating to this
Application to the Above-Named Transferee.
10. Signature of Transferor (Or authorized official)
11. Name and Title of Authorized Official (Print or type) 12. Date
The Space Below is for the use of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
By Authority of The Director, This Application Has Been Examined, and the Transfer and Registration of the Firearm Stamp Denomination
Described Herein and the Interstate Movement of that Firearm, When Applicable, to the Transferee are:
Approved (With the following conditions, if any)

Signature of Authorized ATF Official

Disapproved (For the following reasons)

Date

ATF Form 4 (5320.4)
Revised (
)

13. Law Enforcement Certification (See instruction 2f)
I certify that I am the chief law enforcement officer of the organization named below having a jurisdiction in the area of residence of

.
(Name of Transferee)

I have no information indicating that the transferee will use the firearm or device described on this application for other than lawful purposes. I have no information
that possession of the firearm described in item 4 on the front of this form would place the transferee in violation of State or local law.

(Signature of Chief Law Enforcement Officer)

(Printed name)

(Title and agency name)

(Street address, city, State and zip code)
(Telephone Number)

(Date)

By (if delegated authority to sign for the chief law enforcement official);
(Signature)

(Printed name)

(Title and agency name)

(Street address, city, State and zip code)
(Date)

(Telephone Number)
Transferee Certification (See instruction 2)
14. I,

, have a reasonable necessity to possess the machinegun, short-barreled rifle,
(Name and Title of Transferee)
short-barreled shotgun, or destructive device described on this application for the following reason(s)

and my possession of the device or weapon would be consistent with public safety (18 U.S.C. 922(b) (4) and 27 CFR 478.98).
15. Answer questions 15.a. through 15.j. Answer questions 17 through 20 if applicable. For any Yes answer (other than for 15.i), the transferee shall provide details
on a separate sheet. (See instruction 7b and definitions)
Yes
No 16. Photograph
a. Are you under indictment or information in any court for a felony, or any other crime, for which the judge
could imprison you for more than one year?
b. Have you ever been convicted in any court for a felony, or any other crime, for which the judge could
imprison you for than one year, even if you received a shorter sentence including probation?
c. Are you a fugitive from justice?
d. Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any
other controlled substance?
e. Have you ever been adjudicated mentally defective (which includes a determination by a court, board,
commission, or other lawful authority that you are a danger to yourself or others or are incompetent to
manage your own affairs) OR have you ever been committed to a mental institution?

Affix
Recent Photograph Here
(Approximately 2” x 2”)
(See instruction 2g)

f. Have you been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions?
g. Are you subject to a court order restraining you from harassing, stalking, or threatening your child or an
intimate partner or child of such partner?
h.
i.
j.
If

Have you ever been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence?
Are you a United States citizen?
Have you ever renounced your United States citizenship?
you answered “NO” to question 15.i., Please answer questions 17, 18, 19 and 20.

17. Answer questions 17.a., 17.b., and 18 checking or marking "YES or "NO" or "NA" in the boxes to the right of the questions.
Yes

No

a. Are you an alien Illegally in the United States?
b. Are you an alien admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa? * If the answer is “NO”, do not respond to question 18 and proceed to
questions 19 and 20.
18. If you are an alien admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa, do you fall within any of the exceptions set forth in the instructions (see definitions)
If the answer is “YES”, A copy of the Documentation must be attached to the Application.
N/A
Yes
No
19. What is your country of Citizenship if other than the United States? (Specify Country)
20. If you are not a Citizen of the United States, what is your U.S.-issued alien number or admission number?

CERTIFICATION: Under penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 924 and 26 U.S.C. 5861, I certify that the statements contained in this certification, and any
attached documents in support thereof, are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Signature of Transferee

Date

ATF Form 4 (5320.4)
Revised (
)

21. Method of Payment (Check one) (See instruction 2i)
Check (Enclosed)

Cashier’s Check or
Money Order (Enclosed)

Visa

Mastercard

American
Express

Name as Printed on the Credit/Debit Card

Credit/Debit Card Number (No dashes)

Diners Club

Discover

Expiration Date (Month & year)

Address:
Credit/Debit Card
Billing Address:

City:

State:

Please Complete to Ensure Payment is Credited to the Correct Application:
I am Paying the making Tax for the Applicant:

Zip Code:

Total Amount:
$

I Authorize ATF to Charge my Credit/Debit Card the Above Amount.

Signature of Cardholder

Date

Your credit/debit card will be charged the above stated amount upon receipt of your application. The charge will be reflected on your credit/debit card statement.
In the event your application is NOT approved, the above amount will be credited to the credit/debit card noted above.
Important Information for Currently Registered Firearms
If this registration document evidences the current registration of the firearm described on it, please note the following information.
Estate Procedures: For procedures regarding the transfer of firearms in an estate resulting from the death of the registrant identified in item 2a, the executor should
contact the NFA Branch, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, 244 Needy Road, Martinsburg, WV 25405.
Change of Address: Unless currently licensed under the Gun Control Act, the registrant shall notify the NFA Branch, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives, 244 Needy Road, Martinsburg, WV 25405, in writing, of any change to the address in Item 2a.
Change of Description: The registrant shall notify the NFA Branch, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, 244 Needy Road, Martinsburg, WV 25405,
in writing, of any change to the description of the firearm(s) in Item 4.
Interstate Movement: If the firearm identified in item 4 is a machinegun, short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun, or destructive device, the registrant may be
required by 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(4) to obtain permission from ATF prior to any transportation in interstate or foreign commerce.
Restrictions on Possession: Any restriction (see approval block on face of form) on the possession of the firearm identified in item 4 continues with the further
transfer of the firearm.
Persons Prohibited from Possessing Firearms: If the registrant becomes prohibited from possessing a firearm, please contact the NFA Branch for procedures on how
to dispose of the firearm.
Proof of Registration: A person possessing a firearm registered as required by the NFA shall retain proof of registration which shall be made available to an ATF
officer upon request.
Paperwork Reduction Act Notice
This form meets the clearance requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The information you provide is used in applying to transfer of serviceable
firearms taxpaid to persons other than special taxpayers qualified to deal in NFA firearms or government entities. Data is used to identify transferor, transferee, and
firearm, and to ensure legality for transfer under Federal, State and local laws. The furnishing of this information is mandatory (26 USC § 5812).
The estimated average burden associated with this collection of information is 1.68 hours per respondent or recordkeeper, depending on individual circumstances.
Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden estimate and suggestion for reducing this burden should be addressed to Reports Management Officer, Information
Technology Coordination Staff, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington, DC 20226.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Privacy Act Information
The following information is provided pursuant to Section 3 of the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552(e)(3)):
1. Authority. Solicitation of this information is made pursuant to the National Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. § 5812). Disclosure or this information by the applicant is
mandatory for transfer of an NFA firearm, unless the transfer is otherwise exempt from tax.
2. Purpose. To insure payment of the tax imposed by 26 U.S.C. § 5811; to insure that the transfer would not be in violation of law; and to effect registration of the
firearm.
3. Routine Uses. The information will be used by ATF to make the determinations set forth in paragraph 2. In addition, to effect registration of the firearm,
information as to the identification of the firearm, date of registration, and the identification and address of person entitled to possess the firearm will be entered
into the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. No information obtained from an application, registration, or records required to be submitted by a
natural person in order to comply with any provision of the National Firearms Act or regulation issued thereunder, shall, except in connection with prosecution or
other action for furnishing information, be used, directly or indirectly, as evidence against that person in any criminal proceeding with respect to a violation of law
occurring prior to or concurrently with the filing of the application. The information from this application may only be disclosed to Federal authorities for purposes
of prosecution for violation of the National Firearms Act.
4. Effects of not Supplying Information Requested. Failure to supply complete information will delay processing and may cause denial of the application.
ATF Form 4 (5320.4)
Revised (
)

Instructions
1.

Definitions
a. National Firearms Act (NFA). Title 26, United States Code, Chapter
53. The implementing regulations are found in Title 27, Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 479.
b. Gun Control Act (GCA). Title 18, United States Code, Chapter 44.
The implementing regulations are found in Title 27, Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 478.
c. Firearm. The term “firearm” means: (1) a shotgun having a barrel or
barrels of less than 18 inches in length; (2) a weapon made from a
shotgun if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26
inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length; (3) a rifle
having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length; (4) a weapon
made from a rifle if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less
than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length; (5)
any other weapon as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 5845(e); (6) a machinegun;
(7) a muffler or silencer for any firearm whether or not such firearm is
included within this definition; and (8) a destructive device.
d. Person. A partnership, company, association, trust, corporation, an
estate, or an individual.
e. Employer Identification Number (EIN). Required of taxpayer filing
special (occupational) tax returns under 27 CFR § 479.35.
f. Special (Occupational) Tax. Required by the NFA to be paid by a
Federal firearms licensee engaged in the business of manufacturing (Class
2), importing (Class 1), or dealing (Class 3) in NFA firearms.
g. Federal Firearms License. A license issued under the provisions of
the GCA to manufacture, import or deal in firearms.
h. ATF Officer. An officer or employee of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives (ATF) authorized to perform any function
relating to the administration of the NFA.
i. Transfer. Selling, assigning, pledging, leasing, loaning, giving away, or
otherwise disposing of a firearm.
j. Transferor. The person selling or otherwise disposing of a firearm;
including applying to transfer a firearm.
k. Transferee. The person acquiring the firearm.
l. Prohibited Person. Generally, 18 U.S.C. § 922 prohibits the shipment,
transportation, receipt, or possession in or affecting interstate commerce
of a firearm by one who: has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of
domestic violence; has been convicted of a felony, or any other crime,
punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year (this does not
include State misdemeanors punishable by imprisonment of two years or
less); is a fugitive from justice; is an unlawful user of, or addicted to,
marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, or narcotic drug, or any other
controlled substance; has been adjudicated mentally defective or has been
committed to a mental institution; has been discharged from the Armed
Forces under dishonorable conditions; has renounced his or her U.S.
citizenship; is an alien illegally in the United States or an alien admitted
to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa; or is subject to certain
restraining orders. Furthermore, Section 922 prohibits the shipment,
transportation, or receipt in or affecting interstate commerce of a firearm
by one who is under indictment or information for a felony, or any other
crime, punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
m. Under Indictment or Information or Conviction in any Court. An
indictment, information, or conviction in any Federal, State, or local
court. An information is a formal accusation of a crime verified by a
prosecutor.
EXCEPTION: A person who has been convicted of a felony, or any other
crime, for which the judge could have imprisoned the person for more
than one year, or who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of
domestic violence, is not prohibited from purchasing, receiving, or possessing a firearm if: (1) under the law of the jurisdiction where the conviction

occurred, the person has been pardoned, the conviction has been expunged
or set aside, or the person has had their civil rights (the right to vote, sit on a
jury, and hold public office) taken away and later restored AND (2)
the person is not prohibited by the law of the jurisdiction where the conviction occurred from receiving or possessing firearms. Persons subject to
this exception should mark “no” in the applicable box.
n. Adjudicated Mentally Defective. A determination by a court, board,
commission, or other lawful authority that a person, as a result of marked
subnormal intelligence, or mental illness, incompetency, condition, or
disease: (1) is a danger to himself or to others; or (2) lacks the mental
capacity to contract or manage his own affairs. This term shall include:
(1) a finding of insanity by a court in a criminal case; and (2) those
persons found incompetent to stand trial or found not guilty by reason of
lack of mental responsibility.
o. Committed to a Mental Institution. A formal commitment of a person
to a mental institution by a court, board, commission, or other lawful
authority. The term includes a commitment to a mental institution
involuntarily. The term includes commitment for mental defectiveness or
mental illness. It also includes commitments for other reasons, such as
for drug use. The term does not include a person in a mental institution
for observation or a voluntary admission to a mental institution.
EXCEPTION: A person who has been adjudicated as a mental defective or
committed to a mental institution is not prohibited if: (1) the person
was adjudicated or committed by a Department or agency of the Federal
Government and (2) either; (a) the person’s adjudication or commitment
for mental incompetency was set-aside or expunged by the adjudicating/
committing agency; (b) the person has been fully released or discharged
from all mandatory treatment, supervision, or monitoring by the agency; or
(c) the person was found by the agency to no longer suffer from the
mental health condition that served as the basis of the initial adjudication.
Persons who fit this exception should mark “no” in the applicable box. This
exception does not apply to any person who was adjudicated to be not guilty
by reason of insanity, or based on lack of mental responsibility, or found
incompetent to stand trial, in any criminal case or under the Uniform Code of
Military Justice.
p. Restraining Order. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922, firearms may not be sold to
or received by persons subject to a court order that: (A) was issued after
a hearing which the person received actual notice of and had an
opportunity to participate in; (B) restrains such person from harassing,
stalking, or threatening an intimate or child of such intimate partner or
person, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner
in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child; and (C)(i)
includes a finding that such person represents a credible threat to the
physical safety of such intimate partner or child; or (ii) by its terms
explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical
force against such intimate partner or child that would reasonably be
expected to cause bodily injury. An “intimate partner” of a person is: the
spouse or former spouse of the person, the parent of a child of the person,
or an individual who cohabitates or is cohabitating with the person.
q. Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence: A Federal, State, local,
tribal offense that is a misdemeanor under the Federal, State, or tribal law
and has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force, or the
threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former
spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the
victim shares a child in common, by a person cohabitating with, or has
cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person
similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim. The term
includes all misdemeanors that have as an element the use or attempted
use of physical force or the threatened use of a deadly weapon (e.g.,
assault and battery), if the offense is committed by one of the defined
parties. (See Exception in the definition of “Under Indictment or
Information or Conviction in any Court”). A person who has been
convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence also is not
prohibited unless: (1) the person was represented by a lawyer or gave up
the right to a lawyer; or (2) if the person was entitled to a jury, was tried
by a jury, or gave up the right to a jury trial. Persons subject to this
exception should mark “no” in the applicable box.
ATF Form 4 (5320.4)
Revised (
)

2.

r. Alien Admitted to the United States Under a Nonimmigrant Visa. An
alien admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa includes,
among others, persons visiting the United States temporarily for business
or pleasure, persons studying in the United States who maintain a
residence abroad, and certain temporary foreign workers. The definition
does not include permanent resident aliens nor does it apply to nonimmigrant aliens admitted to the United States pursuant to either the Visa
Waiver Program or to regulations otherwise exempting them from visa
requirements. An alien admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa is not prohibited from purchasing, receiving, or possessing a
firearm if the alien: (1) is in possession of a hunting license or permit
lawfully issued by the Federal Government, a State, or local government,
or an Indian tribe federally recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs,
which is valid and unexpired; (2) was admitted to the United States for
lawful hunting or sporting purposes; (3) is an official representative of a
foreign government who is accredited to the United States Government or
the Government’s mission to an international organization having its
headquarters in the United States; (4) is en route to or from another country to which that alien is accredited; (5) is an official of a foreign government or a distinguished foreign visitor who has been so designated by the
Department of State; (6) is a foreign law enforcement officer of a friendly
foreign government entering the United States on official law enforcement business; (7) has received a waiver from the prohibition from the
Attorney General of the United States.

g. Photographs and Fingerprints. An individual transferee, except if
licensed as a manufacturer, importer, or dealer under the GCA, must (1)
attach to Item 16 of the ATF Form 4, a 2 inch x 2 inch photograph of the
frontal view of the transferee taken within 1 year prior to the date of the
application and (2) attach two properly completed FBI Forms FD-258
(Fingerprint Card with blue lines) to the application. The fingerprints
must be clear for accurate classification and taken by someone properly
equipped to take them.

Preparation of Application

j. Photocopies, Computer Generated Versions, or Downloaded
Version from ATF Website. After downloading or copying and printing
this form, ensure that the front and back are on the same sheet of paper.

district attorney or prosecutor having jurisdiction in the transferee's area
of residence; or another person whose certification is acceptable to the
Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Fireearms and Explosives. If
someone has specific delegated authority to sign on behalf of the Chief of
Police, Sheriff, etc., this fact must be noted by printing the Chief's,
Sheriff's, or other authorized official's name and title, followed by the
word "by" and the full signature and title of the delegated person.

h. Signatures. All signatures required on ATF Form 4 must be original in
ink on both copies.
i. Remittance. Please complete item 21. Please note that you can pay the
transfer tax by credit/debit card, check, or money order. The check or
money order is to be made payable to ATF. Do not send cash.

a. Authority. As provided by 26 U.S.C. §§ 5812 and 5852, any person
seeking to transfer a firearm exempt from payment of tax must complete,
in duplicate, an application on this form for each firearm. The transferor
must furnish all the information called for on this application form.

k. Estates, Trusts, and Other Transfers by Operation of Law. When a
firearm is being transferred from an estate by bequest or intestate
succession, or by other operation of law to a beneficiary or other
authorized recipient, ATF Form 4 is used to effect the transfer. The
executor, trustee, or other person appointed to dispose of property shall
provide documentation of the legal status of the person entitled to receive
property, and shall identify that person in item 3a. In the case of an
estate, item 3b shall be completed to reflect the decedent's information.

b. Transfer Tax Rates. The transfer tax is $200.00 except when the firearm
is an ‘any other weapon’ where the tax rate is $5.00.
c. Federal Firearms Licensees. If the transferor or transferee is licensed
under the GCA, the name, trade name (if any), and address shall be
identified on the ATF Form 4 as they appear on the license. If item 7 is
completed, the entity identified must be the same as the entity identified
in item 5. For example, if item 5 identifies a sole proprietor, item 7
cannot identify a corporation. This also applies for the completion of
items 6 and 8.

l. Submission. All requested information must be entered in blue or black
ink and must be legible. Send both copies of the ATF Form 4 and
attachments to the address located on the face side of the ATF Form 4.
Submission of the application to any other address may delay the
processing.

d. Transferee.

m. Description of Firearm and Markings. (1) Item 4a. please provide
the name and address of the maker, manufacturer or importer of the firearm. If there are additional makers, manufacturers, or importers, include
this information in item 4h .or on a separate sheet of paper. (2) Item 4b.
the types of NFA firearm are listed in instruction 1c. (3) Item 4c. specify
one caliber or gauage. If there are additional calibers associated with the
description of the firearm, include this information in item 4h or on a
separate piece of paper. (4) Item 4d. show the model designation (if
any)(5) Item 4e. and 4f. specify the barrel and overall lengths as
applicable. If there are additional barrel and overall lengths associated
with the description of the firearm, include this information in item 4h. or
on a separate sheet of paper. (6) Item 4g. (a) enter the serial number of
the firearm. (b) When more than one firearm of the same description is
being transferred and the serial numbers are in a consecutive series, the
transferor may enter the beginning and ending serial numbers of the
range. When more than one firearm of the same description is being
transferred but the serial numbers are nonconsecutive, the transferor may
not item 4g. to "see attached list of xxx serial numbers." Any attachment
must be referenced to the ATF Form 4. (7) If there are differences
between the description of the firearm on the form in comparison to the
physical description of the firearm or in the markings on the firearm,
including the serial number, contact the NFA Branch in regard to these
differences.

(1) If the transferee is an individual, the entire form shall be completed.
(2) If the transferee is other than an individual:
(a) Item 2a: The address is the exact location of the principal place
of business (or principal office, in the case of a corporation) or,
in the case of a trust, the principal address at which the firearm
is to be located.
(b) Item 2a must show the name of the entity (i.e., the name of the
LLC or trust). Do not include names of corporate officials or
trustees.
e. Transferee Certification. Item 14 must be completed by the transferee
if:
(1) the firearm to be transferred is a machinegun, short-barreled rifle,
short-barreled shotgun, or destructive device;
(2) the transferor is licensed under the GCA to deal in such device or
firearm; and
(3) the transferee is not licensed under the GCA to deal in such device
or firearm.
(4) do not complete items 16 and 17-20, if other than an individual
transferee.
f. Law Enforcement Certification. Item 13 must be completed for an
individual transferee, unless the transferee is licensed as a manufacturer,
importer, or dealer under the GCA and is a special (occupational)
taxpayer under the NFA at the time of the submission of the application
for transfer. The certificate must be dated no more than one year prior to
the date of receipt of the application. The chief law enforcement officer
is considered to be the Chief of Police for the transferee's city or town of
residence; the Sheriff for the transferee's county of residence; the Head of
the State Police for the transferee's State of residence; a State or local

n. State or Local Permit. If a State or local permit or license is required
for the transferee prior to acquisition of the firearm, a copy of the permit
must be included with the application.
3.

Approval of Application. Upon approval of an application, the NFA Branch
will return the approved copy to the transferor for delivery with the firearm to
the transferee. Since the approval of the application effectuates registration
ATF Form 4 (5320.4)
Revised (
)

of the firearm to the transferee, the physical transfer of the firearm must be
completed immediately; however, the transferor must not transfer the firearm
until the application has been approved and received. If the physical transfer
of the firearm cannot be completed immediately, the transferor must contact
the NFA Branch with the specifics.
4.

Withdrawal of Application. The transferor may withdraw an application
prior to approval subsequent to a written request.

5.

Cancellation of Approved Application. The transferor may cancel an
approved application only if the physical transfer of the firearm has not been
completed. The transferor must return the approved application with a
written request for cancellation, citing the need and that the physical transfer
of the firearm did not take place.

6.

Disapproval of Application. If the application is disapproved, the NFA
Branch will note the reason for disapproval on the application and return one
copy of the ATF Form 4 to the transferor.

7.

Reasons for Disapproval. 26 U.S.C. § 5812 provides that applications shall
be denied if the transfer, receipt, or possession of the firearm would place the
transferee in violation of law.

restrictions in 26 U.S.C. § 6103. The opportunity provided in item 8 to
authorize ATF to disclose information is intended to enable ATF to respond to
inquiries by the transferee regarding the application. The failure to complete
item 8 will be considered a declination of authorization to release the
information.
9.

Penalties. Any person who violates or fails to comply with any of the
requirements of the NFA shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than
$10,000 or be imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both. Any firearm
involved in a violation of the NFA shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture.
It is unlawful for any person to make or cause the making of a false entry on
any application or record required by the NFA knowing such entry to be
false.

10. Compliance with the Gun Control Act. Persons must also comply with all
relevant portions of the GCA.

a. Violation of Law. Applications shall denied if the receipt or possession
of the firearm would place the person receiving or possessing the firearm
in violation of law.
b. Persons Prohibited from Receiving a Firearm. The application will be
disapproved if the transferee is a person prohibited from receiving a
firearm by 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), which provides that it shall be unlawful
for any person—
(1) who has been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by
imprisonment for a term exceeding one year;
(2) who is a fugitive from justice;
(3) who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled
substance;
(4) who has been adjudicated as a mental defective or who has been
committed to a mental institution;
(5) who, being an alien, is illegally or unlawfully in the United States or
except as provided in 18 U.S.C. 922(y)(2), has been admitted to the
United States under a non-immigrant visa (as that term is defined in
8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(26)) ;
(6) who has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable
conditions;
(7) who, having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced his
citizenship;
(8) who is subject to a court order that—
(A) was issued after a hearing of which such person received actual
notice, and at which such person had an opportunity to
participate;
(B) restrains such person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an
intimate partner of such person or child of such intimate partner
or person, or engaging in other conduct that would place an
intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the
partner or child; and
(C) (I) includes a finding that such person represents a credible
threat to the physical safety of such intimate partner or child; or
(II) by its terms explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use, or
threatened use of physical force against such intimate partner or
child that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury,
or
(9) who has been convicted in any court of a crime of domestic violence;
to ship or transport in interstate or foreign commerce, or possess in
or affecting commerce, any firearm or ammunition; or to receive any
firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or tranported in
interstate or foreign commerce.
8.

Status Inquiries and Questions. Information relating to the NFA and other
firearms laws is available at the ATF Internet website at www.atf.gov. Any
inquiry relating to the status of an application to transfer an NFA firearm or
about procedures in general should be directed to the NFA Branch at (304)
616-4500. Please be aware that any dissemination by ATF of information
relating to the application to register an NFA firearm must conform with the

ATF Form 4(5320.4)
Revised (
)