Current Processing Times

As of April 1, 2024

Statistical information on average processing times of applications that are filled out correctly and completely.
 

ATF Form Processing Office Paper eForms
Form 1 Application to Make and Register a Firearm NFA Division 77 days 32 days
Form 2 Notice of Firearms Manufactured or Imported NFA Division 16 days 2 days
Form 3 Application for Tax-Exempt Transfer of Firearm and Registration to Special Occupational Taxpayer (SOT) NFA Division 6 days 9 days
Form 4 Trust Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm NFA Division 285 days 166 days
Form 4 Individual Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm NFA Division 245 days 53 days
Form 5 Application for Tax-Exempt Transfer and Registration of Firearm NFA Division 19 days 1 day
Form 6 Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War Imports Branch 6 weeks 13 days
Form 6 NIA Application/Permit for Temporary Importation of Firearms and Ammunition by Nonimmigrant Aliens Imports Branch 6 weeks -
Form 7 Application for Federal Firearms License (FFL) FFLC 2 months -
Form 9 Application and Permit for Permanent Exportation NFA Division 5 days 1 day
Form 10 Application for Registration of Firearms Acquired by Certain Governmental Entities NFA Division 89 days 14 days
Form 3311.4 Application for Alternate Means of Identification of Firearm(s) (Marking Variance) FATD 3 months -
Form 5320.20 Application to Transport Interstate or to Temporarily Export Certain National Firearms Act (NFA) Firearms NFA Division 12 days -
Form 5400.13/
5400.16		 Application for Explosives License or Permit (FEL/FEP) FELC 3 months -
Form 5400.28 Employee Possessor Questionnaire (EPQ) FELC 3 months -


Totals of Pending NFA Forms

  • Total number of live applications excluding applications submitted pursuant to
    ATF Final Rule 2021R-08F: 228,096
  • Total number of live applications undergoing further background check research by FBI-NICS: 79,402

 

Last Reviewed April 8, 2024