Firearms Publications

This application for a federal firearms license (FFL) should be used to apply for all FFL types - any person(s) or entity who intend to engage in business as a firearms or ammunition importer or manufacturer, or firearms dealer, in interstate or foreign commerce; as well as those who wish to engage in curio and relic collecting activity. 

Published/Revised: July 10, 2026

ATF has issued a ruling determining that the BolaWrap 150, a remote non‑lethal restraint device, is not a “firearm” under the Gun Control Act (GCA) and not an “any other weapon” (AOW) under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Because the device functions as an instrument of restraint rather than an instrument of offensive or defensive combat, it does not meet the statutory definition of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(3). Citing the Supreme Court’s 2025 definition of “weapon” as an instrument of combat, ATF concluded that the BolaWrap 150 is neither a firearm nor a weapon‑like device regulated under the NFA, 26 U.S.C. §§ 5845(a) and 5845(e).

Published/Revised: July 2, 2026

ATF has issued a ruling determining that the projectiles and projectile cores used to assemble SS109/M855 cartridges are exempt from the definition of “armor piercing ammunition” under 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(17)(B). Although SS109/M855 cartridges themselves were exempted in 1986 as primarily intended for sporting purposes, their steel‑core projectiles remained classified as armor‑piercing. ATF has now concluded that these projectiles are likewise primarily intended for sporting purposes and therefore must be included within the existing exemption. As a result, they may be manufactured, sold, and delivered in accordance with the Gun Control Act provisions applicable to ammunition under 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(17)(A).

Published/Revised: July 2, 2026

2024 - Annual Firearms Manufacturers and Export Report (AFMER)

Published/Revised: May 15, 2026

ATF’s National Tracing Center (NTC) identifies shooters within hours of mass casualty events. It dismantles trafficking networks moving weapons to cartels and foreign criminal organizations. It gives investigators the lead they need when no other lead exists. Read the full fact sheet to learn more about how the NTC works.

Published/Revised: May 14, 2026

Program information for the National Firearms Examiner Academy (NFEA) for 2026-2027.

Published/Revised: May 13, 2026

Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) must report to ATF each missing, lost, or stolen firearm from the FFL's inventory or collection within 48 hours of discovery of the loss or theft by completing and forwarding a Federal Firearms Licensee Theft/Loss Report (ATF Form 3310.11). In addition, the FFL must also report the firearm theft or loss to the appropriate local law enforcement agency. 

Published/Revised: March 5, 2026

This form is to request approval to make a NFA firearm. A making tax liability may be incurred.

Published/Revised: January 30, 2026

Application for tax paid transfer and registration of firearm used to request approval to transfer a National Firearms Act (NFA) firearm subject to transfer tax liability. Typically submitted for a transfer to an individual or legal entity such as a trust.

Published/Revised: January 30, 2026

National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking Assessment (NFCTA): Firearms Trafficking Investigations - Volume I - Foreword. The data contained within NFCTA Volumes I-IV include select datasets reflecting firearms commerce and trafficking trends from 2000 through 2024. While these reports provide valuable insights, the parameters of the data varied from Volume to Volume and are not reflective of all the data ATF maintains. ATF is actively working to enhance the quality and scope of its data through improved collection methodologies and updated tracking systems. As these enhancements are implemented, future reports aspire to reflect more robust and comprehensive data.

Published/Revised: January 23, 2026

National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking Assessment (NFCTA): Firearms Trafficking Investigations - Volume I - Part I: Licensed Manufacturing of Firearms and Ammunition in the United States. The data contained within NFCTA Volumes I-IV include select datasets reflecting firearms commerce and trafficking trends from 2000 through 2024. While these reports provide valuable insights, the parameters of the data varied from Volume to Volume and are not reflective of all the data ATF maintains. ATF is actively working to enhance the quality and scope of its data through improved collection methodologies and updated tracking systems. As these enhancements are implemented, future reports aspire to reflect more robust and comprehensive data.

Published/Revised: January 23, 2026

National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking Assessment (NFCTA): Firearms Trafficking Investigations - Volume I - Part II:  Privately Made Firearms. The data contained within NFCTA Volumes I-IV include select datasets reflecting firearms commerce and trafficking trends from 2000 through 2024. While these reports provide valuable insights, the parameters of the data varied from Volume to Volume and are not reflective of all the data ATF maintains. ATF is actively working to enhance the quality and scope of its data through improved collection methodologies and updated tracking systems. As these enhancements are implemented, future reports aspire to reflect more robust and comprehensive data.

Published/Revised: January 23, 2026