ATF occasionally issues publications to inform the industries it regulates and the general public about the laws and regulations administered and enforced by ATF. These include guidebooks, newsletters, brochures, studies, and reports.
| Document Type | Title and Description |
|---|---|
| Regulatory | Delegation Order - Authority to Facilitate Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007
This order delegates the authority to exercise the authorities and responsibilities committed to the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) under the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007, Public Law 110–180 (NIAA). Published/Revised: |
| Regulatory | 2014–18392 - Elimination of Firearms Transaction Record, ATF Form 4473 (Low Volume) (2008R–21P) - Final Rule
The effective date of this final rule is Oct. 3, 2014.The Department of Justice is amending the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) by eliminating the Firearms Transaction Record, ATF Form 4473 (Low Volume (LV)), Parts I and II. Federally licensed firearms dealers used this form as an alternate record for the receipt and disposition of firearms. Because licensees rarely use Form 4473 (LV), ATF has determined that continued use of this form is unwarranted and it should be eliminated. Licensees will be required to use the standard Form 4473 for all dispositions and maintain a record of the acquisition and disposition of firearms in accordance with the regulations. Published/Revised: |
| Regulatory | 2016 - May - Ohio - All FFLs - Concealed Handgun License Qualifies as Alternative to Background Check
The purpose of this open letter is to advise all Ohio FFLs that Ohio's concealed handgun license qualifies as an alternative to the background check requirement. Published/Revised: |
| Regulatory | 2016-2 - Electronic ATF Form 4473
Approved alternate method or procedure for FFLs to use an electronic version of Form 4473, instead of the paper format, provided the conditions set forth in this ruling are met. Supersedes ATF Rul. 2008-3. Published/Revised: |
| Regulatory | 2016-1 - Requirements to Keep Firearms Records Electronically
Approved alternate method or procedure for licensed importers, licensed manufacturers, licensed dealers, and licensed collectors to maintain their firearms acquisition and disposition records electronically instead of in paper format provided the conditions set forth in this ruling are met. Supersedes ATF Ruling 2013-5. Published/Revised: |
| Publication | ATF Firearms Tracing Guide - ATF P 3312.13
This booklet will help you understand the firearms trace process. It contains instructions on requesting a trace; understanding trace results; capabilities of comprehensive firearms tracing; and, how to establish a tracing program. Published/Revised: |
| Publication | Firearms Identification and Tracing Poster - ATF I 3317.5
Complete description of firearm, possessor, associate and recovery information to ensure comprehensive tracing of all recovered firearms using ATF Form 3312.1 dated January 2007. Published/Revised: |
| Regulatory | ATF Rul. 2011-1 - Consolidation of Required Records for Importers - Jan. 26, 2011
ATF authorizes an alternate method or procedure from the firearms acquisition and disposition recordkeeping requirements of 27 CFR 478.122. Specifically, ATF authorizes licensed importers to consolidate their records of importation or other acquisition of firearms and their separate firearms disposition records, provided all of the requirements stated in this ruling are met. Published/Revised: |
| Regulatory | 2012–13770 - Interim Final Rule - Residency Requirements for Aliens Acquiring Firearms (2011R–23P) - June 7, 2012
The Department of Justice is amending the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) by removing the 90- day State residency requirement for aliens lawfully present in the United States to purchase or acquire a firearm. The Department has determined that the Gun Control Act does not permit ATF to impose a regulatory requirement that aliens lawfully present in the United States are subject to a 90-day State residency requirement when such a requirement is not applicable to U.S. citizens. In addition, upon the effective date of this interim final rule the provisions of ATF Ruling 2004–1 will become obsolete. Published/Revised: |
| Regulatory | 2012–13762 - Final Rule - Firearms Disabilities for Certain Nonimmigrant Aliens (2001R–332P) - June 7, 2012
In 2002, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) published an interim final rule implementing the provision of the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999, relating to firearms disabilities for certain nonimmigrant aliens. That regulation implemented the law by prohibiting, with certain exceptions, the sale or disposition of firearms or ammunition to, and the possession, shipment, transportation, or receipt of firearms or ammunition by, nonimmigrant aliens. Published/Revised: |
| Regulatory | Certification of Qualifying State Relief - ATF E-Form 3210.12
This form is to be used by a state to certify to ATF that it has established a qualifying mental health relief from firearms disabilities program that satisfies certain minimum criteria under the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007. Published/Revised: |
| Regulatory | Final Rule – Machineguns, Destructive Devices and Certain Other Firearms; Background Checks for Responsible Persons of a Trust or Legal Entity With Respect to Making or Transferring a Firearm - Jan. 15, 2016
The Department of Justice is amending the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) regarding the making or transferring of a firearm under the National Firearms Act (NFA). This final rule defines the term ‘‘responsible person,’’ as used in reference to a trust, partnership, association, company, or corporation; requires responsible persons of such trusts or legal entities to complete a specified form and to submit photographs and fingerprints when the trust or legal entity files an application to make an NFA firearm or is listed as the transferee on an application to transfer an NFA firearm; requires that a copy of all applications to make or transfer a firearm, and the specified form for responsible persons, as applicable, be forwarded to the chief law enforcement officer (CLEO) of the locality in which the applicant/ transferee or responsible person is located; and eliminates the requirement for a certification signed by the CLEO. Published/Revised: |
