Questions and Answers

Español

ATF receives numerous telephone and electronic inquiries on a daily basis. In an effort to be consistent and to provide individuals with the most up-to-date information, ATF has compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions and provided answers to those questions.

Q&A Categories

3-D Printing Technology of Firearms

Answers to some common questions related to 3-D printing of firearms.

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)

Final Rule 2021R-08F

Final Rule 2021R-08F Frequently Asked Questions and SBA Compliance Guide

Final Rule - 2021R-05F

Answers to frequently asked questions regarding Final Rule - 2021R-05F.

Purpose of the Final Rule

Affected Firearms

Special Agent

Answers to some common questions when applying for a Special Agent (SA) position.

Compliance Options

National Firearms Act (NFA)

Answers to some common questions related to what is the Nation Firearms Act (NFA) including the definition, clarification and application of the Act, as well as which form(s) to use in order to apply for a tax stamp.

National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)

Questions and answers regarding the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

Registration and Other Compliance Options

"Stabilizing Brace" Devices

NFA (non-licensees)

Nonimmigrant Aliens

Answers to some common questions for those who may be considered a nonimmigrant alien or for federal firearms licensees conducting business with nonimmigrant alien customers.

Transfer or Sales

Other Systems (Import/Export Tools) and BATS

Answers to questions about other systems and how they relate/affect the use of BATS.

Recordkeeping and Reporting

Pawnbrokers

These questions pertain to pawnbrokers, who deal with the sales and purchases of firearms.

Possession of SBRs With an Attached “Stabilizing Brace” After Tax Forbearance Ends

Markings

Personal Collections-Licensees

Questions regarding the personal collections of firearms if you are a federal firearms licensee (FFL).

Plastic Explosives

This section is intended to identify what are plastic explosives and how they must be handled.

State Law

Miscellaneous

Receiver Blanks

Answers to some common questions specific to receivers known as 80% receivers or unfinished receivers.

Record Required - Licensees

Answers to common questions about firearm records and bound book entries.

Recordkeeping Requirements - Explosives

Answers to some common questions about recordkeeping requirements for explosives licensees and permittees.

Storage Requirements

Questions and answers regarding the storage requirements of explosives and explosive materials.

Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence

Answers to some common questions on the use or purchase of a firearm(s) by a person convicted of a domestic violence crime.

Theft/Loss in Transit

Answers to frequently asked questions regarding the theft or loss of firearms in transit.

Tobacco

The PACT Act law went into effect on June 29, 2010. The PACT Act features several major components; it regulates the mailing of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products to consumers through the U.S. Postal Service; Registration, Reporting, Delivery requirements, recordkeeping, List of Unregistered or Non-Compliant Delivery Seller’s; increases penalties to a felony up to 3 years imprisonment and gives ATF inspection authority to examine any records required to be maintained and any cigarettes or smokeless kept on the premises.

U.S. Bomb Data Center

Answers to questions in regards to the U.S. Bomb Data Center.

U.S. Military Explosives

Answers to some common questions regarding explosives licensing and exemptions for contractors who work with the U.S military.

Unlicensed Persons

Answers to some common questions about the buying, selling, shipping, renting or loaning of firearms to an unlicensed person.

Vapes and E-Cigarettes

Frequently asked questions about vapes, e-cigarettes and the 2021 amendment to the PACT Act.

Multiple Sales of Firearms

Answers to some common questions about reporting multiple sales of firearms to the same purchaser within a certain time period, using ATF Form 3310.4 for handguns (pistols and revolvers) and ATF Form 3310.12 for certain rifles.

Manufacturers

Answers to some common questions related to the manufacturing of firearms and ammunition.

About BATS

Answers to frequently asked questions about the Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS).

Bump Stocks

Questions about bump-stock-style devices, the final rule clarifying that bump stocks fall under the definition of "machinegun" under federal law, and how to destroy them or abandon them at local ATF offices.

AFMER - ATF Form 5300.11

Answers to common questions about the Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Report.

Alcohol

Answers to common questions about alcohol and tobacco diversion, which is the trafficking of alcohol and tobacco products in avoidance of Federal, State or foreign taxes or in violation of Federal, State or foreign law.

Applying for a Federal Explosives License

Answers to some common questions specific to applying for a Federal Explosives License (FEL).

Asset Forfeiture Program

Answers to common questions regarding what the program is, what is seized and who to contact.

ATF Form 4473

Answers to some common questions about requirements for Form 4473 including where to order, how to download and proper means of identification for purchasing a firearm.

ATF Ruling 2016-5 Guidance - Marking Variance for Government Defense Contractors

Answers to questions about marking variances for destructive device munitions manufactured as part of a valid United States Government (USG) contract.

Auctioneers

This section deals with auctions: estate-type auctions and consignment auctions and the auctioneers.

BATS Access Requirements

Answers to some common questions for those who may need more information on the access requirements for BATS.

BATS Case Management

Answers to questions about case management.

BATS Support

Answers to some common questions for who to contact for BATS support.

BATS Training

Answers to some common questions for those who may be looking for training information and sessions.

Collectors

These questions pertain to individuals who wish to collect firearms. This includes curio and relic firearms.

Machine Guns

This section pertains to questions regarding machine guns.

Conduct of Business

Answers to some common questions about firearms licensing requirements, procedures for federal firearms licensee forms and filings, ammunition sales and the shipping of firearms.

Equitable Sharing

Answers to common questions regarding what equitable sharing is.

Filing a Claim, Petition, or Contesting Forfeiture of Property

Answers to common questions regarding contesting seizures, filing claims and retrieving seized property.

Fireworks

Answers to some common questions about storage and shipping requirements, manufacturing, and commercial use of fireworks.

General

Answers to some common questions about relief from firearms disabilities, the Gun Control Act (GCA) and regulation of firearms and ammunition.

General Questions - Explosives

These questions are intended to help you gain a better understanding of explosives-related issues. You can also find the latest federal explosives regulations in our Rules and Regulations section.

Gunsmiths

Answers to some common questions on the definitions of a gunsmith, licensing and recordkeeping requirements.

Imports & Exports

Answers to some common questions about importing into or exporting from the United States including firearms.

Imports (Non-Licensees)

Answers to some common questions about importing or exporting firearms into/from the United States if you are not a federal firearms licensee.

Industry Operations Investigator

Answers to some common questions about applying for the Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) position.

Licenses and Permits

This section is intended to provide information on who needs a Federal explosives license or permit and the steps necessary to obtain one.

Licensing

Answers to some common questions about applying for, renewing, or discontinuing a Federal Firearms License (FFL).

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

You are here

Questions and Answers

Q&A Categories

Search form

You are here

Questions and Answers

Q&A Categories