Current Processing Times

Last updated September 30, 2021.

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 5 months 60 days
Form 2 Notice of Firearms Manufactured or Imported NFA Division 1 month 10 days
Form 3 Application for Tax-Exempt Transfer of Firearm and Registration to Special Occupational Taxpayer (SOT) NFA Division 1 month 10 days
Form 4 Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm NFA Division 8 months -
Form 5 Application for Tax-Exempt Transfer and Registration of Firearm NFA Division 2 months 10 days
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 1 month 10 days
Form 10 Application for Registration of Firearms Acquired by Certain Governmental Entities NFA Division 1 month 10 days
Form 3311.4 Application for Alternate Means of Identification of Firearm(s) (Marking Variance) FATD 3 months -
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 -

 

What we're doing to improve

ATF is currently applying additional overtime resources and providing an increased level of effort to the research and perfection of pipeline applications. ATF will continue to surge application processing 7 days a week.

ATF is also diligently working to bring tax paid applications to the eForms portal for efficient workflow management.

Lastly, all business processes are being re-examined to maximize efficiency of paper application handling and leverage technology where possible.

Last Reviewed November 12, 2021