Publications

In accordance with 27 CFR 178.92 and 27 CFR 179.102, identification of firearms, armor piercing ammunition, and large capacity ammunition feeding devices, the terms "conspicuously" and "legibly" as used therein mean, respectively, that the markings are wholly unobstructed from plain view and that the markings contain exclusively Roman letters and Arabic numerals.

Published/Revised: November 5, 2002

An ATF-approved method of destruction for the Browning M1919 type machinegun will result in the severed portions of the receiver being importable for unrestricted commercial sale.

Published/Revised: January 24, 2003

An ATF-approved method of destruction for the FN FAL type machinegun will result in the severed portions of the receiver being importable for unrestricted commercial sale.

Published/Revised: January 24, 2003

Distributors distributing explosive materials via common or contract carrier to limited permittees may verify receipt of the materials by telephone, facsimile, email, or other means within three business days of shipment. ATF Form 5400.4 notation requirements.

Published/Revised: May 23, 2003

An ATF-approved method of destruction for the Sten type machinegun will result in the severed portions of the receiver being importable for unrestricted commercial sale.

Published/Revised: January 24, 2003

Certain integral devices intended to diminish the report of paintball guns are not “firearm silencers” or “firearm mufflers” under the Gun Control Act of 1968 or the National Firearms Act.

Published/Revised: October 12, 2005

Applications to transfer two (2) machineguns of a particular model to a federal firearms licensee as sales samples will be approved if documentation shows necessity for demonstration to government agencies.

Published/Revised: September 6, 2002

Licensees may accept a combination of valid government-issued documents to satisfy the identification document requirements of the Brady Act under certain conditions. An active-duty member of the Armed Forces is a resident of the State in which his or her permanent duty station is located and may satisfy the identification document requirement by presenting his or her military identification card along with official orders showing the permanent duty station as within the State where the licensed premises are located.

Published/Revised: December 31, 2002

ATF will approve variances to store explosives in a residence or dwelling only upon certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of a certification of compliance with state and local law, and documentation that local fire safety officials have received a copy of the certification.

Published/Revised: August 23, 2002

ATF requires approval of variances for indoor storage of explosives in business premises directly adjacent to a residence or dwelling.

Published/Revised: August 23, 2002

ATF provides guidance on three different private roads and whether they are "highways" as defined in 27 CFR 555.11.

Published/Revised: June 5, 2004

ATF provides guidance on three different private roads and whether they are "highways" as defined in 27 CFR 555.11.

Published/Revised: September 8, 2005

ATF provides guidance on two situations involving structures and whether they are "inhabited buildings" as defined in 27 CFR Part 555.

Published/Revised: November 25, 2005

This open letter has been rescinded. The purpose of this letter is to advise federal firearms licensees in California of their responsibilities under the permanent provisions of the Brady law.

Published/Revised: July 29, 2025

This open letter informs Alaska Federal firearms licensees that beginning Oct. 19, 2005, only Alaska Concealed Handgun Permits marked "NICS EXEMPT" will qualify as an alternative to a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check.

Published/Revised: October 17, 2005

This open letter discusses the importance of the partnerships that have been established between ATF and the firearms industry and to reinforce our joint responsibilities under the Gun Control Act (GCA).

Published/Revised: January 14, 2004

The purpose of this letter is to advise all persons holding federal explosives licenses or permits of heightened security precautions that should be taken in light of the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Published/Revised: November 17, 2001

The purpose of this letter is to advise federal firearms licensees in Vermont of their responsibilities under the permanent provisions of the Brady law. 

Published/Revised: October 26, 1998

This open letter informs Northern Mariana Island Federal firearms licensees that beginning Oct. 19, 2005, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Island Weapons Identification Card Permits no longer qualifies as an alternative to a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check.

Published/Revised: October 17, 2005

The purpose of this letter is to ask that you continue to be vigilant in light of heightened security concerns regarding possible terrorist activity involving explosives.

Published/Revised: May 21, 2002

The purpose of this open letter is to advise all federal firearms licensees (FFLs) that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is rescinding a prior Open Letter, dated Dec. 19, 2019, regarding the Franklin Armory Reformation firearm (2019 Open Letter). This open letter also advises FFLs on the classification of the Franklin Armory Reformation and Antithesis firearms under federal law. 

Published/Revised: August 29, 2025

This open letter provides information for public and private institutes and the provisions pertaining to the Safe Explosives Act.

Published/Revised: November 29, 2002

The purpose of this open letter is to advise all federal firearms licensees (FFLs) of updated guidance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) that reminds you of your obligations under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (Brady Act), 18 U.S.C. § 922(t), when transferring a firearm to a person who is not an FFL.

Published/Revised: May 23, 2025

This open letter has been rescinded. The purpose of this letter is to advise federal firearms licensees in Alaska of their responsibilities under the permanent provisions of the Brady law.

Published/Revised: July 29, 2025

Tracing firearms in connection with criminal investigations and improving availability of relevant Executive Brand records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

Published/Revised: January 16, 2013