Publications

Exhibits for the congressional budget submission for FY2013.

Published/Revised: May 11, 2015

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) requests $1,153,345,000 for FY 2013, including 4,937 positions and 4,861 full time equivalents (FTE). This request includes $28,239,000 in adjustments-to-base, and program offsets of $26,894,000. The FY 2013 request also proposes a rescission of $12,400,000 in expired balances and $1,028,000 in unobligated Violent Crime Reduction Program balances. The FY 2013 request supports ATF and Department of Justice (DOJ) priorities for reducing violent crime, detecting and preventing terrorism, and enforcing Federal firearms, arson, explosives, and contraband tobacco laws. These resources will allow ATF to maintain a focused operational capacity.

Published/Revised: May 11, 2015

This quick reference guide is to be given to an individual to assist them in using the e4473 form.

Published/Revised: May 5, 2017

The quick reference guide is for federal firearms licensees (FFLs) who are using the e4473 form.

Published/Revised: May 5, 2017

For destruction, regardless of manufacturer or model, a bump stock must be made incapable of being readily restored to its intended function by, e.g., crushing, melting or shredding the bump stock. The bump stock must be completely severed in each area indicated by the red line.

Published/Revised: January 31, 2019

This publication provides information on Daily Summary of Magazine Transactions (DSMT), which is a running balance of explosive materials in a magazine and includes a must have listing.

Published/Revised: August 21, 2020

No Mienta por otra PersonaADVERTENCIA. Cualquiera persona que se sospeche de violar las leyes Federales de armas de fuego, incluyendo la compra ilegal de un arma de fuego para otra persona, será denunciado a las autoridades.

Published/Revised: September 10, 2019

Comprar un arma de fuego para alguien a quien se le prohíbe poseer una, o para alguien que no quiere que su identidad sea asociada con la transacción, o sea fungir como “Prestanombres”, las leyes Federales lo castiga con 10 años de encarcelamiento y una multa  de hasta $250,000 dólares. 

Published/Revised: September 8, 2020

No Mienta por otra PersonaCompre un arma de fuego para alguien á quien se le prohíbe la compra, y estará comprando 10 años de cárcel para Usted mismo.

Published/Revised: September 10, 2019

Purchasing a gun for someone who is prohibited by law from possessing one, or for someone who does not want his or her name associated with the transaction, is a “straw purchase,” a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. 

Published/Revised: November 29, 2019

This is a brochure provides general guidance and an overview of the hearing process for federal firearms licensees (FFLs). 

Published/Revised: April 14, 2021

Also known as the "Orange Book," this documentation provides federal explosives law and regulations and reflects changes and developments in response to the Safe Explosives Act of 2002.

Published/Revised: August 7, 2019

The Freedom of Information Act allows any person to request information about organizations, businesses, investigations, historical events, incidents, groups, or deceased persons. You may use this document to identify the category of request into which your request falls.

Published/Revised: May 5, 2020

This publication provides guidelines on how to conduct a firearms inventory, dated July 2016.

Published/Revised: July 1, 2016

This brochure provides information about ATF's National Firearms Act (NFA) Branch.

Published/Revised: June 10, 2016

Descripción completa del arma de fuego, poseedor del arma, complices e información para asegurar el rastreo comprensivo de todas las armas de fuego recuperadas usando el Formulario ATF 3312.1 (revisión de enero de 2007).

Published/Revised: July 2, 2019

This publication, last updated June 2013, is an overview intended as an aid to compliance with regulatory requirements, not a replacement for the Federal explosives regulations at 27 CFR, Part 555.

Published/Revised: June 1, 2013

This publication provides vital safety information to persons and organizations encountering suspicious packages and/or bomb threats. Last updated May 2016.

Published/Revised: May 13, 2016

This publication provides the location for the Federal explosive regulations that require outdoor explosives storage magazines to be located.

Published/Revised: June 14, 2021

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is responsible for investigating and reducing federal crimes involving firearms and explosives, acts of arson, and illegal trafficking of alcohol and tobacco products. Part of ATF’s responsibilities includes providing information and assistance to victims of those crimes. Crime can have a devastating effect on victims and their families, and they may need help to cope with the impact of the violent crime. ATF Victim/Witness Specialists are available to assist you and to coordinate with other agencies in providing you with support, information, and resources that can effectively meet your needs. Last revised July 2016.

Published/Revised: April 2, 2019

This publication defines what each federally licensed importer must do for compliance, as per the Federal explosives regulations at 27 CFR, Part 555.

Published/Revised: December 1, 2011

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: April 28, 2016

Exhibits for the FY2012 congressional budget submission.

Published/Revised: May 11, 2015

Due to the potential misuse of these explosive materials to the detriment of public safety, the role of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in protecting the public from unsafe or unsecure storage is vital. ATF’s jurisdiction over explosives extends to requiring licenses to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing and/ or distributing explosives materials. An ATF permit is also required to ship, transport or receive explosives. ATF regularly inspects the explosives storage magazines and records of explosives licensees and permittees to ensure compliance with federal explosives regulations.

Published/Revised: December 15, 2025

ATF’s Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC) issues and renews federal firearms licenses (FFLs) in accordance with the Gun Control Act of 1968. ATF’s Federal Explosives Licensing Center (FELC) issues and renews federal explosives licenses and permits (FEL/FEPs) submitted by industry members who manufacture, deal in, and import or receive explosive materials in accordance with the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 and the Safe Explosives Act of 2002.

Published/Revised: December 20, 2025