Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Publications

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 Description Category
Regulatory Delegation Order - Authority to Make Determinations on Applications for Relief from Federal Firearm and/or Explosives Disabilities [PDF - 51.34 KB]

This order delegates certain authorities of the Director to subordinate Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) officials to make determinations on applications for relief from Federal firearms and/or explosives disabilities.

Published/Revised:

Workforce and Mission
Regulatory Delegation Order - Authority to Approve ATF F 1345.4 Request and Nondisclosure Agreement [PDF - 46.81 KB]

This order delegates the authority to approve ATF F 1345.4, Request and Nondisclosure Agreement, for current, departing, and former employees who are removing or accessing Bureau documents.

Published/Revised:

Workforce and Mission
Regulatory Delegation Order - Authority to Issue Reimbursable Work Authorizations [PDF - 53.03 KB]

This order delegates authority for issuing General Services Administration (GSA) Form 2957, Reimbursable Work Authorizations, when required for alterations, renovations, repairs or services to real property occupied by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Published/Revised:

Workforce and Mission
Regulatory Delegation Order - Authority to Issue Space Requests to General Services Administration (GSA) [PDF - 44.93 KB]

This order delegates authority for issuing requests for space on Standard Form 81, Request for Space.

Published/Revised:

Workforce and Mission
Regulatory Delegation Order - Designation of Acting Supervisory Officials [PDF - 44.88 KB]

The purpose of this delegation order is to grant supervisors authority to designate acting supervisory officials of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Published/Revised:

Workforce and Mission
Regulatory Federal Firearms License Proceedings - Hearings (2008R-15P) Feb. 3, 2012 [PDF - 64.97 KB]

The Department of Justice is proposing to amend the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) regarding administrative hearings held as part of firearms license proceedings. This proposed rule clarifies that such hearings are held in an informal setting and that persons requesting a hearing will be afforded the opportunity to submit facts, arguments, offers of settlement, or proposals of adjustment for review and consideration. The proposed regulations are intended to ensure that federal firearms licensees and persons applying for a federal firearms license are familiar with the hearing process relative to the denial, suspension, or revocation of a firearms license, or imposition of a civil fine.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Regulatory Armor Piercing Ammunition [PDF - 97.17 KB]

To protect the lives and safety of law enforcement officers from the threat posed by ammunition capable of penetrating a protective vest when fired from a handgun, the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA), as amended, prohibits the import, manufacture, and distribution of "armor piercing ammunition" as defined by the statute. Interpreting the meaning of this statutory language, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has developed a framework that will apply to requests seeking a determination that certain projectiles qualify for this "sporting purpose" exemption.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Regulatory Delegation Order - Authority to Facilitate Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 [PDF - 46.6 KB]

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:

Firearms
Regulatory Granting Relief of Firearms Disabilities to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (2014R-50N) [PDF - 52.27 KB]

Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (NGSC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC), has been granted relief from the disabilities imposed by Federal laws by the Director of ATF with respect to the acquisition, receipt, transfer, shipment, transportation, or possession of firearms.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Regulatory Northrop Grumman Granting Relief of Disabilities (2011R-13T) [PDF - 44.22 KB]

Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Company, Inc. (NGGECI) (formerly Litton Systems, Inc.), a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC), has been granted relief from the disabilities imposed by Federal laws by the Director of ATF with respect to the acquisition, transfer, receipt, shipment, or possession of firearms.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Regulatory List of Explosive Materials - 2009 [PDF - 59.43 KB]

Notice of List of Explosive Materials.  Removes ammonium perchlorate composite propellant (APCP)

Published/Revised:

Explosives
Regulatory List of Explosive Materials - 2013 [PDF - 53.68 KB]

Notice of List of Explosive Materials. One addition: Black powder substitutes

Published/Revised:

Explosives
Regulatory List of Explosive Materials - 2003 [PDF - 53.97 KB]

Notice of List of Explosive Materials. Two additions: Tetrazole explosives, and Ammonium perchlorate having particle size less than 15 microns.

Published/Revised:

Explosives
Regulatory Registro de Transacción de Armas de Fuego - Formulario 5300.9 / ATF F 5300.9 (S) [PDF - 615.72 KB]

La información y certificación del presente formulario sirven para que el que posea una licencia conforme a la sección 923 del título 18, Código de los Estados Unidos, determine si él/ella puede vender o entregar legalmente un arma de fuego a la persona indicada en la sección A y para que el adquiriente/comprador este alertado de las restricciones que se imponen al recibo y la posesión de armas de fuego.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Regulatory List of Explosives Materials - 2014 [PDF - 54.78 KB]

Notice of List of Explosive Materials

Published/Revised:

Explosives
Regulatory Report of Theft or Loss-Explosive Materials - ATF Form 5400.5 [PDF - 244.48 KB]

The purpose of this form is to report the theft or loss of explosive materials to ATF.

Published/Revised:

Explosives
Regulatory Application for an Amended Federal Explosives License or Permit - ATF Form 5400.33 [PDF - 307.29 KB]

This application must be completed by any federal explosives licensee or permittee (FEL/P) who intends to make changes, such as the name and/or address, to an active license or permit.

Published/Revised:

Explosives
Regulatory Delegation Order - Authority to Make Determinations on Notices of Clearance, Letters of Clearance, or Denial, and Appeals of Letters of Denial Under 18 U.S.C. 843(h) [PDF - 44.55 KB]

This order delegates certain authorities of the Director to subordinate Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) officials to make determinations on Notices of Clearance, Letters of Clearance, Letters of Denial, and Appeals of Letters of Denial under 18 U.S.C. 843(h) for responsible persons and employee possessors listed on explosives licenses and permits.

Published/Revised:

Workforce and Mission
Regulatory Demand 2 Program: Report of Firearms Transactions - ATF Form 5300.5 [PDF - 901.26 KB]

When a Type 01, Type 02, Type 07, or Type 08 Federal firearms licensee meets the criteria of the ATF Demand 2 Program and is notified in writing by an ATF official, the licensee must complete ATF Form 5300.5, Demand 2 Program: Report of Firearms Transactions.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Regulatory Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm - ATF 5320.4 (Form 4) [PDF - 2.01 MB]

Application for tax paid transfer and registration of firearm used to request approval to transfer a National Firearms Act (NFA) firearm subject to transfer tax liability. Typically submitted for a transfer to an individual or legal entity such as a trust.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Regulatory Procedures for Requesting Computerized Bookkeeping Variance [PDF - 40.68 KB]

This document provides information regarding the procedure for requesting a computerized bookkeeping variance.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Regulatory Prescribed Requisites of Computerized A&D Software [PDF - 19.26 KB]

Before a federal firearms licensee can use a specific computer program for recordkeeping in lieu of the required bound book format, it is necessary to get prior approval from ATF. This document provides information about the required criteria for using Acquisitions & Dispositions (A&D) software. 

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Regulatory ATF Procedure 2013-2 - Recordkeeping Procedure for Non-over-the-counter Firearm Sales by Licensees to Unlicensed In-state Residents That are NICS Exempt - Aug. 15, 2013 [PDF - 54.24 KB]

This ATF procedure gives guidance to licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers (licensees) on how to record the sale of a firearm to an unlicensed person who:

  • Has a valid alternate permit or otherwise is exempt from National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) requirements;
  • Resides in the same State as the licensee; and
  • Does not appear in person at the licensee's business premises
 

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Regulatory Asset Forfeiture/Unclaimed Property Seized Asset Claim Form [PDF - 144.55 KB]

Use this form to submit a claim for a seized asset. All claim forms should be mailed to the Asset Forfeiture and Seized Property Division.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Regulatory Department of Justice, Office of Tribal Justice Patriot Act Consultation Letter [PDF - 233.2 KB]

The Department of Justice, Office of Tribal Justice, invited Federally recognized tribes to consult with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on the implications of ATF's pending final rule, implementation of the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 Regarding Trafficking in Contraband Cigarettes or Smokeless Tobacco. 

Published/Revised:

Alcohol & Tobacco
Last Updated: January 15, 2026

ATF.gov

An official website of the U.S. Department of Justice

Looking for U.S. government information and services?
Visit USA.gov