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 |
|---|---|---|
| Publication | Fact Sheet - National Tracing Center - FY2024
National Tracing Center fact sheet for FY 2024. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Publication | Fact Sheet - eTrace - FY2024
eTrace fact sheet for FY 2024. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Publication | Safety and Security Information for Federal Explosives Licensees and Permittees - ATF P 5400.15
The purpose of this booklet is to provide industry members with useful tips, techniques, and tools developed by ATF, the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE), and the Institute of Makers of Explosives (IME) for properly securing explosive materials. Last updated May 2016. Published/Revised: |
Explosives |
| Publication | Overview of Final Rule 2021R-05F Definition of Frame or Receiver and Identification of Firearms
Topics Covered: Definition of Firearm, Frame and Receiver, Privately Made Firearms (PMFs), Marking requirements, Recordkeeping requirements, Record retention, ATF Rulings/Procedure affected. These are the broad topics, but they are all interrelated. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Publication | Hiring Offense Information Sheet: Nondisclosure Forms, Policies & Agreements – 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(13)
This information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(13). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here. Published/Revised: |
Careers |
| Publication | Hiring Offense Information Sheet: Accessing Medical Records – 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(14)
This information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(14). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here. Published/Revised: |
Careers |
| Publication | Hiring Offense Information Sheet: Coercing Political Activity – 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(3)
This information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(3). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here Published/Revised: |
Careers |
| Publication | Hiring Offense Information Sheet: Violating Merit System Principles – 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(12)
This information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(12). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here. Published/Revised: |
Careers |
| Publication | Hiring Offense Information Sheet: Retaliation for Making a Protected Disclosure – 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(8)
This information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(8). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here. Published/Revised: |
Careers |
| Publication | Hiring Offense Information Sheet: Retaliation for Engaging in Protected Activity – 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(9)
This information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(9). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here. Published/Revised: |
Careers |
| Regulatory | ATF Citizens' Academy Application (ATF Form F 3000.12)
ATF Citizens' Academy Application - The Citizens' Academy is an event for local community, religious and civic leaders, and organizations to interact and talk directly with ATF special agents and participate in hands-on activities related to ATF's areas of investigative responsibilities. Published/Revised: |
Workforce and Mission |
| Regulatory | 2023 - August - North Carolina - All FFLs - Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act
The purpose of this Open Letter is to notify you of an important change to the procedure you may follow to comply with the Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act (Brady Act), codified at 18 U.S.C. § 922(t), when transferring a firearm to an unlicensed person. Specifically, the North Carolina pistol purchase permit may no longer be used as an alternative to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check requirement. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Regulatory | 2023 - November - All FELs - Notification for Previously Exempted Special Explosive Devices (SECs)
The purpose of this open letter is to notify all persons that ATF has rescinded special explosive device exemptions for certain consumer-style grenades (e.g. flashbang grenades, smoke grenades). As a result, these explosive devices are no longer exempt from the provisions of the Federal explosives regulations at 27 CFR, Part 555 – Commerce in Explosives. Published/Revised: |
Explosives |
| Regulatory | 2023 - July - All FFLs - Safe Storage
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) is issuing this open letter to assist Federal Firearms Licensees (“FFLs”) in understanding their obligations when they choose to provide firearm storage services to their customers and the public. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Regulatory | 2023 - November - All FFLs - Solvent Trap Devices
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) recently examined devices commonly marketed as “solvent traps” and has determined that some of them are “firearm silencers” as defined in the Gun Control Act (GCA) and as defined in the National Firearms Act (NFA). Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Regulatory | 2023 - March - Vermont - All FFLs - Changes to Vermont Law 13 V.S.A. § 4019
Changes to Vermont Law, 13 Vermont Statutes Annotated (V.S.A.) § 4019, effective July 1, 2022, have generated questions from Vermont FFLs. This letter alerts Vermont FFLs to the recent changes in Vermont law and provides guidance to ensure Vermont FFLs remain in compliance. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Regulatory | 2023 - June - Oklahoma - All FFLs - Self Defense Act (SDA) Handgun License
This open letter has been rescinded. The purpose of this open letter is to advise you that the Oklahoma Self Defense Act Handgun License (SDA Handgun License) issued on or after Nov. 1, 2021, meets the requirements as an alternative to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check — but only in Oklahoma during the five-year period beginning on the date of issuance of the SDA Handgun License. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Regulatory | 2023 - January - All FFLs - Machinegun Dealer Sales Sample Letters
Open letter to the federal firearms licensee (FFL) community to advise on the restrictions and parameters of 18 U.S.C. § 922(o), which generally prohibits the possession or transfer of machineguns imported or manufactured after May 19, 1986, with limited exceptions. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Regulatory | ATF Form 5320.24 - Description of Firearm and Information on Request for Demonstration
ATF Form 5320.24, Description of Firearm and Information on Request for Demonstration, should be submitted by Federal Firearms Licensees who have paid the special (occupational) tax to import, manufacture, or deal in NFA firearms, for approval to transfer an NFA firearm to a similarly qualified licensee. The completed ATF Form 5320.24 should be completed by a law enforcement agency requesting demonstration of 922(o) machineguns and will serve as supporting documentation for the ATF Form 3 (5320.3), Application for Tax-Exempt Transfer of Firearm and Registration to Special Occupational Taxpayer (National Firearms Act). Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Regulatory | 2020 - April - Public Advisory - Business Premises Guidance
Letter to all federal firearms licensees (FFLs) in response to questions from industry members regarding the legality of firearm sales and deliveries exterior to the brick-and-mortar structure at which the firearms business is licensed, in light of the March 13, 2020, declaration of a national emergency concerning the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and the Department of Homeland Security's subsequent classification of firearms businesses as essential. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Regulatory | Responsible Person Questionnaire - ATF Form 5400.13A/5400.16
This form is used to add responsible persons to a Federal Explosives License or Permit (FEL/P) with the application as well as after a FEL/P has already been issued. It is also required to be submitted with every FEL/P Renewal Application (ATF Form 5400.14/5400.15). Published/Revised: |
Explosives |
| Regulatory | ATF Proc. 2020-2 – Recordkeeping and Background Check Procedure for Facilitation of Private Party Firearms Transfers
This procedure supersedes ATF Procedure 2017-1. The purpose of this ATF procedure is to set forth the recordkeeping and National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) procedures for Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) who facilitate the transfer of firearms between private unlicensed individuals. This procedure does not apply to pawn transactions, consignment sales, or repairs. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Regulatory | ATF Proc. 2020-1 – Recordkeeping Procedure for Non-over-the-counter Firearm Sales by Licensees to Unlicensed In-state Residents That Are NICS Exempt
This procedure supersedes 2013-2. This ATF procedure gives guidance to licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers (licensees) on how to complete the Firearms Transaction Record, ATF Form 4473 (Form 4473), as revised effective May 2020, and record the sale of a firearm, when selling to an unlicensed person who (a) Has a valid alternate permit or otherwise is exempt from National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) requirements; (b) Resides in the same State as the licensee; and (c) Does not appear in person at the licensee's business premises. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Regulatory | Application for Alternate Means of Identification of Firearm(s) (Marking Variance) - ATF Form 3311.4
This is the form which is used by licensed manufacturers and importers requesting ATF approval to adopt markings on behalf of another manufacturer/importer during firearms manufacturing process. OMB No. 1140-0104 (10/31/2026). Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Regulatory | ATF Form 5300.9A - Firearms Transaction Record Continuation Sheet
This form is a continuation of Section A of the attached ATF Form 4473 and is completed by the transferor/seller. When completed, this attachment is incorporated into and made part of the ATF Form 4473. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
