Publications

This document provides detailed information about the NFEA courses. 

Published/Revised: March 4, 2024

We’ve put together this guide to educate federal firearms licensees (FFLs) on how to facilitate private party sales of firearms. When individuals decide to use FFLs to facilitate the private sale of their firearms, it can enhance public safety, assist law enforcement, and help ensure firearms end up only in the hands of those who are legally allowed to possess them.

Published/Revised: February 28, 2024

ATF guidance to help the public understand when those who buy and sell firearms must have a federal firearms license. Last updated August 2023.

Published/Revised: August 31, 2023

The Office of Enforcement Programs and Services (EPS) has provided a downloadable version of the presentation of sessions held on July 14, 2023.  

Published/Revised: July 5, 2023

The Office of Enforcement Programs and Services (EPS) has provided a downloadable version of the presentation of sessions held on July 14, 2023.  

Published/Revised: July 5, 2023

This user manual is to be used by federal firearms licensees who have downloaded ATF's e4473 form. Last updated Dec. 2, 2020.

Published/Revised: December 2, 2020

Voluntary steps for Federal Explosives Licensees and Permittees to prepare for and recover from natural disasters.

Published/Revised: March 1, 2011

This publication outlines and defines the compliance guidelines for federal explosive licensees and permittees, per the federal explosives regulations at 27 CFR, Part 555.

Published/Revised: March 1, 2012

This order establishes direction on the use of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)-owned body-worn cameras (BWCs) by ATF special agents during properly authorized investigations and activities. For purposes of this policy, the term “BWC recordings,” refers to audio and video recordings and associated metadata recorded on ATF-owned BWCs while the agent is engaged in federal law enforcement operations to include the investigation of fugitives sought on state and local warrants adopted by a federal agency. This policy does not apply to ATF-issued recording equipment to include digital or electronic media recordings from vehicle dash cameras, digital cameras, closed-circuit television, unmanned aerial systems, telecommunications devices, or any other camera sensor device. ATF special agents are prohibited from using non-ATF-owned recording devices (e.g., personal digital cameras, personal smartphone cameras, etc.) for documenting law enforcement activities, including the documentation of evidence. Finally, this policy applies only to ATF special agents in the designated sites and only after receiving BWC training.

Published/Revised: August 23, 2022

This order establishes direction for the use of non-Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) owned body-worn cameras (BWCs) by ATF Task Force Officers (TFOs) and Special Deputies (SD) on federal task forces. This policy provides parameters for the use of BWCs by TFOs to the extent that a state or local law enforcement agency requires their use by its officers during federal task force operations.

Published/Revised: August 23, 2022

Each year, thousands of firearms are reported lost or stolen.  The owners’ ability to adequately identify these firearms is central to law enforcement’s ability to investigate these crimes and losses.  Insurance claims and reacquisition of recovered firearms will also hinge on the ability to correctly identify these firearms.  Keep this list separate from your firearms to assist police in the event your firearms are ever lost or stolen.

Published/Revised: April 21, 2022

The 2014 edition of the Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide contains information that will help you comply with federal laws and regulations governing the manufacture, importation and distribution of firearms and ammunition. This edition contains new and amended statutes enacted since publication of the 2005 edition, as well as updated regulations and rulings issued by ATF. Last revised September 2014.

Published/Revised: September 1, 2014

¿Qué es la División del Centro Nacional de Rastreo (NTC)?  La División del Centro de Rastreo Nacional (NTC) del Agencia de Alcohol, Tabaco, Armas de Fuego y Explosivos es la única organización autorizada a rastrear armas de fuego de fabricación nacional y extranjera para las agencias policiales internacionales, federales, estatales y locales.

Published/Revised: April 21, 2022

This publication defines what each Federal explosives permittee and limited permitee must do for compliance, as per the Federal explosives regulations, at 27 CFR, Part 555.

Published/Revised: January 27, 2022

Information for FFLs on how to establish a disaster preparedness plan and key elements to include, as well as links to other disaster preparation resources.

Published/Revised: June 1, 2021

This notice applies to activities permitted at bona fide gun shows, as defined in Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 478.100. Federal firearms licensees ("FFLs" or "Dealers") may only sell firearms at gun shows within the state in which their licensed premise is located. Revised June 2021.  

Published/Revised: June 1, 2021

This notice provides information about the laws and public responsibility regarding firearms near to or in school zones. 

Published/Revised: October 1, 2006

This publication provides best practices in regards to transfers of firearms by private sellers.

Published/Revised: January 1, 2013

This publication provides information on magazine explosives classes and storage requirements.

Published/Revised: July 20, 2020

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

Published/Revised: January 1, 2011

This publication identifies what licensed manufacturers must do for compliance, as per the Federal explosives regulations at 27 CFR, Part 555.    

Published/Revised: October 1, 2011

A qualifying court order may be issued by a criminal court or civil court, such as divorce court, family court, magistrate or general jurisdiction court. The following list enumerates the elements that define a qualifying protection order under the Federal firearms prohibition.

Published/Revised: September 1, 2011

Loss prevention for firearms retailers. As a firearms retailer you have a risk of burglary, theft, and loss. This guide will help you evaluate the security of your premises and help you develop a strategy for preventing losses. Last updated January 2016.

Published/Revised: January 1, 2015

Any person who has been "adjudicated as a mental defective" or "committed to a mental institution" is prohibited under Federal law from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing any firearm or ammunition. Violation of this Federal offense is punishable by a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment of up to ten years.

Published/Revised: May 1, 2009

By completing this record and maintaining it in a safe location, separate from your firearms, you will be taking an important first step in the effort to prevent thefts and to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals. Last revised August 2013.

Published/Revised: August 1, 2013