Publications

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

Questions and Answers on the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act

Published/Revised: May 11, 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

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

Published/Revised: April 14, 2021

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

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

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

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

Complete description of firearm, possessor, associate and recovery information  to ensure comprehensive tracing of all recovered firearms using ATF Form 3312.1 dated January 2007.

Published/Revised: April 28, 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 purpose of firearm safety is to eliminate or minimize the risks of unintentional damage, injury or death caused by improper possession, storage, or handling of a firearm. Firearm owners should handle the firearm safely and protect themselves and the public from the theft, loss or misuse of their firearm. Last updated July 2024.

Published/Revised: July 1, 2024

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 overview is intended as an aid to compliance with regulatory requirements—not as a replacement. Federal explosives regulations at 27 CFR, Part 555 provide specific regulatory requirements for explosive materials.

Published/Revised: May 11, 2015

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

Published/Revised: July 1, 2016

¿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 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

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 brochure provides information about ATF's National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).  With ATF's NIBIN Program, State and local agencies receive technology that they could likely not afford on their own, as well as the capability to exchange investigative information with other jurisdictions.

Published/Revised: June 17, 2015

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 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

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

Published/Revised: June 10, 2016