Publications

The purpose of this open letter is to advise all federal firearms licensees (FFLs) of a recent change to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as it relates to the transfer of certain types of firearms.

Published/Revised: January 30, 2006

This is to update information regarding the filing of certain National Firearms Act (NFA) forms by facsimile transmission as the functions of the NFA Branch have been relocated to Martinsburg, West Virginia from Washington, D.C.

Published/Revised: March 24, 2006

The letter provides information on ATF's findings with regards to the improperly destroyed Russian GP-30 grenade launcher, which is classified as a destructive device.   

Published/Revised: October 14, 2004

This open letter contains information about recent changes that may affect your day-to-day operations and/or long-range plans regarding dealer sales samples of machineguns.

Published/Revised: July 30, 2002

The purpose of this letter is to provide you information on the provisions of the Safe Explosives Act (the Act), which was enacted on Nov. 25, 2002.

Published/Revised: November 29, 2002

This open letter is a reminder of the procedures to follow when completing ATF Form 6A as outlined in 27 CFR 478.112 and on the instruction page of the form.

Published/Revised: May 5, 2008

The purpose of this open letter is to provide guidance to federally licensed firearms importers and registered importers of U.S. Munitions Import List Articles and clarification on the importability of firearms barrels.

Published/Revised: June 25, 2008

The purpose of this open letter is to reminder Federal firearms licensees of their responsibility in reporting any theft or loss of firearms from their inventory to ATF.

Published/Revised: January 14, 2019

The purpose of this open letter is to provide guidance on the use and acceptance of electronically transmitted permanent change of station (PCS) military order to establish a transferee's state of residence.

Published/Revised: January 13, 2009

The purpose of this letter is to provide procedures for completing Firearms Transaction Records, ATF Form 4473, while complying with the California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) transaction procedures.

Published/Revised: April 19, 2013

The purpose of this open letter is to provide guidance regarding the West Virginia's Concealed Handgun Licenses (CHLs) issued on or after June 4, 2014 as an alternative to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check.

Published/Revised: June 3, 2014

This open letter has been rescinded.  The purpose of this letter is to advise you of your responsibilities under the permanent provisions of the Brady law. On Nov. 30, 1998, the interim provisions of the Brady law will cease to apply, and the permanent provisions of the Brady law will take effect.

Published/Revised: July 29, 2025

This letter provides information regarding the distribution to and receipt of explosives for pest control and mitigation purposes by states or their political subdivisions.

Published/Revised: July 1, 2011

This open letter provides information regarding the use of an insert/sleeve designed to be installed in an Orion 25mm/12 gauge flare launcher that allows the use of conventional ammunition in these flare launchers.

Published/Revised: May 4, 2006

The purpose of this open letter is to advise Federal explosives industry licensees and permittees to remain diligent in security and protection of their explosives inventory. 

Published/Revised: July 7, 2004

The letter provides information in response to numerous questions that ATF has received regarding the capabilities of the 5.7 X 28mm cartridge and the FR 5.7 (Fabrique Nationale) pistol.

Published/Revised: January 20, 2005

The purpose of this open letter is to advise all Ohio FFLs that Ohio's concealed handgun license qualifies as an alternative to the background check requirement.

Published/Revised: May 1, 2016

The purpose of this open letter is to provide further guidance regarding purchasers who present an identification document bearing a rural route address.

Published/Revised: August 29, 2011

On Jan. 15, 2016, ATF published in the Federal Register a final rule entitled "Machineguns, Destructive Devices and Certain Other Firearms; Background Checks for Responsible Persons of a Trust or Legal Entity with Respect to Making or Transferring a Firearm."  This final rule is effective on July 13, 2016, and amends the regulations governing the making and transfer of firearms regulated by the National Firearms Act. 

Published/Revised: May 25, 2016

The purpose of this open letter is to provide guidance concerning West Virginia House Bill (HB) 4145 as it concerns the provisional licenses made eligible to West Virginia residents aged 18-20.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2016

This open letter has been rescinded. The purpose of this letter is to advise federal firearms licensees in Nevada of their responsibilities under the permanent provisions of the Brady law.

Published/Revised: July 29, 2025

The purpose of this open letter is to advise that ATF has reviewed Nebraska's Concealed Handgun Permit Act, as amended in 2010 by Legislative Bill 817, and has determined that Nebraska's Concealed Handgun Permit does qualify as an alternative to the background check required by the Brady law.

Published/Revised: April 14, 2011

The purpose of this letter is to advise South Dakota Federal Firearms Licensees regarding ATF's determination of the South Dakota's Gold Card Concealed Pistol Permit and Enhanced Permit to Carry a Concealed Pistol as alternatives to the background check. 

Published/Revised: February 17, 2017

All Minnesota Federal Firearms Licensees are required to conduct a NICS background check prior to the transfer of a firearm to a non-licensee even if that person presents a valid Minnesota Permit to Carry.

Published/Revised: October 23, 2019

ATF is committed to keeping industry members informed of statutory and regulatory developments affecting them. In furtherance of this commitment, we have prepared this open letter, which contains information about a recent clarification on the “date of importation” required to be recorded in a licensed importer’s record of acquisition, often referred to as the “bound book.” 

Published/Revised: August 27, 2010