Publications

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 advisory is a security checklist of best practices for all Federal explosives licensees and permittees.

Published/Revised: February 24, 2009

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

Licensing requirements under the GCA for any person who installs “drop in” replacement parts in or on existing, fully assembled firearms. A “drop in” replacement part is one that can be installed in or on an existing, fully assembled firearm without drilling, cutting, or machining. A replacement part, whether factory original or otherwise, has the same design, function, substantially the same dimensions, and does not otherwise affect the manner in which the weapon expels a projectile by the action of an explosive.

Published/Revised: January 12, 2009

A nonimmigrant alien generally may not purchase ammunition from a Federal firearms licensee (FFL) or a nonlicensee to possess in the United States. This prohibition applies unless they establish that they meet one of the exceptions. The exception that would apply to most nonimmigrant aliens would be if they were admitted to the United States for lawful hunting or sporting purposes and/or are in possession of a valid hunting license or permit lawfully issued in the United States.

Published/Revised: November 28, 2008

What's In This Issue: Carson W. Carroll Named Assistant Director (Enforcement Programs and Services); Changes in the Arson and Explosives Programs Division; New Headquarters Building; Two New Field Divisions; New “Orange Book”; Storage Rulings; Fireworks Recordkeeping and Marks of Identification; Information Resources; Variance Request Guidelines; Determination Request Guidelines; Exemption Request Guidelines; Who Should Complete a Theft or Loss Report?; 2007 Explosives Thefts

Published/Revised: September 30, 2008

The purpose of this letter is to advise you of an important clarification to the manner in which a Federal Firearms License holder can obtain a marking variance from the provisions of 27 CFR 478.92. 

Published/Revised: August 22, 2008

The purpose of this letter is to advise you that the recent amendment to Section 16-23-30, Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, relating to the unlawful sale of handguns to certain person, so as to prohibit the sale of a handgun to persons under eighteen years of age rather than under twenty-one years of age has no effect on federal firearms laws and regulations.

Published/Revised: August 20, 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 inform security firms and other persons who have federal firearms licenses (FFLs), and who may temporarily assign firearms to their unlicensed employees in furtherance of legitimate business purposes, of the statutory and regulatory requirements that affect them.

Published/Revised: June 13, 2008

The purpose of this letter is to advise you that beginning July 1, 2008, Nevada's Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) permits will no longer qualify as an alternative to a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check.

Published/Revised: May 30, 2008

This year, a fireworks industry groups made a proposal that ATF anticipates will make fireworks recordkeeping more manageable and enhance our ability to trace and track fireworks. The proposed process should improve public safety and reduce the number of illegal transactions in display fireworks.

Published/Revised: May 30, 2008

The upper assembly of the Fabrique Nationale Herstal SA (FN) FNC rifle is classified as the receiver of the firearm for purposes of the Gun Control Act, 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44, and the National Firearms Act, 26 U.S.C. Chapter 53.

Published/Revised: May 27, 2008

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 letter is to provide notification that the ATF will be switching to electronic funds processing (ECP) for all payments received by the agency.

Published/Revised: January 25, 2008

The purpose of this open letter is to provide guidance regarding firearms transferees whose only identification documents indicate only Post Office Box or Rural Route number as a residence address.

Published/Revised: July 7, 2007

The purpose of this open letter is to advise that the recent amendment to what was formerly known as Kentucky's contiguous state law has no effect on federal firearms laws and regulations.

Published/Revised: June 25, 2007

Based upon feedback from the industry and ATP personnel, ATF is enhancing the Federal firearms license (FPL). The enhancements will give the license a new updated look, including larger print for ease ofreadability. A wallet-sized information card with your license number will also be provided.

Published/Revised: January 30, 2007

Under specified conditions, blasting agents may be stored in mobile type 5 magazines (bulk trucks) without meeting 27 CFR 555.211 immobilization requirements.

Published/Revised: January 26, 2007

Under specified conditions, display fireworks may be temporarily stored in locked, attended motor vehicles at explosives magazine site(s) and fireworks display site(s) without meeting 27 CFR 555.210 locking requirements provided certain security measures are in place.

Published/Revised: January 18, 2007

The NFA and GCA definition of machinegun includes a part or parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun. This language includes a device that, when activated by a single pull of the trigger, initiates an automatic firing cycle that continues until the finger is released or the ammunition supply is exhausted.

Published/Revised: December 13, 2006

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

Published/Revised: October 1, 2006

This letter is to provide information to tribal law enforcement departments regarding the Omnibus Consolidation Appropriations Act of 1997.  This Act made it unlawful for any person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence (MCDV) to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms or ammunitions.

Published/Revised: August 16, 2006

The purpose of this letter is to advise you that the Kentucky Carry Concealed Deadly Weapon License (CCDWL) issued on or after July 12, 2006, will qualify as an alternative to a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check.

Published/Revised: July 12, 2006

The purpose of this letter is to advise you of an important change to the procedure you may follow beginning July 1, 2006. On this day, Georgia's Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) will again qualify as an alternative to a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check. Accordingly, the Oct. 17, 2005, Open Letter to Georgia Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) is superseded.

Published/Revised: July 1, 2006