Questions and Answers

Yes. The penalty for knowingly providing false information or misrepresented identification is a maximum 10 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine not exceeding $250,000.

[18 U.S.C. 842(a)(2), 844(a)]

No. Every person who receives explosive materials must first obtain a federal explosives license or permit. Distribution of explosive materials to persons who do not hold a license or permit is unlawful. Also, see 18 U.S.C. 845 and 27 CFR 555.141 for exemptions.

[18 U.S.C. 842(a), 842(b); 27 CFR 555.26(a), 555.106]

Yes. The law prohibits the receipt or possession of explosive materials by any person listed in 27 CFR 555.26.

[18 U.S.C. 842(i); 27 CFR 555.26, 555.49(b)]

A licensee or permittee shall not knowingly distribute any explosive materials to any person who:

(a) Is not a licensee or holder of a user permit;

(b) Is not a holder of a limited permit who resides in the same state where distribution is made and in which premises of the transferor are located;

(c) The licensee has reason to believe that they intend to transport such explosive materials into a state where the purchase, possession or use of explosive materials is prohibited or which does not permit its residents to transport or ship explosive materials into the state or to receive explosive materials in the state; or,

(d) Is in any state where the purchase, possession, or use by such person of such explosive materials would be in violation of any state law or any published ordinance applicable at the place of distribution.

[18 U.S.C. 842; 27 CFR 555.105, 555.106]

Yes. No person shall knowingly distribute explosive materials to any individual listed in 27 CFR 555.26, or to an individual who is under 21 years of age.

[18 U.S.C. 842(d); 27 CFR 555.26(d)]

Yes, a licensed gunsmith may receive a National Firearms Act (NFA) firearm for the sole purpose of repair and subsequent return to its owner.

It is suggested that the owner obtain permission from ATF for the transfer by submitting an ATF Form 5, Application for Tax Exempt Transfer and Registration of Firearm, to the NFA Branch and receive approval prior to the delivery. The gunsmith should do the same prior to returning the firearm.

Yes. Licensed gunsmiths are required to comply with written notification to unlicensed individuals upon delivery of a handgun. A gunsmith who transfers handguns to nonlicensees must also comply with the sign posting requirement.

[27 CFR 478.103]

No, if the firearm is being returned to the person from whom it was received. However, if the firearm is delivered to someone other than the person from whom it was received, a NICS background check is required.

[18 U.S.C. 922(t); 478.124(a)]

No, provided the firearm is returned to the person from whom it was received.

[27 CFR 478.124(a) and 478.147]

Yes. Licensed gunsmiths may make on-the-spot repairs at skeet, trap, target, and similar organized shooting events.

If a firearm is brought in for repairs and the owner waits while it is being repaired, or if the gunsmith is able to return the firearm to the owner during the same business day, it is not necessary to list the firearm in the A&D record as an “acquisition.”

If the gunsmith has possession of the firearm from one business day to another or longer, the firearm must be recorded as an “acquisition” and a “disposition” in the A&D record.

Under current hiring authority applicants apply to specific duty locations listed in the vacancy announcement. Application for duty location could change in the future based on changes in hiring authority.

All suitability issues are reviewed on a case-by-case basis during the pre-employment screening process.

Due to the large volume of applications processed by ATF, we will be unable to assist with individual status checks. Applicants are considered to be in the hiring process unless they receive written notification that they are no longer under consideration. As noted in each special agent vacancy announcement, the ATF hiring process can be very lengthy. Applicants are forwarded through the hiring process on an as needed basis and not on any set schedule. Budget issues, staffing issues and previously existing pool(s) of applicants may significantly affect the time it takes to complete the hiring process.

We use both at ATF. The automated system helps us collect, organize, filter, rank and communicate with applicants. Real human beings, who are knowledgeable in the federal HR process and with the position, review applicants manually before they are sent to selecting officials. Automated systems help make the process easier, but it does not replace the need of having a real person review the applicants.

There is no limit to the number of jobs or timeframe you must adhere to in your federal job search. However, in order to maximize your time and the agency’s resources, we encourage you to apply to positions that you are truly interested in and feel qualified for.

All special agent applicants must take and pass the ATF special agent exam and an applicant assessment test. Results from an ATF sponsored exam are valid for three years from the date of the exam. Sample questions for the ATF special agent exam can be found at the “Careers” section of this website.

Yes. The announcement always includes a point of contact available to answer any questions you may have. Be sure to consult the announcement for that person’s name and contact information.

Yes. Check your application status in USAJobs. You can also find and filter your applications.

Unlike the private sector, federal agencies are required to announce, rate, rank, interview/assess and investigate applicants before they can be selected. All applicants must be given consideration too. Additionally, before an announcement is posted, Federal Human Resources professionals and the associated supervisor must work together to define and describe the position with a long narrative and then evaluate the description against Office of Personnel Management standards. Then qualification and assessment criteria must be professionally developed.

Selecting an individual for a federal position is a huge investment too. Over the course of a 30- year career, selecting an individual for a career appointment can be a multi-million-dollar investment. Federal jobs are not gigs; they are careers where individuals make a commitment to public service. To ensure someone is the best candidate for the job, multiple interviews and/or screenings may be needed.

This is a legal requirement. Federal employees are often asked to handle sensitive, personally identifiable or medical information. If selected for a federal job, you must at least go through a basic background check to make sure you are reliable, trustworthy and suitable for the job. The background check process starts after you accept a job offer.

The Departments of State and Commerce published companion final rules in the Federal Register to amend Categories I, II, and III of the U.S. Munitions List (USML) in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). These final rules transfer export and temporary import controls for some firearms, ammunition, and parts and components from the Department of State to the Department of Commerce. Items transferred from the USML Categories I-III are subject to 500 and 600 series controls in Category 0 of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commerce Control List (CCL) in its Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The final rules went into effect March 9, 2020.

For further information, contact the U.S. Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls or the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security.

When exporting NFA firearms, an ATF Form 9, Application and Permit for Per­manent Exportation of Firearms, must be approved by ATF prior to export.

[22 U.S.C. 2778; 27 CFR 479.114 and 479.116]

Yes. A licensee may make an occasional importation of a firearm for a nonlicensee or for the licensee’s personal use (not for resale). The licensee must first submit an ATF Form 6, Part I to ATF for approval. The licensee may then present the approved ATF Form 6 and completed ATF Form 6A to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

[27 CFR 478.113]

No. Rifle scopes manufactured to military specifications no longer require an ATF Form 6, Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, Ammunition, and Defense Articles  (5330.3A) for importation.

[22 U.S.C. § 2778; 27 CFR § 447.21; 80 F.R. 30615 (May 29, 2015), finalizing without change 79 F.R. 17024 (Mar. 27, 2014)]