Firearms Open Letters

Titlesort ascending Description
New Hampshire-Oct1998-Open Letter-Permanent Provisions of the Brady Law (93.12 KB) The purpose of this letter is to advise Federal firearms licensees in New Hampshire of their responsibilities under the permanent provisions of the Brady law.
New Hampshire-Nov1998-Open Letter-Change to New Hampshire Background Check Procedures (1.47 MB)
This correction notice is an update to the original background check letter, dated October 28, 1998.  The State of New Hampshire has elected to participate as a NICS point of contact for handguns.
Nevada-Oct2005-Open Letter-Nevada’s Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) Permits No Longer Alternative to NICS Check (37.38 KB)

This letter is superseded by ATF's January 5, 2006 open letter.  The purpose of this letter is to inform Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) that beginning October 19, 2005, Nevada’s Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) Permits will no longer qualify as an alternative to a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check.

Nevada-Nov1998-Open Letter-Permanent Provisions of the Brady Law.pdf (123.72 KB)

The purpose of this letter is to advise Federal firearms licensees in Nevada of their responsibilities under the permanent provisions of the Brady law.

Nevada-May2008-Open Letter-Nevada’s Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) Permits No Longer Qualify as an Alternative to a NICS check (92.51 KB)

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.

Nevada-Jan2006-Open Letter-Nevada’s Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) Permits Again Qualify as Alternative to NICS Check (101.57 KB)

The purpose of this letter is to advise you of an important change to the procedure you may follow beginning January 5, 2006.  On this day, Nevada’s Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) permit will again qualify as an alternative to a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check.  Accordingly, the October 17, 2005 Open Letter to Nevada Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) is superseded.

Nevada-Aug2011-Open Letter-Nevada’s Concealed Firearm Permit Qualifies as Alternative to NICS Check (109.38 KB)
The purpose of this letter is to advise all Nevada Federal firearms licensees that Nevada's Concealed Firearm Permit qualifies as an alternative to the background check required by the Brady law.
Nebraska-Oct1998-Open Letter-Permanent Provisions of the Brady Law (118.46 KB) The purpose of this letter is to advise Federal firearms licensees in Nebraska of their responsibilities under the permanent provisions of the Brady law.
Nebraska-Apr2011-Open Letter-Nebraska’s Concealed Handgun Permit Qualifies as Alternative to NICS Check (109.21 KB)
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.
National-Oct2004-Open Letter-Improperly Destroyed Russian GP-30 Grenade Launcher (542.27 KB)
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.   
National-May 2016-Open Letter-All Chief Law Enforcement Officers of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies (79.55 KB)
On January 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. 
National-June1997-Open Letter-Attorney General Brady Law Decision (24.8 KB)

The purpose of this letter is to address the Supreme Court's decision regarding that part of the Brady Handgun Control Act is unconstitutional.

National-Jan2016-Presidential Memorandum (23.71 KB)
Tracing firearms in connection with criminal investigations and improving availability of relevant Executive Brand records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
National-Jan2008-Open Letter-Submitting Payments to ATF (87.04 KB)
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.
National-Jan2005-Open Letter-Fabrique Nationale FR 5.7 Pistol (530 KB)
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.
National-Apr2011-Open Letter-Submitting ATF Form 4 or Form 5 (93.76 KB)
The purpose of this letter is to provide guidance to any person submitting ATF Form 4, Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of a Firearm, or with ATF Form 5, Application for Tax Exempt Transfer and Registration of a Firearm.
Montana-Oct1998-Open Letter-Permanent Provisions of the Brady Law (775.57 KB) The purpose of this letter is to advise Federal firearms licensees in Montana of their responsibilities under the permanent provisions of the Brady law.
Montana-July2009-Open Letter-Guidance Regarding Montana Firearms Freedom Act (72.71 KB)
The purpose of this letter is to provide guidance on your obligations as a Federal firearms licensee (FFL) and the passage of the Montana Firearms Freedom Act.
Missouri-Oct1998-Open Letter-Permanent Provisions of the Brady Law (816.58 KB) The purpose of this letter is to advise Federal firearms licensees in Missouri of their responsibilities under the permanent provisions of the Brady law.
Missouri- Open Letter To All FFLs- House Bill Number 85, Second Amendment Preservation Act (261.14 KB)

Missouri House Bill Number 85, Second Amendment Preservation Act (“the Act” or “SAPA”), signed into law by Governor Parson on June 12, 2021, has generated questions from industry members and firearm owners as to how this Missouri state law may affect them while engaged in a firearms business activity or seeking to acquire a firearm. Section 1.420 of the Act states that “federal acts, laws, executive orders, administrative orders, rules, and regulations” falling into five categories of regulations relating to firearms “shall be considered infringements on the people’s right to keep and bear arms, as guaranteed by Amendment II of the Constitution of the United States and Article I, Section 23 of the Constitution of Missouri.” SAPA § 1.420. 

Mississippi-Oct1998-Open Letter-Permanent Provisions of the Brady Law (325.13 KB) The purpose of this letter is to advise Federal firearms licensees in Mississippi of their responsibilities under the permanent provisions of the Brady law.
Minnesota-Oct2019-NICS Background Check Prior to Firearm Transfer to Non-Licensee with Valid Minnesota Permit to Carry (435.49 KB)

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.

Minnesota-Oct1998-Open Letter-Permanent Provisions of the Brady Law (44.74 KB) The purpose of this letter is to advise Federal firearms licensees in Minnesota of their responsibilities under the permanent provisions of the Brady law.
Michigan-Oct1998-Open Letter-Permanent Provisions of the Brady Law (632.48 KB) The purpose of this letter is to advise Federal firearms licensees in Michigan of their responsibilities under the permanent provisions of the Brady law.
Michigan-Mar2004-Open Letter-Michigan Concealed Pistol Permit Not an Alternative to NICS (74.77 KB)

This open letter provides guidance regarding the use of a State of Michigan issued Concealed Pistol Permit (CPP, but commonly referred to as a CCW) and a License to Purchase a Pistol as alternatives to NICS background check.

 

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