| Title and Description |
|---|
| 2021 - March - South Dakota - All FFLs - Regular Concealed Carry Permit as NICS Alternative
A South Dakota Regular Concealed Carry Permit, issued on or after July 1, 2018, can be used as an alternative to the required NICS background check. Published/Revised: |
| 2019 - December - All FFLs - Franklin Armory Reformation Firearm
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATP) has received questions from industry members and the general public regarding a new type of firearm produced by the Franklin Armory®. This 'firearm, known as the "Reformation", utilizes a barrel that is produced with straight lands and grooves. This design contrasts with conventional rifling, in which the barrel's lands and grooves are spiral or twisted, and are designed to impart a spin onto the projectile. Published/Revised: |
| 2019 - October - Minnesota - All FFLs - NICS Background Check Prior to Firearm Transfer to Non-Licensee
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: |
| 1998 - October - All FFLs - Louisiana - Permanent Provisions of the Brady Law
The purpose of this letter is to advise federal firearms licensees in Louisiana of their responsibilities under the permanent provisions of the Brady law. Published/Revised: |
| 2009 - January - All FFLs - Reporting Theft or Loss of Firearms From Inventory
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: |
| 2017 - February - South Dakota - Gold Card Concealed Pistol Permit and Enhanced Permit to Carry Concealed Pistol
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: |
| 2016 - June - West Virginia - All FFLs - HB4145
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: |
| 2016 - May - National - All Chief Law Enforcement Officers of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies
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: |
| 2016 - May - Ohio - All FFLs - Concealed Handgun License Qualifies as Alternative to Background Check
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: |
| 2015 - May - California - All FFLs - Guidance for Completing ATF Forms 4473 While Complying With California Transaction Procedures
The ATF has received inquiries from California Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) concerning the correct procedure for completing Firearms Transaction Records, ATF Forms 4473, while complying with the California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) Entry System (DES) transaction procedures.
Published/Revised: |
| 2009 - May - All FFLs - Notice to All NFA Special Taxpayers for Tax Year 2010
The renewal returns for Tax Year 2010 will be mailed by the end of May 2009 to any person who paid the special (occupational) tax (SOT) for Tax Year 2009 to import, manufacture, or deal in National Firearms Act (NFA) firearms. Published/Revised: |
| 2012 - July - All FFLs - ATF Releases Revised ATF Form 4473
ATF Form 4473, Firearms Transaction Record Part I – Over-the-Counter (Form 4473) has been revised. This letter highlights the changes to the form. Published/Revised: |
| 2015 - May - Kentucky - Guidance on Alternative Permit Procedures That Comply With Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act
The purpose of this letter is to provide clarification and guidance on alternative permit procedures that comply with the Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act (Brady law) for firearms transfers to unlicensed persons in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This open letter supersedes the 2006 Open Letter to All Kentucky Federal Firearms Licensees with respect to alternatives to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check.
Published/Revised: |
| 2015 - January - Southwest Border FFLs - FFL Burglaries
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is committed to keeping industry members informed of important trends and regulatory developments. In furtherance of this commitment, we have prepared this open letter which briefly addresses burglaries at licensed premises in the greater Houston, Texas, area and offers basic, preventive, methods for combating thefts. Published/Revised: |
| 2014 - June - West Virginia - Concealed Handgun Licenses as Alternative to NICS Checks
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: |
| 2013 - July - Kansas - All FFLs - Passage of the Kansas Second Amendment Protection Act
The purpose of this open letter is to provide guidance and information related to the passage of the Kansas Second Amendment Protection Act, Kansas, effective April 25, 2013.
Published/Revised: |
| 2013 - May - All FFLs - Prohibited Transfers of Firearms to Foreign Purchaser
The purpose of this open letter is to advise federal firearms licensees that arranging for the exportation of firearms and ammunition through in-person disposition to foreign purchasers at airline ticket counters of local international airports violates the Gun Control Act of 1968. Published/Revised: |
| 2013 - April - California - All FFLs - Completing ATF Forms 4473 While Complying With Dealer Record of Sale Transaction Procedures
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: |
| 2015 - April - Louisiana - All FFLs - Louisiana's Concealed Handgun Permit Qualifies as Alternative to NICS Check
The purpose of this open letter is to advise all Louisiana federal firearms licensees that Louisiana's concealed handgun permit has been determined to qualify as an alternative to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check.
Published/Revised: |
| 2013 - January - All FFLs - Private Firearm Transfers
The purpose of this open letter is to remind all federal firearms licensees (FFL) of their ready ability to enhance public safety and assist law enforcement by encouraging and facilitating transfers of firearms between private individuals through their businesses. Published/Revised: |
| 2013 - January - All FFLs - Federal Firearms Licensees Ready Ability
The purpose of this open letter is to remind all federal firearms licensees (FFL) of their ready ability to enhance public safety and assist law enforcement by encouraging and facilitating transfers of firearms between private individuals through their businesses. Published/Revised: |
| 2013 - January - All FFLs - Facilitating Transfers of Firearms Between Private Individuals
The purpose of this open letter is to remind all federal firearms licenses (FFL) of their ready ability to enhance public safety and assist law enforcement by encouraging and facilitating transfers of firearms between private individuals thorough their businesses. Published/Revised: |
| 2016 - January - National - Presidential Memorandum
Tracing firearms in connection with criminal investigations and improving availability of relevant Executive Brand records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
Published/Revised: |
| 2012 - December - All FFLs - For Importers the Availability of ATF Form 4587 (ATF F 5330.4) on Pay.gov
This open letter contains information about the availability of ATF F 4587 (ATF F 5330.4), Application to Register as an Importer of U.S. Munitions Import List Articles, on Pay.gov.
Published/Revised: |
| 2012 - September - All FFLs - Building Positive Working Relationships With Industry Members
This open letter was sent from ATF's Deputy Director to all federal firearms licensees and all federal explosives licensees/permittees discussing how ATF continues to work towards maintaining and building positive working relationships industry members, trade associations, law enforcement, and the general public. Published/Revised: |
Firearms Open Letters
Last Updated:
August 21, 2025
