Rules and Regulations Library
| Title | Description | Category | Document Type |
|---|---|---|---|
 2001-5 - Identification of Transferee (18 KB) | Licensees may accept a combination of valid government-issued documents to satisfy the identification document requirements of the Brady Act under certain conditions. An active duty member of the Armed Forces is a resident of the State in which his or her permanent duty station is located, and may satisfy the identification document requirement by presenting his or her military identification card along with official orders showing the permanent duty station as within the State where the licensed premises are located. | Firearms | Ruling |
|
National-Apr2011-Open Letter-Submitting ATF Form 4 or Form 5 (94 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.
| Firearms | Open Letter |
|
All FFLs-Aug2008-Open Letter-Guidelines for Natural Disasters (121 KB) |
The purpose of this open letter is to provide you guidance on certain regulatory requirements and voluntary security measures, as well as recommended guidelines for securing and moving firearms records and inventory in the event of a natural disaster.
| Firearms | Open Letter |
|
South Carolina-Aug2008-Open Letter-Amendment to South Carolina Law Prohibiting Handgun Sales to Persons Under Eighteen Years of Age (104 KB) |
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.
| Firearms | Open Letter |
|
All FFLs-May2008-Open Letter-Security Firms Temporarily Assigning Firearms to Unlicensed Employees (96 KB) | 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. | Firearms | Open Letter |
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All FFLs-May2007-Open Letter-Guidelines for Natural Disasters (136 KB) | This open letter provides guidance on certain regulatory requirements and voluntary security measures, as well as recommended guidelines for securing and moving firearms records and inventory in the event of a natural disaster. | Firearms | Open Letter |
|
All FFLs-May2007-Open Letter-Virginia Tech Tragic Events (91 KB) | We at ATF were saddened by the tragic events that unfolded at Virginia Tech just last month. In the immediate aftermath, many questions arose about whether the person responsible for the shootings was prohibited under Federal law from possessing a firearm. | Firearms | Open Letter |
|
All FFLs-Oct2007-Open Letter-Availability of the Personal Firearms Record, ATF Form 3312.8 (86 KB) |
The purpose of this open letter is to make you aware of the availability of ATF Publication 3312.8, Personal Firearms Record. This record is to help firearms owners adequately identify their firearms in case of a theft or loss.
| Firearms | Open Letter |
|
Massachusetts-Oct2003-Open Letter-Massachusetts License to Carry No Longer an Alternative to NICS Check (79 KB) |
This open letter is to inform all Massachusetts Federal firearms licensees that as of October 21, 2003 all previously grandfathered Massachusetts licenses to carry will have expired.
| Firearms | Open Letter |
|
Indiana-Sept2003-Open Letter-Changes to Indiana Background Check Procedures (104 KB) |
The purpose of this letter is to advise you of important changes to the procedures Indiana Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) must follow beginning October 1, 2003, in order to comply with the Brady Law. It also will advise you of the procedures you will have to follow to comply with Indiana State law.
| Firearms | Open Letter |
|
2004-2 - Temporary Importation of Firearms Subject to the NFA (351 KB) | Approved alternate method or procedure for importers to use when temporarily importing firearms subject to the NFA, the GCA and the Arms Export Control Act for inspection, testing, calibration, repair, or incorporation into another defense article. | Firearms | Ruling |
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All FELs-July2011-Open Letter-State/Local Government Entities and Explosives Industry Members Distribution To and Receipt Of Explosive Pest Control Devices (EPCDs) (169 KB) |
This letter provides information regarding the distribution to and receipt of explosives for pest control and mitigation purposes by States or their political subdivisions.
| Explosives | Open Letter |
|
2005-3 - Meaning of Term Inhabited Building (17 KB) |
ATF provides guidance on two situations involving structures and whether they are "inhabited buildings" as defined in 27 CFR Part 555.
| Explosives | Ruling |
|
2005-2 - Meaning of Term Highway (12 KB) |
ATF provides guidance on three different private roads and whether they are "highways" as defined in 27 CFR 555.11.
| Explosives | Ruling |
|
2004-3 - Locking Requirements for Indoor Type 4 Storage Magazines (11 KB) |
ATF provides guidance on three different private roads and whether they are "highways" as defined in 27 CFR 555.11.
| Explosives | Ruling |
|
2002-4 - Indoor Storage of Explosives in Business Premises Directly Adjacent to a Residence or Dwelling (86 KB) |
ATF requires approval of variances for indoor storage of explosives in business premises directly adjacent to a residence or dwelling.
| Explosives | Ruling |
|
All FELs-Apr2011-Open Letter-Importance of Security When Storing or Transporting Explosive Materials (64 KB) |
In response to continued thefts of vehicles carrying explosive materials along the southwest U.S. border, the ATF reminds all persons holding Federal explosives licenses or permits of the importance of security when storing or transporting explosive materials.
| Explosives | Open Letter |
|
All FELs-Nov2010-Open Letter-Explosive Pest Control Devices (EPCDs) (164 KB) |
This letter provides information regarding explosive pest control devices (EPCDs). Agricultural, aquacultural, and aviation industries use EPCDs — commonly known as bird bombs or seal bombs — to help protect crops, natural resources, and aircraft from damage by wildlife.
| Explosives | Open Letter |
|
All FELs-Aug2008-Open Letter-Guidance for Pending Natural Disasters (175 KB) |
The purpose of this open letter is to help you protect your business premises and inventory in the event of a natural disaster; and provide guidance on what to do if your business premises is damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster.
| Explosives | Open Letter |
|
2002-3 - Indoor Storage of Explosives in a Residence or Dwelling (11 KB) |
ATF will approve variances to store explosives in a residence or dwelling only upon certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of a certification of compliance with State and local law, and documentation that local fire safety officials have received a copy of the certification.
| Explosives | Ruling |
|
All FFLs-July2004-Open Letter-ATF Requests Assistance in National Effort to Prevent Terrorism (152 KB) | This open letter provides awareness information for Federal firearms licensees to incorporate in their daily business activities. | Firearms | Open Letter |
|
All FELs-Jun2003-Open Letter-Reminder Regarding the Limited Permit (166 KB) |
The purpose of this open letter is to remind Federal explosives licensees and permittees to be vigilant during the Fourth of July holiday and provide information regarding the new intrastate limited permit.
| Explosives | Open Letter |
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All FELs-May2003-Open Letter-Reminder Regarding Provisions of the Safe Explosives Act (177 KB) |
The purpose of this letter is to remind all Federal explosives licensees and permittees that the first provisions of the Act went into effect on January 24, 2003, and the remaining provisions go into effect on May 24, 2003.
| Explosives | Open Letter |
|
All FELs-Nov2002-Open Letter-Safe Explosives Act Provisions for Blasting/Mining Educators (203 KB) |
This open letter provides information for public and private institutes and the provisions pertaining to the Safe Explosives Act
| Explosives | Open Letter |
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All FELs-May2002-Open Letter-ATF Asks that Explosives Licensees and Permittees Remain Vigilant When Selling Explosive Materials (102 KB) |
The purpose of this letter is to ask that you continue to be vigilant in light of heightened security concerns regarding possible terrorist activity involving explosives.
| Explosives | Open Letter |