Rules and Regulations Library

Titlesort ascending Description Category Document Type
All FFLs-June2007-Open Letter-Post Office (P.O.) Boxes or Rural Route Numbers as a Residence Address (296 KB) 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. Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-June2000-Open Letter-Open Letter to Importers Regarding CICAD Model Regulations (113 KB) Through a final rule published June 20, 2000, in the Federal Register, ATF is amending its regulations and affected forms to comply with Model Regulations for the Control of the International Movement of Firearms, Their Parts and Components, and Ammunition (the Model Regulations). Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-July2009-Open Letter-Selling or Delivering Firearms Frames or Receivers (104 KB) The purpose of the this open letter is to provide guidance on certain regulatory requirements and definitions under the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) about selling or delivering firearm frames or receivers. Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-July2005-Open Letter-Importation of U.S. Manufactured Surplus Military Firearms Classified as Curios or Relics (101 KB) This Open Letter is to advise all Federal Firearms Licensees and registered importers of U.S. munitions import list articles that ATF was advised by the Department of State, on a case-by-case basis, permit the retransfer of U.S. manufacturing military firearms that were sold or granted by the United States Government classified by ATF as curios or relics. Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-July2005-Open Letter-Importation of Frames, Receivers or Barrels of Firearms Under Title 18 U.S.C. § 925(d)(3) (41 KB) The purpose of this open letter is to provide important information to importers concerning the lawful importation of certain frames, receivers and barrels Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-July2005-Open Letter-Department of State Rescinded Sanctions on Trade in Defense Articles and Services from South Africa (71 KB) The purpose of this open letter is to inform licensed firearms importers and registered importers of U.S. Munitions Import List Articles that the United States Department of State has rescinded the sanctions on trade in defense articles and services from South Africa. Firearms Open Letter
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 FFLs-July2004-Open Letter-3rd Anniversary of September 11th Attack (29 KB)  It will be 3 years this September since America was attacked. We at ATF remain vigilant, but we are requesting your assistance in our national effort to prevent terrorism. Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-July2002-Open Letter-Importer Dealer Sales Samples (42 KB) This open letter contains information about recent changes that may affect your day-to-day operations and/or long range plans regarding dealer sales samples of machineguns. Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-Jan2013-Open Letter-Facilitating Transfers of Firearms Between Private Individuals (298 KB)

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.

Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-Jan2009-Open Letter-Use and Acceptance of Electronically Transmitted Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Military Orders (181 KB)

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.

Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-Jan2009-Open Letter-Reporting Theft or Loss of Firearms from Inventory (48 KB)

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.

Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-Jan2009-Open Letter-Availability of 2007 - 28th Edition State Laws and Published Ordinances (ATF P 5300.5) (96 KB)
The purpose of this Open Letter is to make you aware of the availability of the 2007, 28th Edition State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms (ATF P 5300.5). This publication is now being distributed in a CD-ROM version.
Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-Jan2006-Open Letter-Change to the Look of the Federal Firearms License (FFL) (50 KB)
The purpose of this letter is to advise you of a change to the look of the Federal firearms license (FFL) beginning January 12, 2006, in response to feedback received from licensees.
Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-Jan2006-Open Letter-Certain Firearms Transfers Affected by the Change to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (36 KB)
The purpose of this Open Letter is to advise all Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) of a recent change to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as it relates to the transfer of certain types of firearms.
Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-Jan2004-Open Letter-Importance of Partnerships Between ATF and the Firearms Industry (95 KB) This open letter discusses the importance of the partnerships that have been established between ATF and the firearms industry and to reinforce our joint responsibilities under the Gun Control Act (GCA). Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-Jan2001-Open Letter-"Do's" and "Don'ts" for Curio or Relic Firearms Collectors (114 KB)
The purpose of this letter is to apprise Federally licensed collectors of pertinent regulations of the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA).  In this letter are some major “Do’s” and “Don’ts” for collectors that are based on these provisions.
Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-Dec2022-Open Letter-Impact of Final Rule 2021-05F on Partially Complete Polymer80, Lone Wolf, and Similar Semiautomatic Pistol Frames (805 KB)

ATF is issuing this open letter to assist the firearms industry and the public in understanding whether a “partially complete, disassembled, or nonfunctional” frame of a Polymer80, Lone Wolf, or similar semiautomatic, striker-fired pistol (sometimes generally referred to as “Glock-type” pistols) has reached a stage of manufacture such that it “may readily be completed, assembled, restored, or otherwise converted” to a functional frame, and is therefore classified as a “frame” or “firearm” in accordance with the final rule titled Definition of ‘Frame or Receiver’ and Identification of Firearms (Final Rule 2021R-05F).

Rules and Regulations Open Letter
All FFLs-Dec2012-Open Letter-For Importers the Availability of ATF Form 4587 (ATF F 5330.4) on Pay.gov (948 KB)
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.
Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-Dec2011-Open Letter-State of Residence (71 KB)
The purpose of this open letter is to inform all Federal firearms licensees that ATF will be revising the regulations in 27 C.F.R. Part 478 to conform to the Department of Justice's conclusions by removing the separate 90-day residency requirement for aliens.
Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-Dec2011-Open Letter-Future Amendment of Nonimmigrant Alien Provisions (67 KB)
The purpose of this open letter is to inform all Federal firearms licensees that ATF is in the process of amending its regulations and forms related to nonimmigrant alien provisions of the Gun Control Act.
Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-Dec2004-Open Letter-Establishment of the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System's Voluntary Appeal File (15 KB)

The purpose of this letter is to inform Federal firearms licensees that the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) National Instant Criminal Background Check System's (NICS) Voluntary Appeal File (VAF) has been established.

Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-Dec2002-Open Letter-Homeland Security Act of 2002 - ATF Moves to the Department of Justice (26 KB) The purpose of this letter is to provide you with information on a provision of the recently enacted Homeland Security Act of 2002. This provision moves most of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of Justice effective January 24, 2003. Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-Aug2011-Open Letter-September 11th Anniversary (90 KB)
The purpose of this letter is to encourage all Federal firearms licensees to increase their awareness and vigilance as the anniversary of September 11th approaches.
Firearms Open Letter
All FFLs-Aug2011-Open Letter-Rural Route Address (138 KB)
The purpose of this open letter is to provide further guidance regarding purchasers who present an identification document bearing a Rural Route address.
Firearms Open Letter
Email Updates

Subscribe to receive news and update from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives