Form 4473 is a firearms transaction record that is six pages long and is issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. It functions in the United States as a way to authorize, check, and allow the transfer of firearms from a licensed dealer to a buyer when the seller has a Federal Firearms License (FFL), and the buyer is not prohibited from owning a firearm.
What is Form 4473?
ATF Form 4473, also known as the Firearms Transaction Record, is a federally required form that must be completed every time a firearm is sold or transferred by a licensed dealer. It collects information about the buyer, the firearm, and the transfer itself. The form is used to verify the buyer’s identity, confirm eligibility through a background check, and maintain compliance with federal firearms laws and regulations.
Submitting false information on Form 4473 or purchasing a firearm on behalf of someone else who is prohibited from owning one is considered a straw purchase, which is a crime under federal law.
Why it’s Important to Fill Out 4473 Correctly
The FFL functions under the federal government, which can deny a firearm transfer for reasonable cause. If the Firearms Transaction Record is not properly filled out, the Federal Firearms Licensee could deny the transfer.
This federal form contains data such as:
- Buyer’s name, personal information, & residence address
- Buyer’s criminal background number
- Gun serial number
- Information about the firearm dealer (FFL license number)
Prohibited person: someone who does not pass the federal background check and may have arrest records that contain:
- Felony convictions & criminal history
- Arrests for controlled substances, narcotic drug convictions, or illegal drug dealings
- History of mental health illness
- Criminal investigation not yet settled
If the form is not filled out correctly and false statements are made, a new form will be started for all private individuals. A federally licensed firearms dealer will be familiar with NICS or state law background check procedures, and the rules required for firearm purchases. Even a licensed importer of guns must follow the rules under the ATF.
The Benefits of FastBound’s Solutions
FastBound’s Electronic 4473 transforms any device into a compliant 4473 with digital signature support without transaction fees or special hardware requirements. The system is full of legal tips and advice and backed by lawyers who specialize in firearm regulations. The platform helps the gun dealer remain compliant and grow their business through easy access to forms and electronic submission of those forms.
As ATF Form 4473 evolves, FastBound ensures you’re using the updated, revised form. Not only does FastBound have the most compliant Electronic 4473 available, but we also work closely with the FFL attorneys at FFLGuard to monitor for upcoming changes to ATF Forms proactively. FastBound is widely accepted as an accurate document creation platform and storage system within the firearms industry.
Recent Form 4473 Changes
In 2023, the ATF launched a revised ATF form to address new statutory requirements set by the NICS Denial Notification Act and the Bipartisan Safer Community Act (BSCA). This new 4473 form featured new developments, including:
Section A
Question 1: Addition of Privately Made Firearms (PMF) as items that must be recorded on ATF Form 4473 during a firearm transaction
Question 8: Changed to read check if any part of this transaction is to facilitate a private party transfer”.
Section B
Question 10: Included question about whether the transferee/buyer resides in the city listed as their address
Question 21: An existing question was updated to read “Are you the actual transferee/buyer of all of the firearm(s) listed on this form and any continuation sheets (ATF Form 5300.9A).” Two new questions were added about prohibited persons meant to target straw purchasers and illegal gun traffickers.
Section C
Question 25: For gun shows, address, county, and zip code must be included
Question 27: Included notice about the waiting period of up to 10 business days for a NICS background check when the transferee/buyer is under 21 and questions about the NICS response and any delays.
For a full list of updates, visit the ATF’s website.
In 2025, the ATF updated and simplified the ATF Form 4473 to improve usability for FFLs and purchasers.
FastBound’s Electronic Form 4473 Process
Are you squinting and guessing what a customer wrote on their 4473? We have a system for ATF-licensed FFL dealers that will save time and money and meet all the ATF regulations.
FastBound makes it easy to fill out, submit, and store form 4473. It also makes it easier for firearm owners to sell guns to Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs). We even offer a Spanish version of Form 4473, enhancing accessibility and user experience for non-English-speaking buyers.
Steps to Completion
Our compliant Electronic 4473 works like this:
- Buyer adds firearm(s)
- Buyers can scan a QR code from their screen or on the box with their phone to retrieve a 4473 with their firearms already added.
- Buyers complete and electronically sign their 4473 on any device
- Seller performs a background check and completes their sections – which can include an interstate identification index check. The form contains a transaction number that keeps sales and additional information separate.
- On to the next sale
You will save time on sales and follow-ups for customers who filled out the form incorrectly or are prohibited users. We have the most compliant and user-friendly electronic 4473 on the market that will also save your eyes from the strain of trying to decipher illegible handwriting.
Preventing Violations
In 2018, according to the ATF, five of the ten most frequently cited violations were related to failures that FastBound is designed to check for and help prevent, including:
- Transferee didn’t properly complete Section A, Form 4473 – 27 CFR 124(c)(1)
- Licensee didn’t record on Form 4473 the date on which NICS was contacted – 27 CFR478.124 (c)(3)(iv)
- Licensee didn’t sign and date Form 4473 – 27 CFR 478.124 (c)(5)
- Licensee failed to obtain and/or document purchaser’s identification document – 27 CFR 478.124(c)(3)(i)
- Licensee failed to properly identify the firearm on Form 4473 – 27 CFR 124(c)(4)
Electronic 4473 Digital Storage Now Available, No Variance Required!
4473 Cloud is FastBound’s preferred partner for the industry’s leading, ATF-approved, digital storage of electronic 4473s.
Visit the ATF site for more information on the 4473 process.