If you’re interested in buying certain types of firearms covered by the National Firearms Act (NFA), then you’ve probably heard of the ATF Form 4. This form, officially titled “Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm,” is used to transfer NFA firearms, which can include short-barreled rifles, machine guns, silencers, and more. A mistake on this form could cost you months in approval times, so it’s important to fully understand what it is, how it works, and what you should expect before filling one out.
What is ATF Form 4?
The ATF Form 4 is for transferring firearms and devices covered by the NFA, including suppressors, fully-automatic machine guns, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns, or firearm silencers, to someone without a federal firearms license. If you want to buy an NFA item, like a firearm suppressor, or firearm muffler, then you’ll need to fill out a Form 4. It should be noted that a Form 4 is solely for transferring an existing firearm and cannot be used to manufacture one.
The ATF Form 4 is typically completed online for the fastest turn-around times. You can also mail in a paper copy, though this can take much longer. Transferring these NFA items requires a transfer tax paid to the federal government, and then an application (the Form 4) to be approved by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (NFA Division).
The form itself is an “Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of a Firearm” and must be submitted along with the tax stamp amount for the type of firearm you are transferring and registering ($200 for everything except AOWs, which are $5).
To fill out an ATF Form 4, you’ll need to provide your name, address, passport photos, and other personal information, as well as pass a background check.
How to Fill Out ATF Form 4
Filling out a Form 4 is best done online, where you can use a PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat to fill the fields out quickly.
Acrobat will automatically fill in the information you’ve already put in, so you only have to fill out the first three pages of the form and won’t need to re-input the same information again on the following pages. Make sure to sign in blue or black ink on the paper forms.
As far as filling out the form, here are some notes for most of the relevant sections:
1. Type of Transfer: $200 for anything but an AOW, which is $5.
2a. Transferee’s name and address: Your name or the name of your trust, plus the appropriate address.
2b. County: County, not country. This is the county or parish where the firearm is being purchased.
5. Transferee’s Federal Firearms License: If the buyer is an individual, list FFL info here. Not used for trusts.
6 a/b. Transferee’s Special Tax Status: The individual buyer’s federal EIN or social security number. Not used for trusts.
7. Transferor’s Federal Firearms License: This will be filled out by the federally licensed firearm dealer.
8 a/b. Transferee’s Special Tax Status: Dealer’s EIN or SSN, also provided by the dealer.
12. Law Enforcement Notification: This is the agency, agency official, and address that you’re sending the CLEO copy of this form to. This is defined as “The chief law enforcement officer (CLEO) is considered to be the Chief of Police; the Sheriff; the Head of the State Police; or a State or local district attorney or prosecutor [of your county].”
13. Transferee Necessity Statement: Your name and title, or the name and title of the settlor trustee. For “Reason” you can list “Investment and All Other Lawful Purposes.” 14 – 20. Transferee Questions: For individuals only. Answer all questions honestly and attach a passport photo.
Certification: For individuals, sign and date with your name, as shown in box 2a. For gun trusts, include your signature, as well as your title (e.g., Trustee), and the date.
18. Number of Responsible Persons: Only for trusts. List all responsible gun owners in the gun trust or legal entity.
19. Responsible Person Name(s): Also only for trusts. You can list up to 8 people in this section. *For each responsible person listed, a completed ATF Form 7 – Part B must also be submitted.
20. Method of Payment: Choose your method of payment. If your application is denied, this fee will be refunded.
The following sections (3–4 and 9–11) will be filled out by the federal firearms licensee:
3. Transferor’s Full Legal Name, Address, and Contact Information
4. Description of firearm (including serial number, firearm accessory, and NFA classification)
9. Signature of Transferor/Dealer
10. Name and Title of Authorized Official
11. Date
Form 4 Wait Times
Wait times for Form 4 vary based on whether you e-file or mail a paper application. In general, the electronic application is significantly faster.
Form 4 approval times are currently longest for those mailing in a paper application on behalf of a trust, taking up to several months. The average wait time for an electronically filled ATF Form 4 (eForm) is shorter: 10 days for individual applicants and 16 days for applicants using a trust.
Streamline the Form 4 Process with FastBound
FastBound’s firearms compliance software ensures your transactions stay compliant with federal law while managing the transfer of NFA firearms. Whether you’re registering a new suppressor or transferring a firearm silencer, FastBound’s solutions help ensure accuracy with your application, eliminate errors in paperwork, and integrate background check automation.
FAQs
What is the current wait time for ATF Form 4?
As of 2025, the current average wait time for an electronically filed (eForm 4) ATF Form 4 is around 10 days for individual applicants and 16 days for applicants using a trust. Paper submissions may still take several months.
Do you have to fill out a Form 4 for every suppressor?
Yes, you must complete a separate ATF Form 4 for each suppressor or firearm muffler you purchase or transfer. Every NFA item (including silencers, short barreled rifles, and other devices) requires its own form, tax stamp, and approved form from the ATF.
How will I know when my ATF Form 4 is approved?
You will receive notification from your federally licensed firearm dealer or the ATF once your Form 4 is approved. For eForms, you’ll typically get an email confirmation, and your dealer will also be notified that your NFA item is ready for pickup.
