The National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR) is the central registry for all firearms regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) – that are not under U.S. Government control. Maintained by the Industry Processing Branch of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), NFRTR serves as a critical tool for ensuring compliance with firearm regulations in the United States.
The Industry Processing Branch and ATF’s Role in NFRTR
The NFA Division processes all non-government applications for making, exporting, transferring, and registering NFA firearms. The IPB also assists law enforcement by tracing the origins of firearms found at crime scenes, using the NFRTR to provide detailed records of possession and transfer history.
What Are NFA-Regulated Firearms?
NFA items, also known as Title II firearms, are specific categories of firearms that are subject to strict federal regulation due to their design or potential use. These firearms are registered in the NFRTR and require special approval for transfer, possession, or manufacturing.
- Short-Barreled Rifles (SBR): Rifles with a barrel length of less than 16 inches or an overall length of less than 26 inches.
- Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBS): Shotguns with a barrel length of less than 18 inches or an overall length of less than 26 inches.
- Machine Guns: Fully automatic firearms, where a single pull of the trigger discharges multiple rounds.
- Silencers (Suppressors): Devices designed to reduce the noise of a firearm’s discharge.
- Destructive Devices: Grenades, flash grenades, explosives, and certain firearms with a bore diameter of more than 1/2 inch.
- Any Other Weapon (AOWs): Firearms that don’t fit standard definitions, such as concealed weapons or firearms other than pistols or revolvers.
Information Collected in the NFRTR
Last Name – the name of the individual or entity in possession of the NFA weapon
First Name – the first name of the individual
Trade Name – the commercial entity’s name, if applicable
City and State – the location of the possessor
FFL (Federal Firearms License) – the license number associated with the possessor
EIN (Employer Identification Number) – a nine-digit number assigned by the IRS for business entities
Serial Number – the unique identification number engraved on the firearm
Manufacturer, Model, and Caliber – specific details engraved on the firearm that match its physical characteristics
Barrel and Overall Length – the registered length of the barrel and firearm
Form Type – the ATF Form used in the last transaction
Status Date – the date tracking the progress of the application, including final approval or disapproval
This detailed data ensures accuracy in firearm registration, compliance with NFA requirements, and provides critical insights for law enforcement and regulatory purposes.
How Does This Affect FFLs?
FFLs must accurately complete and submit the right ATF forms, maintain detailed records, and ensure the proper tax stamps are acquired for each transaction. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in significant penalties – fines, license revocation, or criminal charges.
By centralizing firearm data, the NFRTR helps FFLs streamline compliance while supporting public safety.
Improving NFA-Related Compliance with FastBound
FastBound simplifies compliance for FFLs with our powerful firearms acquisition and disposition (A&D) software. By transforming any computer, tablet, or smartphone into a compliant tool for managing records, we ensure that firearm dealers can maintain their Bound Book with ease.
With digital signature support, FastBound eliminates the need for paper forms – expediting approvals and enhancing efficiency. Since 2010, FastBound has processed more firearm compliance transactions than any other provider, offering industry members a proven solution to stay compliant while focusing on their core operations.