NFA Purchase Process

Your complete guide to purchasing silencers and other NFA items

What is the NFA?

The National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 regulates the sale, manufacture, transfer, and possession of certain firearms and accessories, including:

Silencers (Suppressors)
Short Barreled Rifles (SBRs)
Short Barreled Shotguns (SBSs)
Machine Guns (Pre-1986)
Any Other Weapons (AOWs)
Destructive Devices

Purchasing NFA items requires ATF approval. As of 2026, the $200 tax stamp only applies to machine guns and destructive devices. eForms are now processed electronically in just 1-5 business days.

The Purchase Process

Purchase Your Silencer
Browse our selection and add your desired silencer to cart. Complete checkout and pay for your item. At this point, we'll begin the transfer process.
Select Your FFL/SOT Dealer
Choose an FFL dealer with SOT (Special Occupational Tax) status to receive your silencer. This is where you'll pick up your item after approval.
Find an SOT dealer near you
Complete ATF Form 4473
Fill out the standard firearms transfer form at your dealer. This is the same form used for any firearm purchase and includes a background check.
Submit ATF Form 4 (eForm)
Your dealer will help you submit ATF Form 4 electronically. You'll need to provide:
Personal information
Passport-style photo
Fingerprint cards
$200 tax (MGs & DDs only)
Wait for ATF Approval
The ATF will process your Form 4 electronically and conduct a background check. With the new eForm system, approvals typically take just 1-5 business days.
Pick Up Your Silencer!
Once approved, your dealer will notify you. Visit them to complete the final transfer, and your silencer is officially yours to take home!

Current Wait Times

Form Type	Method	Avg. Wait
Form 4 (Individual)	eForm	1-5 business days
Form 4 (Trust)	eForm	1-5 business days
Form 1 (Make)	eForm	1-5 business days

* With the new electronic filing system, Form 4 approvals now typically take just 1-5 business days. We'll notify you immediately when your form is approved.

Individual vs. Trust

Individual Registration

Pro: Simpler paperwork
Pro: No trust setup required
Pro: Lower initial cost
Caution: Only you can possess the item
Caution: No inheritance planning

NFA Trust

Recommended

Pro: Multiple trustees can possess
Pro: Easy inheritance planning
Pro: Add/remove trustees anytime
Pro: Spouse/family can use legally
Caution: Requires trust document ($50-150)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I shoot my silencer while waiting for approval?

No. The silencer must remain with your dealer until your Form 4 is approved. You cannot take possession until you have your approved tax stamp.

Are silencers legal in Michigan?

Yes! Silencers are legal to own in Michigan. They are currently legal in 42 states. Check your local laws for any additional restrictions.

Do I need to notify anyone when I travel with my silencer?

For interstate travel with NFA items, the ATF recommends filing a Form 5320.20 (Application to Transport Interstate). This is not required for silencers but is recommended for other NFA items like SBRs.

What happens if my Form 4 is denied?

Denials are rare for eligible buyers. If denied, you can appeal the decision or have your dealer sell the item to another buyer. If you paid a $200 tax (for machine guns or destructive devices), you'll receive a refund.

Can I use a silencer on multiple firearms?

Yes! As long as the silencer is rated for the caliber, you can use it on any compatible firearm. Many silencers are designed to work with multiple calibers.

How long does the NFA process take?

Form 4 eForms are now processed electronically and typically take 1-5 business days for approval. We'll notify you immediately when your form is approved.

What is the difference between Individual and Trust registration?

Individual registration is simpler but only you can possess the item. An NFA Trust allows multiple trustees to legally possess the item, makes inheritance planning easier, and lets family members use the silencer legally.

What do I need to submit with my Form 4?

You'll need personal information, a passport-style photo, and fingerprint cards. Note: As of 2026, the $200 tax stamp only applies to machine guns and destructive devices. Your FFL dealer will help you complete and submit the paperwork.

I purchased as a guest and need to add my FFL/SOT information. How do I do this?

No problem! If you checked out as a guest and didn't provide your FFL dealer information, you can add it at any time using our Order Lookup page. Simply enter your order number (from your confirmation email) and the email address you used during checkout to access your order and add your FFL/SOT details.

Ready to Start Your NFA Journey?

Browse our selection of silencers and other NFA items.

Shop Silencers

What is the NFA?

The National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 regulates the sale, manufacture, transfer, and possession of certain firearms and accessories, including:

Silencers (Suppressors)
Short Barreled Rifles (SBRs)
Short Barreled Shotguns (SBSs)
Machine Guns (Pre-1986)
Any Other Weapons (AOWs)
Destructive Devices

Purchasing NFA items requires ATF approval. As of 2026, the $200 tax stamp only applies to machine guns and destructive devices. eForms are now processed electronically in just 1-5 business days.

The Purchase Process

Purchase Your Silencer

Browse our selection and add your desired silencer to cart. Complete checkout and pay for your item. At this point, we'll begin the transfer process.

Select Your FFL/SOT Dealer

Choose an FFL dealer with SOT (Special Occupational Tax) status to receive your silencer. This is where you'll pick up your item after approval.

Find an SOT dealer near you

Complete ATF Form 4473

Fill out the standard firearms transfer form at your dealer. This is the same form used for any firearm purchase and includes a background check.

Submit ATF Form 4 (eForm)

Your dealer will help you submit ATF Form 4 electronically. You'll need to provide:

Personal information

Passport-style photo

Fingerprint cards

$200 tax (MGs & DDs only)

Wait for ATF Approval

The ATF will process your Form 4 electronically and conduct a background check. With the new eForm system, approvals typically take just 1-5 business days.

Pick Up Your Silencer!

Once approved, your dealer will notify you. Visit them to complete the final transfer, and your silencer is officially yours to take home!

Form Type

Method

Avg. Wait

Form 4 (Individual)

eForm

1-5 business days

Form 4 (Trust)

eForm

1-5 business days

Form 1 (Make)

eForm

1-5 business days

Individual vs. Trust

Individual Registration

Pro: Simpler paperwork
Pro: No trust setup required
Pro: Lower initial cost
Caution: Only you can possess the item
Caution: No inheritance planning

NFA Trust

Recommended

Pro: Multiple trustees can possess
Pro: Easy inheritance planning
Pro: Add/remove trustees anytime
Pro: Spouse/family can use legally
Caution: Requires trust document ($50-150)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I shoot my silencer while waiting for approval?

No. The silencer must remain with your dealer until your Form 4 is approved. You cannot take possession until you have your approved tax stamp.

Are silencers legal in Michigan?

Yes! Silencers are legal to own in Michigan. They are currently legal in 42 states. Check your local laws for any additional restrictions.

Do I need to notify anyone when I travel with my silencer?

What happens if my Form 4 is denied?

Can I use a silencer on multiple firearms?

Yes! As long as the silencer is rated for the caliber, you can use it on any compatible firearm. Many silencers are designed to work with multiple calibers.

How long does the NFA process take?

Form 4 eForms are now processed electronically and typically take 1-5 business days for approval. We'll notify you immediately when your form is approved.