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 and a $200 tax stamp. The process is straightforward but does require patience.
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 youComplete 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:
Wait for ATF Approval
The ATF will process your Form 4 and conduct a thorough background check. Current wait times vary but are typically 4-12 months for eForm submissions.
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 | 4-6 months |
| Form 4 (Trust) | eForm | 4-6 months |
| Form 4 (Individual) | Paper | 10-14 months |
| Form 1 (Make) | eForm | 1-2 months |
* Wait times are estimates based on recent approvals and may vary. We recommend eForms for significantly faster processing.
Individual vs. Trust
Individual Registration
- Simpler paperwork
- No trust setup required
- Lower initial cost
- Only you can possess the item
- No inheritance planning
NFA Trust
Recommended- Multiple trustees can possess
- Easy inheritance planning
- Add/remove trustees anytime
- Spouse/family can use legally
- 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'll receive your $200 tax refund. You can appeal the decision or have your dealer sell the silencer to another buyer.
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.
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.
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