Fillable Form ATF Form 3

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What is Form ATF-3?

Form ATF-3, officially titled the Application for Tax Exempt Transfer of Firearm and Registration, is used to facilitate the tax-exempt transfer of firearms under the National Firearms Act (NFA). This form is typically utilized by federal, state, or local government agencies acquiring regulated items such as machine guns, short-barreled rifles, or silencers. The form eliminates the standard $200 transfer tax, providing financial relief for agencies that require these firearms for official duties.

This process is typically initiated by an FFL holder dealing with NFA items, who assists in transferring ownership from a federal firearms licensee (FFL dealer) to a government agency or other qualified entity. For those who do not own an NFA item personally and rely on institutions such as a gun trust or a receiving FFL, the Form ATF-3 provides an essential pathway. While the application can be completed using a traditional paper form, the ATF has also introduced the option of submitting an electronic form through the ATF E-Form 3 system. Whether using Form 3 ATF electronically or manually, the submission is reviewed by the NFA branch to ensure compliance with regulations, avoiding the need for a tax stamp that would otherwise be required with other transfer types. Applicants must hold at least one federal firearms license to legally engage in this tax-exempt transfer process, streamlining firearm registration for official and regulated purposes.

How do I fill out Form ATF-3?

A fillable ATF Form 3 template can be found here.

ATF Control Number

Enter the ATF Control Number associated with this form.

Transferee’s Name and Address

Enter the name and address information of the transferee. Then mark the relevant box to indicate if they are a sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation.

Transferor’s Name and Address

Enter the name and address of the transferor. Then mark the relevant box to indicate if they are a sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation.

Transferor’s Telephone Number and Area Code

Enter the transferor’s telephone number and area code.

Description of Firearm

Enter the following information in the spaces provided, as applicable.

• Name and Address of Firearm Manufacturer and/or Importer
• Type of Firearm
• Caliber, Gauge, or Size
• Model
• Length
  • Of Barrel
  • Overall
• Serial Number
• Additional Description or Data Appearing on Firearm

Transferee’s Federal Firearms License

Enter the requested digits of the transferee’s federal firearms license in the space provided.

Transferee’s Special (Occupational) Tax Status

Enter the transferee’s Employer Identification Number and Class in the space provided.

Transferor’s Federal Firearms License

Enter the requested digits of the transferee’s federal firearms license in the space provided.

Transferor’s Special (Occupational) Tax Status

Enter the transferee’s Employer Identification Number and Class in the space provided.

Consent to Disclosure of Information to Transferee

Circle the relevant choice to indicate if you consent to the information above being disclosed to the transferee.

Signature and Name

Have the transferor or their representative sign the form in the space provided. Then enter their name, title, and the date that the form was signed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of firearms qualify?
Firearms listed under the National Firearms Act (NFA), such as machine guns, silencers, and short-barreled rifles.

What entities are eligible for tax exemptions?
Federal or local government agencies are eligible for tax-exempt transfers.

Do civilians ever use this form?

No, it is limited to agencies or organizations covered under the NFA tax-exempt transfer rules.

How is this form submitted?
The application is mailed to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Is there a filing fee?
No fee is required since this applies to tax-exempt transfers.

Can I use Form ATF-3 for personal firearm sales?
No, this form is not applicable to private transactions or individual ownership transfers.

What section records the firearm details?
Section C collects the make, model, serial number, and caliber.

What is an NFA weapon?
These are restricted firearms under the National Firearms Act, requiring special handling and documentation.

Does this form apply to silencers?
Yes, tax-exempt transfers of suppressors are covered under Form ATF-3.

Who signs as the transferor?
The entity transferring the firearm (e.g., licensed dealer or agency) completes this section.

Is a background check required?
All transfers must comply with applicable federal and state background check laws.

What is the approval timeline?
Processing can take several weeks to months, depending on ATF workload.

Can a rejected transfer be appealed?
Yes, appeals must follow ATF procedures and provide necessary corrections or clarifications.

How is this form different from ATF Form 4?
Form 4 is for taxed transfers to private individuals, while Form 3 is for tax-exempt transfers.

Is a separate form required for each firearm?
Yes, each firearm requires its own form submission.

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