Fillable Form ATF Form 4

What is ATF Form 4?

ATF Form 4, or also called the Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm, is a document used by new firearm holders to register their weapons to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

When do I need an ATF Form 4?

You’ll need to submit an ATF Form 4 when you are purchasing or transferring a firearm that falls under the National Firearms Act.

These include the following:

• A shotgun with a barrel shorter than 18 inches.
• A modified shotgun with an overall length under 26 inches or a barrel shorter than 18 inches.
• A rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches.
• A modified rifle with an overall length under 26 inches or a barrel shorter than 16 inches.
• Any other weapon as defined in subsection (e).
• A machine gun.
• Any silencer, as defined in Section 921 of Title 18, U.S. Code.
• A destructive device.

If you want to register a weapon you made yourself, then you must submit an ATF Form 1.

What is the ATF Form 4 Process?

1. Choose an NFA Item
   • Select an NFA-regulated firearm or accessory from a licensed dealer.
2. Complete the ATF Form 4
   • The dealer assists in filling out ATF Form 4.
   • If applying as an individual, you must include fingerprint cards (FD-258), passport-style photos, and a Responsible Person Questionnaire (ATF 5320.23).
   • If applying through a trust, every responsible person in the trust must submit additional paperwork.
3. Pay the Transfer Tax
   • A $200 tax stamp is required for most NFA items (except for Any Other Weapons [AOWs], which cost $5)
4. Submit the Application
   • Send the completed Form 4 package to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), along with fingerprints and payment.
5. Wait for ATF Approval

• The approval process varies depending on whether you file electronically via eForms or by paper..
• The ATF performs a background check via the FBI NICS system.

Receive Approval & Pick Up the NFA Item

• Once approved, the ATF will send back a stamped and approved Form 4.
• You can then pick up the NFA item from the dealer.

How to fill out ATF Form 4?

Get the fillable ATF Form 4 from PDFRun. Then, follow this step-by-step guide to fill out the form.

Section 1: Transfer Details

This section contains the details of the firearm transfer.

1. Type of Transfer

Check the appropriate box beside the tax payment you are submitting together with this application.

2. Transferee’s Name and Address

Enter the transferee’s full legal name and address. Include the trade name, if any. Then, check the appropriate box whether the transferee is an individual or trust/legal entity.

3. Transferee’s County

Enter the county where the transferee is from.

4. Transferor’s Name and Address

Enter the transferor’s full legal name and address. If applicable, include the trade name.

5. Transferor’s Email Address

Enter the transferor’s email address.

6. Transferor’s Telephone

Enter the transferor’s telephone number.

7. Decedent’s Name, Address, and Date of Death

If applicable, enter the decedent’s full legal name, address, and date of death.

8. Residence Address

Enter the number, street, city, state, and zip code of the residence or firearm business premises.

Section 2: Firearm Details

This section contains the details of the firearm.

1. Name and Address of Maker, Manufacturer and/or Importer of Firearm

Enter the name and address of the maker, manufacturer, and/or importer of the firearm.

2. Type of Firearm

Enter the type of firearm.

3. Caliber or Gauge

Enter the caliber or gauge of the firearm.

4. Model

Enter the model of the firearm.

5. Barrel Length

Enter the barrel length in inches.

6. Overall Length

Enter the overall length of the firearm in inches.

7. Serial Number

Enter the serial number of the firearm.

8. Additional Description or Data Appearing on Firearm

If applicable, enter any additional description or data that appears on the firearm.

9. Transferee’s Federal Firearms License

Enter the complete 15-digit firearms license number of the transferee.

10. Transferee’s Employer Identification Number

Enter the transferee’s employer identification number.

11. Transferee’s Class

Enter the transferee’s tax class.

12. Transferor’s Federal Firearms License

Enter the complete 15-digit firearms license number of the transferor.

13. Transferor’s Employer Identification Number

Enter the transferor’s employer identification number.

14. Transferor’s Class

Enter the transferor’s tax class.

Section 3: Signature

This contains the signature of the transferor.

1. Signature of Transferor

Input the transferor’s signature on the provided field.

2. Name and Title of Authorized Official

Enter the name and title of the authorized official.

3. Date Signed

Enter the date when the transferor or authorized official signed the form.

Section 4: Transferee Necessity Statement

This section contains the transferee necessity statement.

1. Name and Title of Transferee

Enter the name and title of the transferee.

2. Reason for Firearm Possession

Enter the reason(s) why you have a necessity to possess a firearm.

Section 5: Transferee Questions

Refer to the form for the “Yes” and “No” questions in this section. Then, provide the answers for the following questions:

1. Photograph

Attach a recent 2x2 photograph of yourself.

2. Country of Citizenship

Check the box beside your country of citizenship. If you checked “Others”, then specify the country.

3. US-Issued Alien or Admission Number

If you are an alien, record your US-Issued alien or admission number (AR#, USCIS#, or 194#).

4. Signature of Transferee

Input your signature in the provided field.

5. Date Signed

Enter the date when this form was signed.

6. Number of Responsible Persons

Enter the number of responsible people associated with the transferee, trust, or legal entity.

7. Name of Responsible Person(s)

Enter the full legal names of the responsible people, if any.

Section 6: Method of Payment

This section contains the details of the payment method.

1. Payment Method Option

Check the box beside your chosen payment method option.

2. Credit/Debit Card Number

Enter your credit/debit card number with no dashes.

3. Name as Printed on the Credit/Debit Card

Enter the name printed on the card.

4. Expiration Date

Enter the month and year that your card will expire.

5. Credit/Debit Card Billing Address

Enter the billing address of your card.

6. Tax Amount

Enter the tax amount.

7. Signature of Cardholder

Input the signature of the cardholder in the provided field.

8. Date Signed

Enter the date when this was signed by the cardholder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does ATF Form 4 take so long?

The process takes long because of the extensive background checks, manual processing, and legal compliance steps involved in transferring an NFA firearm.

Does ATF approve Form 4 on weekends?

No, the ATF does not approve Form 4 applications on weekends. The NFA Division processes applications only during normal business hours (Monday–Friday, excluding federal holidays).

Can you e-file ATF Form 4?

Yes, you can electronically file ATF Form 4.

How to check ATF Form 4 status?

There are two ways to check the status for your application:

1. Call the ATF NFA Division: You can call them directly through (304) 616-4500.
2. Ask your dealer: If you got your firearm through a dealer, you can ask them to check the status.

Where to file ATF Form 4?

Mail the completed application, fingerprints, and tax payment to the ATF NFA Division’s mailing address:

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

National Firearms Act Division

P.O. Box 5015

Portland, OR 97208-5015

Can I move my firearms between states?

You may need an Application to Transport Interstate if you want to permanently move your registered NFA firearm between states.