Does the possessor of an NFA firearm have to show proof of registration?
Yes. The approved application received from ATF serves as evidence of registration of the NFA firearm. This document must be made available upon request of any ATF officer. It is suggested that a photocopy of the approved application be carried by the possessor when the weapon is being transported.
[26 U.S.C. 5841(e); 27 CFR 478.101]
Source ATF: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/does-possessor-nfa-firearm-have-show-proof-registration
Other NFA Gun Trust and ATF Related Blog Posts
New ATF eForm's Site Allows for Individual to Individual ATF eForm 4 Transfers
Today, November 13th, 2025, the ATF released a pilot ATF eForm's site for industry members to review, help with any bugs, and help with implementing the new eForm's site. The new ATF eForm's site ...
ATF Releases eForm Industry Testing Site
eForm Industry Testing Site ATF is pleased to announce the release of the eForms Industry Testing Site (eForms ITS). The site is intended to allow members of the NFA industry to test their systems...
ATF Launches New Era of Reform
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is ushering in a new chapter—marked by transparency, accountability, and partnership with the firearms industry. This is not the same A...