How can an individual legally acquire NFA firearms?
Basically, there are 2 ways that an individual (who is not prohibited by Federal, State, or local law from receiving or possessing firearms) may legally acquire NFA firearms:
(1) By transfer after approval by ATF of a registered weapon from its lawful owner residing in the same State as the transferee.
(2) By obtaining prior approval from ATF to make NFA firearms.
[27 CFR 479.62-66 and 479.84-86] - FEDERAL FIREARMS REGULATIONS REFERENCE GUIDE 2015
Other NFA Gun Trust and ATF Related Blog Posts
ATF Proposes to Remove CLEO Notification Under the NFA
Removing CLEO Notification Under the National Firearms Act ATF is proposing to remove the requirement for an applicant to forward to the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) of his or her locality ...
ATF Proposes New Fingerprint and Photograph Requirements
View Proposed Rule Here. SUMMARY: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) proposes amending regulatory requirements to submit fingerprints and photographs with firearms ap...
Current ATF Processing Times - May 2026
ATF Form Processing Time Paper Application Processing Time eForms ATF Form 1 33 Days 62 Days ATF Form 3 8 Days 1 Days ATF Form 4 63 Days 8 Days ATF Form 4 Trust 25 Days 25 Days AT...