May a private citizen register a firearm not previously registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record?

No. The NFA permits only manufacturers, makers, importers, and certain governmental entities to register firearms.

[26 U.S.C. 5841(b) and 5861(d); 27 CFR 479.101(b) and 479.104]

 

Source ATF: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/may-private-citizen-register-firearm-not-previously-registered-national-firearms 

Other NFA Gun Trust and ATF Related Blog Posts

  • What is the Difference between Void and a Withdrawal request?
    What is the Difference between Void and a Withdrawal request?

    Per the ATF eForm's FAQ, "A 'VOID' is requested when the Form has already been approved, but no transfer, Making, or Manufacturing has occurred. A 'Withdrawal' is requested when the Form is still p...

  • ATF eForm 5320.20 Walk-Through Guide
    ATF eForm 5320.20 Walk-Through Guide

    How to guide and walk-through guide for the ATF Form e5320.20 – ATF e5320.20 Application to Transport Interstate or to Temporarily Export Certain National Firearms Act (NFA) Firearms Step By Step W...

  • ATF Form 4 December 2025 Typo Explained
    ATF Form 4 December 2025 Typo Explained

    The new ATF December 2025 version of the ATF Form 4 has been released with many changes.   But it seems that new 2025 version has a typo that might be confusing.  The typo that could cause confusio...