What is the Difference Between Interstate versus Intrastate?
The ATF 5320.1 form, the ATF 5320.4 form and the ATF 5320.5 form all describe the need to fill out a ATF 5320.20 form for interstate movement of NFA Firearms. But do you know the difference between interstate and intrastate movement? See the below excerpts from ATF paperwork referencing "interstate movement":
"Interstate Movement: If the firearm identified in item 4 is a machinegun, short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun, or destructive device, the registrant may be required by 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(4) to obtain permission from ATF prior to any transportation in interstate or foreign commerce. ATF E-Form 5320.20 can be used to request this permission." - Excerpt taken from the ATF 5320.1 form, ATF 5320.4 form and ATF 5320.5 form.
"a. A written request and prior authorization from ATF to transport interstate or in foreign commerce any destructive device, machinegun, short-barreled rifle, or short-barreled shotgun is required under the provisions of Section 922 (a) (4), Title 18, U.S.C., and Section 478.28, Title 27, CFR. A letter of request, in duplicate, containing all information required on this form, may be submitted in lieu of the form." - Excerpt taken from the ATF 5320.20 form.
But what does interstate mean? What is the difference between interstate and intrastate movement of NFA Firearms? Interstate refers to movement of NFA Firearms between two different states that are friendly to the NFA Firearms that you are transporting. Intrastate refers to the movement of NFA Firearms within the state that reside in. They both sound so similar, but the way we remember the difference is, if you are going to "enter" a new state that is considered to be interstate movement; "enter" and "inter" [from the word interstate] sound the same. This is a simple way to remember the difference between interstate and intrastate. If you are going to be transporting your NFA Firearms in a interstate manner you may be required to fill out a ATF 5320.20 Application to Transport NFA Firearms. You can reference our ATF 5320.20 Application to Transport NFA Firearms walk-through guide here.
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