NFA Items Guide
Understanding suppressors, SBRs, and other NFA-regulated items: what they are, how to buy them, and the legal process.
What is the NFA?
The National Firearms Act (1934) regulates certain firearms and accessories requiring registration. As of January 1, 2026, the $200 tax stamp is no longer required. Despite common misconceptions, these items are legal in most states for law-abiding citizens.
NFA items include: Suppressors (silencers), Short Barreled Rifles (SBR), Short Barreled Shotguns (SBS), Machine Guns (pre-1986 only), Any Other Weapons (AOW), and Destructive Devices.
NFA Categories
Suppressors (Silencers)
Devices that reduce the sound signature of a firearm. Also reduce flash and felt recoil.
42 states (legal for hunting in 40 states)
- Hearing protection
- Reduced recoil
- Reduced flash
- Adds length and weight
- Requires cleaning
- Specific caliber/thread pitch
Short Barreled Rifles (SBR)
Rifles with barrels under 16 inches or overall length under 26 inches.
Most states (some restrictions)
- Compact for home defense
- Maneuverability in tight spaces
- True stock vs brace
- Reduced velocity
- Louder report
- State travel restrictions
Short Barreled Shotguns (SBS)
Shotguns with barrels under 18 inches or overall length under 26 inches.
Most states (some restrictions)
- Compact for home defense
- Easier to maneuver
- Powerful close-range
- Increased recoil
- Wider spread pattern
- State restrictions
Machine Guns
Firearms capable of fully automatic fire. Civilian-transferable limited to pre-1986 registry.
37 states (with proper licensing)
- Full-auto capability
- Investment value (appreciating)
- Collector items
- Extremely expensive ($8,000-$50,000+)
- Limited supply
- Ammunition costs
Any Other Weapon (AOW)
Catch-all category for unusual firearms: pen guns, cane guns, smooth-bore pistols, disguised firearms.
Most states
- No transfer tax
- Unique configurations
- Vertical foregrip on pistols
- Complex regulations
- Making AOW still requires registration
- Limited practical use
Destructive Devices (DD)
Explosives, grenades, and firearms over .50 caliber bore (with sporting exceptions).
Most states (heavily regulated)
- Collector items
- Unique firearms
- Large bore rifles (non-sporting)
- Very limited practical use
- Storage requirements
- Additional regulations
How to Purchase an NFA Item
Choose Your Item
Select a suppressor, SBR, or other NFA item. Verify it's legal in your state.
Individual or Trust?
Decide between individual ownership or an NFA trust. Trusts allow multiple trustees to possess.
Purchase & Pay
Buy the item from a dealer. You pay full price now - the item stays with the dealer during wait.
Complete ATF Form 4
Dealer helps complete Form 4. You'll need passport photos and fingerprint cards.
CLEO Notification
Copy of Form 4 sent to your Chief Law Enforcement Officer (notification only, not approval).
Submit & Wait
Dealer submits Form 4 to ATF. No tax stamp required as of Jan 1, 2026. Wait 6-12 months for approval.
Approval & Pickup
Once approved, dealer receives stamped Form 4. Complete 4473, take possession of your item!
Keep Records
Store your approved Form 4 safely. Keep a copy with the item when traveling.
ATF Forms Explained
| Form | Purpose | When Used | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATF Form 4 | Transfer of existing NFA item from dealer to individual/trust | Buying a suppressor, SBR, or other NFA item from a dealer | $0 (as of Jan 1, 2026) | 6-12 months (eForm) or 12+ months (paper) |
| ATF Form 1 | Application to make an NFA firearm | Building an SBR from existing rifle/pistol, making a suppressor | $0 (as of Jan 1, 2026) | 2-4 weeks (eForm) or 6+ months (paper) |
| ATF Form 3 | Tax-exempt transfer between dealers (SOT to SOT) | Dealer acquiring NFA item from distributor | No tax (dealer transfer) | 1-4 weeks typically |
| ATF Form 5 | Tax-exempt transfer to heir or government entity | Inheriting NFA items, transfers to law enforcement | No tax stamp required | Varies |
| ATF Form 5320.20 | Application to transport NFA firearm interstate | Taking suppressor/SBR to another state (not required for suppressors as of 2015) | Free | Submit before travel, approval recommended |
Individual Registration
NFA item registered to a single person.
Pros:
- Simpler paperwork
- No trust creation costs
- Straightforward process
Cons:
- Only you can possess unsupervised
- Must be present when others use
- Transfer on death requires new Form 4
NFA Trust
NFA items registered to a legal trust entity.
Pros:
- Multiple trustees can possess
- Easier estate planning/inheritance
- Spouse/family can use unsupervised
Cons:
- Trust creation costs ($50-$500)
- Each responsible person needs photos/prints
- Must maintain trust properly
Frequently Asked Questions
State Law Matters!
NFA items are federally legal but state and local laws vary. Before purchasing, verify your state allows the specific NFA item. States like California, New York, New Jersey, and others have significant restrictions. Florida allows suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs.