NFA Buyer's Guide

Suppressor Buyer's Guide

The $200 tax stamp is gone as of January 1, 2026. The process still exists — here's exactly how it works, which form you need, and whether a trust is right for you.

Tax Stamp 2026

Legal States

Days

eForm Approvals

Form 4

Still Required

✓ January 1, 2026 — $0 Tax Stamp: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act eliminated the $200 NFA transfer tax for suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs. The registration process — eForm 4, background check, fingerprints, ATF approval before possession — remains fully in place. The tax is $0, not optional. You still file.

Can You Own a Suppressor?

Federal eligibility + your state

Federal Requirements

You Qualify If...

21+ years old to buy from a dealer
18+ to receive via trust or private transfer
U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
Not a prohibited person under federal law
Reside in a state that allows suppressor ownership
Can pass a standard NICS background check

State Bans

Banned in These States

These 8 states + DC prohibit civilian suppressor ownership regardless of federal NFA compliance:

California Hawaii Illinois Maryland Massachusetts New Jersey New York Rhode Island DC

CT, MN, and PA: legal but with additional state restrictions. Always verify current state law.

◎ Quick State Check

State

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Form 4 vs Form 1

Which form you need depends on how you're getting it

Most Common

ATF eForm 4 — Buy One

Used when purchasing a manufactured suppressor from an NFA dealer. The suppressor stays at the dealer until ATF approves your Form 4. You cannot take possession before approval.

Who files it: You and your dealer together at the FFL
Where: ATF eForms at eForms.atf.gov
Requirements: Background check, fingerprints, photo
Cost: $0 tax stamp as of Jan 1, 2026
Wait time: Days to weeks in 2026 for eForm
Used for: Factory-built suppressors, all calibers

Build Your Own

ATF eForm 1 — Make One

Used when building your own suppressor or manufacturing an NFA item yourself. Requires machining knowledge and the ability to engrave a serial number on the finished item.

Who files it: You, directly with ATF eForms
Requirements: Same as Form 4 + serial number engraving plan
Cost: $0 tax stamp as of Jan 1, 2026
Wait time: Generally faster than Form 4
Used for: Solvent trap kits, custom builds
Cannot build until ATF approval — not before

⚠ Do not take possession until approved. This applies to both Form 1 and Form 4. The suppressor must stay with the dealer (Form 4) or unbuilt (Form 1) until your ATF approval arrives. Possession before approval is a federal felony regardless of how long you've been waiting.

Trust vs Individual

How you want to register it — this decision matters long-term

Recommended for Most

NFA Gun Trust

A legal entity that owns the suppressor. Multiple "responsible persons" on the trust can legally possess and use it. Best for anyone with family, hunting partners, or estate planning concerns.

Shared possession: Spouse, adult children, hunting partners can all use it legally
Estate planning: Passes to beneficiaries without a new Form 4
Future flexibility: Add or remove trustees without ATF involvement
Remote certification: Can certify eForm 4 remotely (no in-person dealer visit required for signature)
More paperwork upfront — all responsible persons need background checks
Slightly more complex to set up than individual

Solo Shooter

Individual Filing

Registered to you personally. Simplest paperwork. Best if you are the only person who will ever use it and you have no estate planning concerns.

Simpler: Fewer forms, less admin
Currently faster: Individual eForm 4 approvals slightly faster than trust in 2026
Only you can legally possess it — not even your spouse
Transferring to a trust later requires a new Form 4 (new filing)
Estate transfer requires Form 5 (tax-free but still paperwork)
Must certify Form 4 in person at the dealer

Bottom line: If you have a spouse, family, or any chance you'll want someone else to be able to use it, get the trust. The paperwork difference is minimal. The flexibility difference is significant. Most dealers can set up a basic NFA trust for free or very low cost.

The Full Process

Step-by-step — from selection to range day

Select Your Suppressor & Find a Class III Dealer

You need an FFL with SOT (Special Occupational Taxpayer) status — commonly called a "Class III dealer" — to handle the transfer. You can buy locally or order online and have it shipped to a local Class III FFL. The suppressor ships to and stays at the dealer until your Form 4 is approved.

Online purchase tip: Sites like Silencer Shop, Silencer Central, and SilencerCo direct allow online orders that transfer to a local dealer. Dealer transfer fees typically run $50–$100.

Choose Trust or Individual Decide now

Make this decision before you start the paperwork. If filing as a trust, set one up with your dealer or a legal service. If filing as an individual, you'll certify in person at the dealer.

Submit ATF eForm 4 $0 Tax 2026

Your dealer initiates the eForm 4 at eForms.atf.gov. You provide your demographic info, photo, and fingerprints. The $200 tax payment step is eliminated as of January 1, 2026. You review, certify, and the form is submitted.

Fingerprints: Many larger NFA dealers have a Silencer Shop kiosk that scans your prints digitally. If not, use a local fingerprinting service and submit ink cards.

Wait for ATF Approval

ATF conducts your background check and reviews the application. As of early 2026, eForm 4 approvals are running days to a few weeks for most individual and trust submissions — dramatically faster than the 6–12 months of previous years. You'll get an email from ATF when approved.

Status check: Log into your ATF eForms account at eForms.atf.gov to monitor your application status. Your dealer can also check on your behalf.

Pick Up & Keep Your Paperwork

Once approved, ATF emails the dealer your approved Form 4. You complete the final transfer paperwork and take your suppressor home. Keep your approved Form 4 accessible whenever you use the suppressor. When traveling across state lines, you do not need ATF Form 5320.20 for suppressors (only SBRs, SBSs, and machine guns require that form).

Caliber Selection Guide

Match your suppressor to how you actually shoot

Key principle: A larger-caliber suppressor can run smaller calibers, but not the reverse. A .30 cal suppressor works on 5.56, .308, and .300 BLK. A dedicated 9mm pistol can cannot run on a rifle. When in doubt, go one caliber up for versatility.

.22 LR / Rimfire

Pistols, rifles, bolt-action

Best entry point. Rimfire suppressors are often the cheapest and easiest to shoot suppressed. Many are user-serviceable for cleaning. Cannot be used on centerfire calibers.

Best Entry Point

9mm / Pistol

Handguns, PCCs, MP5-style

Most popular pistol can. Works on 9mm, .45 ACP, .40 S&W (with adapter). Heavier than rimfire but extremely effective. Look for direct-thread or Nielsen device for semi-auto pistols.