ATF Wait Times

Update: As of Monday, October 20, 2025, the ATF’s NFA Branch is officially back at work processing suppressor and SBR applications. We expect average eForm 4 approvals to return to just a few days, similar to pre-shutdown performance. All NFA forms are being reviewed again, starting with the oldest submissions and working forward.

As of this update, eForm 4 approvals are trending back down toward pre-shutdown speeds. Currently, we’re seeing eForm 4 approvals finalized within 3–10 days, while paper submissions may take longer.

These estimates are based on the most recent customer data available and updated daily.

Most people searching “ATF processing times” are really asking one of two things:

• Approval time: how long ATF takes to approve the submission once it’s certified.
• Your total timeline: includes prep steps before certification (dealer, account, documents), then ATF processing after certification.

Your best indicator of future timing is what ATF is approving right now, which is why our ranges and medians are based on recent approvals.

ATF Form 4 is required for suppressors, SBRs, and any other NFA items. Silencer Shop makes submitting an eForm 4 fast and easy. An eForm 4 is an electronic filing of the ATF Form 4: the application to possess an NFA item manufactured, purchased, and ready to use by the consumer.

We breakdown everything you need to know about ATF eForms. We cover the types of ATF Forms customers typically have to complete when buying or building NFA firearms.

You can check the status of your current order in your Silencer Shop dashboard; this will give you information about your status until the form is submitted to the ATF. After certification, your eForm4 is in the ATF's hands for processing, and updates are unavailable to Silencer Shop.

In order to get the status of your application from the ATF, you can call the NFA Branch directly at: (304) 616-4500.

How are eforms being processed?

 The ATF is working through applications starting with the oldest and moving to the newest.

How long will it take for wait times to normalize?

Early data suggests eForm 4 approvals could return to under 10 days within the next few weeks.

Are paper forms still delayed?

Paper Form 4s historically lag behind eForms and may still see longer waits until the backlog clears.

Are these eForm wait times guaranteed?

No, these are observed averages from recent approvals. The ATF may take longer on individual files due to identity checks, name matches, or manual review.

Can I speed up my approval?

The best practical path is to submit an error-free eForm (not paper). Double-check names, address, and email match between your Silencer Shop and ATF eForms profiles.