Registration Methods

HOW SHOULD YOU REGISTER YOUR NEW SILENCER?

Once you’ve determined that you can legally own a suppressor, you should carefully consider what the best method is for you to register it. There are three possible ways to register a suppressor: trust, individual, or corporation.

Historically Trusts have been the most common method but we expect that registering as an individual will become much more popular with the regulation changes (July 2016).

1. Register the suppressor to a trust

  • Advantages
    1. Anyone listed as a trustee in the trust can be in possession of the suppressor
    2. A revocable trust can be changed at any time without notifying the ATF
    3. You only need to create the trust once. The same trust can be used for all future suppressors or other NFA items (such as short barreled rifles)
  • Disadvantages
    1. Some initial work and cost is required to setup the trust. Many people create their trust using a do-it-yourself solution – or you can also talk to a gun trust lawyer who will set it up for you.
    2. In some states, a trust needs to be registered with the state – although that is not a requirement in most cases.
    3. A Form 23 will need to be filed for each additional trustee that includes their fingerprints and photos in addition to your own
  • Best for
    1. People with family members who want to share possession of the suppressor
    2. People who want to go together with friends on the purchase of a suppressor
    3. People who want more flexibility in the long run

2. Register the suppressor in your own name

  • Advantages
    1. You can avoid initial work required to setup a trust or corporation
  • Disadvantages
    1. Only you can be in possession of the suppressor (although, other people can still use it if you’re with them)
  • Best for
    1. People who just want to get the buying process started as simply as possible
    2. People who do not need additional people to have access to the item

3. Register the suppressor to a corporation

  • Advantages
    1. Any officer of the corporation can be in possession of the suppressor
    2. If you already have a corporation, this can be easier than a trust since you will avoid the initial trust setup
  • Disadvantages
    1. You need to keep your corporation in good standing, which can be more work than a trust (which is basically a “create it and forget about it” process in most cases)
    2. A Form 23 will need to be filed for each additional officer that is listed on the corporation that includes their fingerprints and photos in addition to your own
  • Best for
    1. Anyone who already owns a corporation, and wants that corporation to act as the owner of the suppressor

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