ATF eForms: Everything You Need to Know

The most common ATF forms for consumers who purchase or build NFA firearms are the ATF Form 4 and Form 1. This guide covers what each form does, when you need to file it, and how Silencer Shop makes the process fast and painless.

As of January 2026, the ATF eForms system was updated to support the elimination of the $200 NFA tax stamp fee. The tax stamp is now free for all suppressor and NFA item applications, which has dramatically increased filing volume and made suppressor ownership more accessible than ever.

ATF eForms is the online portal for filing paperwork for NFA items such as:

• Short barrel rifle (SBR)
• Short barrel shotgun (SBS)
• Suppressor
• Any other weapon (AOW)

An eForm is the electronic version of the ATF Form 5320 series.  These forms are required for consumers, manufacturers, and dealers to buy, sell, and build items regulated by the ATF.

On December 23, 2021, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives updated their electronic submission portal to support Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9. Prior to that date, the Form 4 had to be filed via a physical paper submission. If you are wondering whether eForm and eFile are the same thing: yes, they are.

If you are buying an NFA item, you must file an ATF eForm 4. If you are building your own suppressor or building an SBR, you must file an ATF eForm 1. Details about the electronic submission of the different ATF forms are covered below.

If you are building your own NFA item (such as a silencer or short barrel rifle from a braced pistol), you submit an ATF eForm 1. The difference between an ATF Form 1 and ATF Form 4 is building the item on your own versus purchasing an item that was manufactured for that intended purpose.

For example, a Form 4 is used when a consumer purchases a suppressor online or through a Powered By Silencer Shop dealer. If the suppressor was manufactured and shipped ready to use, you would use a Form 4. If you are building the suppressor yourself using pieces and parts, you would file a Form 1.

When a customer purchases a suppressor or other NFA item through Silencer Shop’s inventory, it is transferred to the customer’s local dealer using the ATF Form 3. Form 3s initiate a transfer from one federal firearms licensee (FFL) to another FFL, usually to facilitate a sale to a customer in another state. Form 3s do not involve the making of a new suppressor or other NFA item.

Unless you are a federal firearms licensee (FFL), you need to file a Form 4 to purchase an NFA item such as a suppressor, short barrel rifle (SBR), short barrel shotgun (SBS), machine gun, or any other weapon (AOW).

Example: if you live in any of the 42 states where suppressors are legal and purchase a suppressor, the seller will prepare a Form 4, which you will need to certify, in order for the ATF to approve and register the transfer of the suppressor to you. This can now be processed electronically as an ATF eForm 4.

If you’re buying an NFA item that was manufactured for purchase (as opposed to you making the item), you’ll file an ATF eForm 4.

Yes!  eForms allows you to eFile as a Trust, Corporation, or Individual.

ATF eForm 4 applications are being approved in as fast as one day. We have seen single-day approvals for both trust and individual Form 4 submissions. These are historically fast approval times; not long ago, the average wait time for these forms was 8-12 months; now, it is just a few days.

An NFA tax stamp is valid for the life of the item it is assigned to.  Most suppressors will last a lifetime so they’re commonly passed down through trusts.  When an NFA item is registered through a trust and still in working order, the same tax stamp still applies. There is no predetermined expiration date for an NFA tax stamp.

Yes, fingerprints are required for consumers when filing an eForm 1 or eForm 4. The Silencer Shop kiosk is an excellent resource to scan your fingerprints for your NFA application. The fingerprint scanned at the kiosk will be included in your application when you certify and submit your application at a Powered By Silencer Shop dealer.

Note: if you mail a paper fingerprint card, your processing time will begin after that card is received and scanned by the ATF.

• You must create an ATF eForms account in order to submit an eForm. To create an account, visit eforms.atf.gov. When creating your ATF eForms login, use the same email address as your Silencer Shop account.

• In order to submit an eForm 4 successfully, it has to be done with a dealer that has an SOT.  
• Errors in the application: the ATF has made it clear that accuracy is extremely important with eForms. Applications with errors cannot be pulled for correction. An application with errors will be processed and then rejected, requiring correction and resubmission. Double-check all personal information before submitting.  
• Submitting an eForm can be done remotely if you file as a Trust or Corporation. If you file as an individual, you must certify in person with your Powered By Silencer Shop dealer.  
• Per the ATF, your eForms username, PIN, and password information are confidential and should not be shared with anyone.  
• When filing your eForm 4, the NFA item must already be assigned to you. You can’t file your eForm while you’re still deciding if/which item(s) you’ll purchase.

If you’re building your own short-barreled rifle or shotgun or converting your brace weapon to an SBR/SBS, you will utilize the ATF eForm 1. The ATF eForm 1 allows you to create your own NFA item after approval.

Keep in mind that on the eForm 1 application, the serial number you will be engraving must be listed in box 4H. Your serial number must also include a letter and a number.  Additionally, no special characters are allowed.

Yes, Silencer Shop’s Form 1 Service facilitates eForm 1 submissions for your short-barreled rifle or shotgun application with our updated eForm 1 system.

Silencer Shop makes filling out an ATF Form 1 easy. We take care of all the complex paperwork for you. Simply create an account on our site, enter your demographic information, snap a selfie and upload it using our smartphone app, and visit a kiosk to submit your fingerprints. If you have already submitted a Form 4 through us previously, your profile is likely already complete.

Please note: Because each Powered by Silencer Shop dealer is independently owned and operated, dealers may charge a fee of up to $40 to use their kiosk.

Yes. When filing an eForm 1 with Silencer Shop, you can take advantage of our Single Shot or Single Shot Unlimited trusts.

ATF eForm 1 applications are typically processed within 40 days after certification. Processing times may fluctuate based on application volume.

The purpose of a Form 3 is to transfer NFA items from one SOT to another SOT. This is not an aspect that involves the consumer.

Example: if you make a purchase on silencershop.com, we will do an eForm 3 to transfer your item to the Powered By Silencer Shop dealer that you selected. You will not have any direct involvement.

An eForm 3 is related to an eForm 4 because eForm 3 must be completed prior to an eForm 4 being filed. The receiving FFL/SOT must formally acquire the NFA item. Once acquired, the eForm 4 will be submitted.

Understanding ATF eForms is straightforward once you know which form applies to your situation. Form 4 for buying, Form 1 for building, Form 3 for dealer-to-dealer transfers. Filing electronically through Silencer Shop means faster processing, fewer errors, and a simple experience from start to finish. Ready to get started? Browse our full suppressor catalog or learn how to buy a suppressor in three steps.

Is the ATF tax stamp still $200?

No. As of January 1, 2026, the federal tax stamp fee for suppressors and other NFA items has been eliminated. The tax stamp is now free. You still need to file the required ATF forms, but there is no longer a $200 fee associated with the stamp.

How do I create an ATF eForms account?

Visit eforms.atf.gov and click the registration link. You will need a valid email address, a security question, and basic personal information. Use the same email address you use for your Silencer Shop account to keep your records aligned.

What is the current ATF eForm 4 wait time?

ATF eForm 4 applications are currently being approved in as fast as one day for both individual and trust submissions. Most applications are processed within days. Check current wait times on our site for the latest averages.

Can I file an eForm 4 remotely?

If you file as a Trust or Corporation, you can certify and submit your eForm remotely. If you file as an Individual, you must certify in person at your Powered By Silencer Shop dealer.

What is the difference between filing as an Individual and filing with a Trust?

Filing as an Individual puts the NFA item in your name only. Filing with a Trust allows multiple trustees to legally possess the item, which is useful for families or shared access. Silencer Shop offers Single Shot and Single Shot Unlimited trust options that integrate directly into the filing process.