NFA General Information
National Firearms Act (NFA), Title II (Class III) items commonly available for purchase include select- fire machine guns (“full auto”) manufactured before 19 May 1986 (including certain parts for these firearms), short-barreled rifles and shotguns, suppressors (“silencers”) and any part comprising a suppressor, and a selection of firearms identified as Any Other Weapons (AOW). So-called
“Destructive Devices” are also NFA items, but not commonly available to purchase.
For more information on AOW firearms, please refer to the following link: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/firearms-guides-importation-verification-firearms-national-firearms-act-definitions-any
Why NFA?
Your choice to purchase NFA items is protected by the Second Amendment. If you have never experienced the fun and pride in being an NFA firearm or suppressor owner, give an NFA item a try. Many ranges throughout the United States offer the chance to shoot full-auto machine guns, short- barreled rifles, and suppressors, and more individuals are buying them every day. It's all up to you to take the next step toward ownership. Please let us know how we may be of assistance!
Individuals, Corporations, and Trusts
Where permitted, purchase and ownership of NFA firearms and suppressors is available to Individuals, Corporations, and Trusts. Which entity you choose to purchase under is up to you, but we recommend getting qualified advice from a knowledgeable source, such as an attorney who is well-versed in NFA law. We can report that many people are utilizing trusts, but if you use a trust, be certain your trust does not violate the NFA; the repercussions can be substantial.
How much does it cost?
An individual purchasing an existing NFA item--other than an AOW item--is required to pay a one-time, $200.00 dollar transfer tax to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in addition to the purchase price of the item and the receiving dealer's transfer fee. The AOW firearms transfer tax is only $5.00 dollars, plus the purchase price of the item and the receiving dealer's transfer fee. Should the item be transferred to another person in the future, a separate transfer tax must be paid at that time by the new prospective owner. This tax is commonly referred to as your "tax stamp."
What kind of forms to file?
Your transferring FFL will usually assist you with the filing of ATF Form 5320.4, also known as the “Form 4.” This form is required in order to transfer the NFA item from the receiving FFL to you. Two copies of the Form 4 will be submitted to the ATF and a third copy should be mailed to your CLEO (Chief Law Enforcement Officer) in your city or county. This is simply a notification and they no longer have to sign off on your Form 4. Additionally, if you are applying as an individual versus under a trust/corporation, the required paperwork will differ slightly. Your transferring FFL should be able to assist you with the paperwork (Form 4 and Responsible Person Form) and mail it off to the ATF for you as part of your transfer fee.
How long is the wait?
Wait time for ATF approval on Form 4s varies. The current estimate is 12 months.
How old do you have to be to have an NFA Item?
You must be 21 years old.
Barring certain federal, state, or local prohibitions, an individual who is at least 21 years of age and currently able to purchase and possess any non-NFA firearm will also be eligible to purchase an NFA firearm from an NFA dealer.
You only need to provide us with three things to complete an NFA item purchase online:
- Payment: You will for the firearm or suppressor in full at the time of purchase (there are no layaway purchase plans for NFA items).
- Your dealer's Federal Firearms License (FFL)
- Your dealer's Special Occupational Tax License (SOT): It's required to Ship the NFA firearm or suppressor directly to your receiving FFL, so they will require a copy of the receiving dealer's FFL and a copy of their SOT.
Prior to Ordering your NFA Firearm or Suppressor Online:
- Find a licensed NFA FFL dealer in your area (also called a Class III Dealer). M*CARBO is a Class III Dealer.
- Contact the us and let the guys know you would like us to receive a NFA firearm or suppressor for transfer from where ever you bought it online.
- Be sure to ask about the transfer fee for your NFA item (typically $55 per item).
- If you agree to the fee, arrange the transfer with your NFA dealer (we do not arrange the transfer). They will let you know if you have to do anything specific for their shop.
- Provide us with the contact information for the retailer you bought the NFA item form so we can send our FFL and SOT (if we are not already on file with them). Be sure to have them reference your name and order number when sending over their information.
- Once you have selected an FFL for your transfer, please indicate the dealer's name on your order so they know where to ship your firearm or suppressor.