ATF Online - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I submit my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?: Your request must be made in writing, and mailed to ATF, Disclosure Division, Room 1E-360
99 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, D.C. 20226. You may also fax your FOIA request to (202) 648-9619.
How can I obtain a listing of Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) in my area?: You may fax a request to (202) 648-9619, or mail a request to the ATF Disclosure Division to the above address, and provide the city, county or zip code(s) of the location of the FFLs. We will mail you a printout, or if you provide an e-mail address, we can provide the information electronically in a Microsoft Excel attachment. If you require a nationwide listing of FFLs on CD-Rom, the cost is $35.00 for the nationwide list.
I want to import my firearm(s) from another country. How can I find a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) who can assist in importing the firearm(s)?: You may fax a request to (202) 648-9619, or mail a request to the Disclosure Division at the above address. A listing of Type 08 (Importer of Firearms) as well as Type 01 (Dealer in Firearms) will be mailed to you. If you provide an e-mail address, we can provide this information electronically in a Microsoft Excel attachment. Depending on the type of firearm you wish to import, a Type 01 FFL maybe able to assist you in importing your firearm. Specific questions related to importing your firearm should be directed to the ATF Firearms Import Branch at (304) 616-4550 or the ATF Firearms Technology Branch at (304) 260-3414.
Where can I obtain figures for the numbers of firearms manufactured in the United States?: ATF publishes the 'Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Exporting Report' yearly. The reports from 1998-2006 are available online. Reports prior to 1998 can be obtained by submitting a request to the Disclosure Division at the above address.
Where can I get a copy of the registration of my firearm?: There is no national registration requirement for sporting-type firearms. Depending on your State or local laws, you may have been required to register your firearm with the city or State where you live. State laws related to firearm registries may be found in ATF Publication 5300.5 State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms.
How can I obtain the serial number for a firearm that was lost or stolen?: If you have had a firearm either lost or stolen and do not have the serial number recorded ATF recommends contacting the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) who sold the firearm to determine the serial number. ATF does not maintain a list of firearm purchases. However, ATF's Out-of-Business Records Center maintains records of FFLs who have gone out of business but we are unable to conduct a search of these records for members of the public as access is limited to law enforcement officials.
My firearm purchase was turned down. How can I find out why I was turned down?: The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is operated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. You may request the reasons for your denial by writing to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, NICS Operations Center, Research and Analysis, P.O. Box 4278, Clarksburg, West Virginia, 26302-4278. You may contact NICS at 1-877-444-NICS (6427.)
I have submitted an administrative appeal for information that was withheld related to my FOIA request. How can I check on the status of my appeal?: The Office of Information and Privacy (OIP) processes all administrative appeals related to ATF FOIA requests. You may contact OIP at (202) 514-FOIA (3642).