ATF ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF THE e-FORM 4473

Downloadable Firearms Transaction Record Available on Web

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has released an electronic ATF Form 4473 (5300.9), Firearms Transaction Record Part I, Over-the-Counter, in response to the president’s Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA), Public Law No 105-277, enacted in 1999, and requests from the firearms industry. This form is completed and maintained by Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) as required under the Gun Control Act for nearly every firearm transfer to an individual. FFLs may download the e-Form 4473 from the ATF Web site at http://www.atf.gov/applications/e4473/.

The e-Form 4473 is an automated software program designed to reduce errors and identify omissions through the use of prompts in the accurate completion of the form. Through the use of pop-ups and warnings FFLs are alerted to possible prohibited transactions, helping to ensure that firearms are kept out of the hands of prohibited persons.

The most prominent benefits of using e-Form 4473 are its ability to identify the omission of required information and assistance in preventing the transfer of a firearm(s) to prohibited persons. Though the information is entered into a computer, the information will be printed onto paper, and will replicate an OMB approved ATF Form 4473, which is reviewed and certified by both the seller and purchaser. Using these techniques, the e-Form 4473 helps minimize errors and omissions, and alerts the FFL to possible prohibited sales (i.e. felons, underage purchasers, etc., or answers which indicate possible prohibited purchasers).

The software is compatible with most personal computers or Macintosh workstations. It can be integrated into many industry members Point-of-Sale (POS) systems with the aid of IT technical assistance. No fee is required to download the form. Once downloaded, it is not tied to any ATF computer system, and no information on e-Form 4473 is transmitted to ATF.

Once FFLs have accessed the ATF e-Form 4473 website they will be able to:

• reference the list of System Requirements and Supporting Software
• access links to download the supportive software
• access the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
• obtain support via email e4473@atf.gov
• download and install the ATF e-Form 4473 program on your computer.
  (While you may get a message that states that the time it takes to download the application is rather lengthy. The actual download will only take 3-5 minutes.)
• download copies of the e-Form 4473 User’s Manual, Seller’s Quick Reference Guide, and the Buyer’s Quick reference Guide.

ATF Ruling 2008-3: ATF Ruling 2008-03 allows FFLs to use any electronic 4473 (ATF’s or any commercial software product) provided it meets some basic criteria as outlined in the ruling. Under this ruling, if a licensee meets the basic criteria, a licensee will not have to request a variance to use any electronic 4473. The FFL must still comply with all law and regulation requirements. (http://www.atf.gov/firearms/rules/index.htm)

ATF will continue to seek and welcome feedback from users on further enhancing our electronic forms. Persons desiring information on Federal firearms laws or regulations are encouraged to visit the ATF website at http://www.atf.gov/faqs.htm or http://www.atf.gov/firearms/index.htm.