December 18, 2002

OPEN LETTER TO ALL FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSEES

The purpose of this letter is to provide you with information on a provision of the recently enacted Homeland Security Act of 2002. This provision moves most of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of Justice effective January 24, 2003. A small part of ATF will remain at the Department of the Treasury to handle the regulatory and taxation aspects of the alcohol and tobacco industries to be called the Tax and Trade Bureau.

ATF's move to the Department of Justice will include a name change. Effective January 24, 2003, ATF will be known as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

We wish to assure you that our commitment to serving you will remain strong and that our mutual relationship will continue to be open and rewarding. Operations pertaining to Federal Firearms Licensees will not be affected.

You may continue to contact us at your local ATF offices, the National Licensing Center (404-417-2750), the National Revenue Center (800-398-2282) and the Firearms Programs Division (202-927-7770).

In addition, the operations of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System and its administration by the Federal Bureau of Investigation will remain unchanged.

Throughout this transition process, we will keep you informed of new developments as they occur. Should you have any questions concerning this realignment, you may contact your local ATF offices or the Firearms Programs Division at any time.

Sincerely yours,

John P. Malone
Assistant Director
(Firearms, Explosives and Arson)