Identification Markings on Firearms

Washington, DC - The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) announces that it is amending regulations in 27 CFR Parts 178 and 179 to prescribe minimum height and depth requirements for identification markings placed on firearms by Federally licensed firearms importers and manufacturers.

Specifically, ATF is requiring a minimum height of 1/16 inch and a minimum depth of .003 inch for serial numbers and a minimum depth of .003 inch for all other required markings. ATF believes that these minimum standards are necessary to ensure that firearms are properly identified in accordance with the law. In addition, the final regulations will facilitate ATF's ability to trace firearms used in crime.

The effective date of the final regulations is January 30, 2002. Click here for a complete text of the final rule (T.D. ATF-461) or visit the ATF web site at www.atf.treas.gov.