Industry Circular

Number: 74-13

Date: November 12, 1974

Department of the Treasury

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms

Washington, DC 20226

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VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY AND LICENSED STATUS OF FIREARMS TRANSFEREES

Licensees under Title 18, United States Code, Chapter 44, and Others Concerned:

Purpose. The purpose of this circular is to remind firearms dealers, manufacturers, and importers of the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44, and Subpart F of the Regulations thereunder (26 CFR 178) pertaining to sales or deliveries of firearms or ammunition between licensees.

Background. Regulations, 26 CFR 178.94, provide as follows: "A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer selling or otherwise disposing of firearms or ammunition, and a licensed collector selling or otherwise disposing of curios or relics, to another licensee shall verify the identity and licensed status of the transferee prior to making the transaction...Such verification should be established by the transferee (buyer) furnishing to the transferor (seller) a certified copy of the transferee's license and by such other means as the transferor deems necessary..."

Recent reports involving thefts of firearms licenses and of the purchasing copies thereof have brought to our attention the need to emphasize the importance of verifying the identity of transferees involved in such transactions.

Guidelines for Verifying Identity and Licensed Status of Transferee. A licensee who appears in person at another licensee's business premises for the purpose of acquiring firearms or ammunition should be required to furnish, to the transferor, positive identification in addition to a certified copy of his license. Such identification should prove to the satisfaction of the transferor that the person receiving the firearm or ammunition is, in fact, the same person to whom the license furnished has been issued.

With respect to mail order sales between firearms licensees, where the shipment is to be made to an address other than the transferee's premises as listed on his license, it is suggested that the transferor verify the address as being that of the transferee. The Bureau urges all firearms licensees to require whatever information they deem necessary and within reason in order to verify the identity and licensed status of transferee licensees with whom they do business.

Inquiries. Inquiries regarding this circular should refer to its number and be addressed to the
Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Washington, D. C. 20226.

Rex D. Davis Director