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Firearms Q&As

Quick Links to Firearms Q&A Category Pages

If you currently have a Federal Firearms License

If you do not have a Federal Firearms License

Imports (non-licensees)

NFA (non-licensees)

All Firearms Q&As by Category

3-D Printing Technology of Firearms

What will ATF do if a prohibited person is manufacturing a firearm?

What say does ATF have in the technology used to produce firearms?

What is ATF doing to make sure this technology is monitored so it is not used illegally?

What is ATF doing in regards to people making their own firearms?

What does “any other weapon mean?”

Is ATF aware of the new 3-D printing technology producing firearms?

Is a firearm illegal if it is made of plastic?

If an individual makes an item that falls into the “any other weapon” category is that individual required to register the item?

How does one apply for a license?

Can an individual now manufacture these firearms and sell them?

ATF Form 4473

Why does ATF Form 4473 ask for race and ethnicity?

Who signs ATF Form 4473 for the seller?

Where can a Federal firearms licensee get ATF Forms 4473?

Must a transferee provide his or her social security number on the ATF Form 4473?

May an ATF Form 4473 be completed for the transfer of a firearm by a person holding a Power of Attorney?

Is an ATF Form 4473 required when an unlicensed person sells or disposes a firearm?

Is a Social Security card a proper means of identification for purchasing a firearm from a licensee?

If a licensee notices an error on the ATF Form 4473 after the transfer, what is the procedure to record the correct information?

If a buyer or transferee is unable to read and or write but wants to purchase a firearm, how may the transfer legally be completed?

How long are licensees required to maintain ATF Forms 4473?

Are the instructions attached to the ATF Form 4473 required to be maintained with the Form 4473 as part of a licensee's permanent firearms records?

Auctioneers

If a licensed auctioneer is making sales of firearms, where may those sales be made?

Does an auctioneer who is involved in firearms sales need a dealer’s license?

Can a licensee conduct background checks and transfer firearms on behalf of an unlicensed auctioneer?

Collectors

What firearms are considered to be curio and relic firearms?