Questions and Answers
ATF receives numerous telephone and electronic inquiries on a daily basis. In an effort to be consistent and to provide individuals with the most up-to-date information, ATF has compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions and provided answers to those questions (Q&As). Q&As do not have the force and effect of federal statutes or Department of Justice regulations, and are not final agency actions. They may also be rescinded or modified at ATF’s discretion.
For more information, see “Memorandum for All Components: Prohibition of Improper Guidance Documents,” from Attorney General Jefferson B. Sessions III, November 16, 2017.
Q&A Categories
Answers to some common questions related to 3-D printing of firearms.
Answers to common questions regarding what the program is, what is seized and who to contact.
Questions about bump-stock-style devices, the final rule clarifying that bump stocks fall under the definition of "machinegun" under federal law, and how to destroy them or abandon them at local ATF offices.
Answers to common questions regarding what equitable sharing is.
Answers to common questions regarding contesting seizures, filing claims and retrieving seized property.
Answers to common questions about the Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Report.
Answers to questions about marking variances for destructive device munitions manufactured as part of a valid United States Government (USG) contract.
Answers to frequently asked questions about the Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS).
Answers to common questions about alcohol and tobacco diversion, which is the trafficking of alcohol and tobacco products in avoidance of Federal, State or foreign taxes or in violation of Federal, State or foreign law.
Answers to some common questions specific to applying for a Federal Explosives License (FEL).
Answers to some common questions about requirements for Form 4473 including where to order, how to download and proper means of identification for purchasing a firearm.
This section deals with auctions: estate-type auctions and consignment auctions and the auctioneers.
Answers to some common questions for those who may need more information on the access requirements for BATS.
Answers to questions about case management.
Answers to some common questions for who to contact for BATS support.
Answers to some common questions for those who may be looking for training information and sessions.
These questions pertain to individuals who wish to collect firearms. This includes curio and relic firearms.
Answers to some common questions about firearms licensing requirements, procedures for federal firearms licensee forms and filings, ammunition sales and the shipping of firearms.
Answers to some common questions about storage and shipping requirements, manufacturing, and commercial use of fireworks.
Answers to some common questions about relief from firearms disabilities, the Gun Control Act (GCA) and regulation of firearms and ammunition.
These questions are intended to help you gain a better understanding of explosives-related issues. You can also find the latest federal explosives regulations in our Rules and Regulations section.
Answers to some common questions on the definitions of a gunsmith, licensing and recordkeeping requirements.
Answers to some common questions about importing into or exporting from the United States including firearms.
Answers to some common questions about importing or exporting firearms into/from the United States if you are not a federal firearms licensee.
Answers to some common questions about applying for the Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) position.
This section is intended to provide information on who needs a Federal explosives license or permit and the steps necessary to obtain one.
Answers to some common questions about applying for, renewing, or discontinuing a Federal Firearms License (FFL).
This section pertains to questions regarding machine guns.
Answers to some common questions related to the manufacturing of firearms and ammunition.
Answers to some common questions on the use or purchase of a firearm(s) by a person convicted of a domestic violence crime.
Answers to some common questions related to what is the Nation Firearms Act (NFA) including the definition, clarification and application of the Act, as well as which form(s) to use in order to apply for a tax stamp.
Questions and answers regarding the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
Answers to some common questions for those who may be considered a nonimmigrant alien or for federal firearms licensees conducting business with nonimmigrant alien customers.
Answers to questions about other systems and how they relate/affect the use of BATS.
These questions pertain to pawnbrokers, who deal with the sales and purchases of firearms.
Questions regarding the personal collections of firearms if you are licensee.
This section is intended to identify what are plastic explosives and how they must be handled.
Answers to some common questions specific to receivers known as 80% receivers or unfinished receivers.
Answers to common questions about firearms records/bound book entries.
Answers to some common questions about recordkeeping requirements for explosives licensees and permittees.
Answers to some common questions when applying for a Special Agent (SA) position.
Questions and answers regarding the storage requirements of explosives and explosive materials.
Answers to frequently asked questions in regards to theft and loss of firearms in transit.
The PACT Act law went into effect on June 29, 2010. The PACT Act features several major components; it regulates the mailing of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products to consumers through the U.S. Postal Service; Registration, Reporting, Delivery requirements, recordkeeping, List of Unregistered or Non-Compliant Delivery Seller’s; increases penalties to a felony up to 3 years imprisonment and gives ATF inspection authority to examine any records required to be maintained and any cigarettes or smokeless kept on the premises.
Answers to questions in regards to the U.S. Bomb Data Center.
Answers to some common questions regarding explosives licensing and exemptions for contractors who work with the U.S military.
Answers to some common questions about the buying, selling, shipping, renting or loaning of firearms to an unlicensed person.