How to Buy a Suppressor/NFA Item Online

NFA process tutorial on Gritrsports.com

1. Initial Requirements

  • Customers must purchase a tax stamp, and create accounts with SilencerShopand ATF eForms.
  • Cancelling after ordering will incur a 10% restocking fee. Cancelling after processing will incur a 15% restocking fee.
  • No cancellations or refunds are allowed after Form 4 is submitted.

2. Purchasing the Tax Stamp

  • Go to SilencerShop.com, navigate to Services → Tax Stamps, and complete the purchase.
  • The tax stamp must be linked to the customer’s SilencerShop account.

3. Creating a SilencerShop Account

  • Complete the process in-store at a kiosk using a personal email.
  • Provide fingerprint data (valid 5 years), upload a photo(valid 1 year), and choose a registration type:
    • Individual
    • Single Shot Trust
    • Traditional Trust
  • Ensure all account information is current and correct.

More information about NFA Registration options can be found below.

4. Creating an ATF eForms Account

  • Visit eforms.atf.gov, register, and save the user ID and 4-digit PIN. These are essential for submitting    Form 4.

5. Form 4 Submission Process

  • After setup, the suppressor is assigned to the customer’s SilencerShop account.
  • Customer signs a Docusign to confirm details.
  • Once Form 4 is ready, SilencerShop sends a certification email.
  • Customer calls GritR (1-800-486-7497) to certify(submit) their Form 4.
  • ATF confirms submission via email to both GritR and the customer.
  • Await ATF approval—monitor email; approval times vary.

6. Picking Up the Item

  • Must present a valid TX driver’s license or LTC with current address.
  • If no approval email is received, contact ATF after 90 days with serial number for status.

7. If You Move

  • Submit a Change of Address form (ATF Form 5320.20) after approval.

8. Disapprovals and Appeals

  • Appeal disapprovals via FBI NICS: Appeal Guide.
  • Consider applying for a UPIN for future purchases.
  • Corrections requested by the ATF must be made within 72 hours or result in disapproval.
  • Disapproved Form 4s (excluding correction issues) will incur a 20% restocking fee if refunded.

9. Support and Contacts

  • SilencerShop: 512-931-4556 / support@silencershop.com
  • ATF Status Inquiries: 304-616-4500
  • GritR Store (NFA Team): 1-800-486-7497

NFA Registration options

1. Individual Registration

  • Registered to you only—no one else can legally use the item without your presence.
  • Simplest option with the least paperwork and potentially faster approval.
  • No flexibility in allowing others access to the NFA item.
  • Must always be in control of the item.

2. Single Shot Trust (Standard or Unlimited)

Standard Single Shot Trust:

  • One trust per NFA item, created quickly and without notarization.
  • Allows you to add/remove responsible persons using a free addendum.
  • Offers flexibility similar to a trust with the simplicity of individual filing.
  • Designed by top gun trust attorneys; legal in all suppressor-friendly states (except IA and VT).

Single Shot Unlimited Trust:

  • One-time fee for unlimited single shot trusts for life.
  • Same features as the standard, but enables you to create multiple trusts per item at no extra cost.
  • Ideal for managing who has access to which item by assigning different trustees to different suppressors.

3. Traditional Trust

  • One trust for all current and future NFA items.
  • Allows multiple trusteesto legally possess and use your items.
  • Add/remove trustees anytime via addendum.
  • Can name a beneficiary to inherit your items.
  • No need to create new trusts for future purchases.
  • Fully integrates with Silencer Shop for streamlined future submissions.

Summary Comparison:

Feature

Individual

Single Shot Trust

Traditional Trust

Others Can Use Item

No

Yes (via trustees)

Yes (via trustees)

Flexibility

Low

High (per-item control)

High (all items, one trust)

Paperwork

Minimal

Minimal (no notarization)

Moderate (initial setup)

Cost

Low

One-time fee per trust / unlimited plan

One-time cost for all items

Long-Term Use

Limited

Good (one trust per item)

Excellent (covers all future purchases)

Trustee Management

Not Applicable

Easy via addendum

Easy via addendum

Legal in Suppressor States

Yes

Yes (except IA & VT)

Yes (except IA & VT)

FFL to FFL NFA Transfer Process:

  1. Selection & Purchase:
  • The buyer selects an NFA item from an FFL dealer (seller).
  1. Transfer Initiation:
  • The seller initiates the transfer to the buyer’s FFL (typically a dealer local to the buyer).
  1. Form Submission (ATF Form 3):
  • The seller files ATF Form 3(Application for Tax-Exempt Transfer of Firearm) electronically via eForms.
  • This form is used between FFL/SOT holdersand does not require a $200 tax.
  1. ATF Approval:
  • The ATF processes and approves the Form 3.
  • Once approved, the NFA item can legally be shipped to the buyer’s FFL.
  1. Final Transfer to Buyer (ATF Form 4):
  • Once the item is received by the buyer’s FFL, the buyer submits ATF Form 4, pays the $200 tax stamp, and goes through fingerprinting, photographs, and background check.
  • This process can take several months.
  1. Approval & Pickup:
  • After ATF Form 4 approval, the buyer can take possession of the NFA item from their local FFL.

FFL to FFL Firearm Transfer (Non-NFA Items)

When It’s Used:

  • A firearm is being shipped or transferred from one licensed dealer (FFL)to another FFL.
  • Common for online purchases, gun shows, or dealer-to-dealer sales.

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Buyer Selects Firearm
  • Often through an online seller or out-of-state dealer.
  1. Buyer's FFL Provides License
  • The receiving FFL(chosen by the buyer) sends a copy of their FFL licenseto the shipping FFL.
  1. Shipping
  • The selling FFL ships the firearm to the receiving FFL via a carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc.).
  • Handgunsmust be shipped via common carrier overnight.
  • Long gunscan be shipped via USPS or ground.
  1. Receiving FFL Notifies Buyer
  • When the firearm arrives, the buyer is contacted to complete the transfer.
  1. Buyer Completes Transfer
  • Buyer goes to the receiving FFL.
  • Fills out ATF Form 4473.
  • FFL runs the NICS background check.
  • If approved, the firearm is released to the buyer.

Typical Fees:

  • Receiving FFL usually charges a transfer fee: $25–$75 on average.
  • This fee varies, please contact your local FFL to verify what they will charge.

Important Notes:

  • All interstate firearm transfers must go through an FFL.
  • Even in private sales across state lines, the recipient must receive the firearm through a local FFL.

No Form 3 or Form 4 is needed unless the firearm is an NFA item.

Special Order Items