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ATF Issues New NFA Guidance
ATF has released new guidance that changes the federal process for certain NFA-regulated items, effective October 9, 2026.
What This Means for our Customers
Under the new ATF guidance, federal NFA approval and registration are no longer required before making or transferring certain NFA items, including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), and certain other regulated items.
For eligible purchases through an FFL, standard federal firearm transaction requirements still apply, including completing a Form 4473 and, unless exempt, passing a NICS background check.
State and Local Laws Still Apply.
These changes do not apply the same way in every state. State and local laws may restrict or prohibit certain items or require additional registration, documentation, or transfer procedures.
Before making a purchase, customers should review their current state and local laws and regulations to understand what is legal and what requirements apply where they live.
Important Things to Know
State and local laws are not superseded by this ATF guidance.
Availability and transfer requirements vary by location.
Federal, state, and local eligibility requirements still apply.
Some transactions may require additional documentation.
Customers may still voluntarily use applicable NFA forms and registration processes.
Open States (27) — No NFA process (No form required). Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Buy a suppressor like any other firearm.
NFA States (15) — (Form 4 Still Applies) The NFA process still applies. Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin. State law still requires the Form 4 process here.
Banned (8 states + D.C.). California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island, plus Washington, D.C. Suppressors are not currently legal in these places.