National Firearms Act

The National Firearms Act (NFA) is a federal law enacted in the United States in 1934. It regulates the ownership, transfer, and possession of certain firearms and accessories that are considered “Title II” weapons. The NFA was primarily introduced to curb the use of certain firearms associated with criminal activities during the Prohibition era.

The NFA categorizes firearms into two main classifications: Title I firearms, which include standard rifles, shotguns, and handguns, and Title II firearms, also known as NFA firearms or “Class 3” firearms. Title II firearms include machine guns, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), suppressors (silencers), and destructive devices (such as grenades or certain explosive devices).

To lawfully possess Title II firearms, individuals must comply with the requirements outlined in the NFA. These requirements include:

1. Registration: Title II firearms must be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The registration process involves submitting an application, fingerprints, and photographs, as well as paying a one-time tax (commonly known as a “tax stamp”) for each NFA item.
2. Background Check: All applicants for NFA firearms must undergo an extensive background check, which includes fingerprinting and submitting the required information to the ATF. The background check is conducted to ensure that the applicant is not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal or state law.
3. Tax Stamp: To register an NFA firearm, the applicant must pay a tax stamp fee. The tax stamp fee varies depending on the type of NFA firearm but is typically $200 per item. This tax is paid once, at the time of registration, and is nonrefundable.
4. Restricted Transfers: NFA firearms can only be transferred between individuals who are legally allowed to possess them. Before a transfer can occur, the prospective transferee must submit an application, complete the required paperwork, pass the background check, and pay the transfer tax stamp fee.
5. Notification and Approval: The transfer of an NFA firearm requires notification and approval from the ATF. The transferor must notify the ATF of the proposed transfer, including details of the transferee. The ATF will then conduct a background check on the transferee and, if approved, issue a tax stamp to the transferee.
6. Possession and Transportation: Once an NFA firearm is registered and the transfer is approved, the possessor must adhere to specific regulations regarding possession and transportation. NFA firearms should generally be kept in a secure location, and when transported, proper documentation must be carried, indicating compliance with the NFA requirements.

It’s important to note that the NFA places restrictions and regulations on the manufacture, sale, and possession of Title II firearms. However, it does not prohibit their ownership by civilians. Many law-abiding citizens in the United States legally own NFA firearms by complying with the NFA requirements and following the necessary procedures.

The NFA has been amended over the years, and additional regulations and requirements may apply. For example, the NFA includes provisions for the possession and transfer of certain firearms and accessories by qualified entities, such as government agencies, law enforcement, and licensed manufacturers and dealers.

Compliance with the NFA is crucial, as violations can lead to severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and forfeiture of the firearm. Therefore, individuals interested in owning NFA firearms should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the specific requirements of the NFA and consult with legal professionals or licensed firearms dealers who specialize in NFA firearms to ensure full compliance with the law.

If you want to keep up with changes in the law, or your just want to know more about the NFA in general, visit the link below.  Also, if you are travelling with a firearm, don’t forget to check the laws of the states that you might be travelling in!

READ MORE ABOUT THE NFA: https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/national-firearms-act