How Do I Buy a Suppressor? The Form 4 Process Explained

Why It Matters

Suppressors are legal in most states but regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA). The process is unfamiliar to most gun owners and involves federal paperwork, fingerprints, photographs, and a tax payment. Understanding the process before you start saves confusion, prevents mistakes that delay approval, and sets realistic expectations for the wait time.

The Detail

Step-by-step suppressor purchase process:

1. Verify legality in your state:
- Suppressors are legal in 42 states
- Prohibited in: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington DC
- Some states allow ownership but not hunting with suppressors — check local laws

2. Choose and purchase the suppressor:
- Buy from a Class 3/SOT dealer (local gun store with NFA license)
- You can also buy online and have it shipped to a local SOT dealer
- Pay for the suppressor in full at time of purchase
- The suppressor stays at the dealer until your Form 4 is approved

3. Submit ATF eForm 4:
- Create an account on the ATF eForms portal (eforms.atf.gov)
- Your dealer initiates the Form 4 and assigns it to you
- You complete your portion: personal information, photograph, fingerprints
- Fingerprints: use the ATF kiosk at your dealer or submit ink cards
- Pay the $200 tax stamp fee via pay.gov
- Submit the form electronically

4. Wait for approval:
- Current eForms wait time: approximately 3 to 6 months (verify current wait times at eforms.atf.gov — times fluctuate)
- Paper Form 4 wait time: 8 to 14 months (avoid paper if possible)
- You can check status on the eForms portal
- The ATF runs an FBI background check during this time

5. Take possession:
- Once approved, your dealer receives notification
- You pick up the suppressor from the dealer
- You receive the approved Form 4 with tax stamp — keep this forever
- You must have the approved Form 4 (or a copy) with the suppressor when transporting

Buying as an individual vs trust:
- Individual: simpler, faster, only you can possess the suppressor
- NFA Trust: allows multiple trustees to legally possess the suppressor, useful for family members or range partners, no CLEO notification required
- Single-shot trust (SilencerShop): easiest option, $25, add trustees later
- Each trustee (called a responsible person) must submit fingerprints and photo

SilencerShop kiosk system:
- The easiest way to buy a suppressor
- Kiosks at participating dealers capture your fingerprints digitally
- SilencerShop stores your prints and photo for future purchases
- Handles the eForms submission for you
- Sells trusts, tax stamp, and suppressor all in one transaction

Build Impact

Budget approximately $200 to $300 on top of the suppressor price for the tax stamp and trust. Suppressor prices range from $300 (rimfire) to $1,500 (premium rifle cans). Plan for the wait time — buy the suppressor early, then build or configure your host firearm while you wait. Once approved, you must follow all NFA transport rules: you can carry it across state lines but must notify the ATF first using Form 5320.20.