Oct 15th 2026
Form 4473 vs. Form 4: Which Suppressor Transfer Should You Choose?
Depending on your state and dealer, you can buy a suppressor two ways in 2026, and both carry a $0 federal transfer tax. A Form 4473 transfer is most commonly completed the same day at a participating dealer in 27 states, with no NFA registration under the ATF's current nonenforcement policy. A Form 4 transfer most commonly takes 3 to 30 days and could take up to 9 to 12 months, but it gives you an approved federal registration record, can register the suppressor to an eligible gun trust, and is the process buyers in 15 states should expect. If you are concerned, a Form 4 is the best option during this time period.
For decades, buying a suppressor from a dealer meant one route: file an ATF Form 4, wait for approval, then pick it up. In 2026, the cost changed first, then the process. The federal suppressor transfer tax dropped to $0 on January 1, and on October 9 the ATF announced a nationwide policy of not enforcing certain National Firearms Act (NFA) registration and approval requirements.
Depending on your state and dealer, you may now have two ways to purchase a suppressor. In 27 states, a participating dealer may be able to complete the purchase on a Form 4473, the standard form used for firearm purchases at licensed dealers. The traditional Form 4 is still available in every state where suppressors are legal.
This guide compares the two side by side so you can pick the one that fits you. If you already know which route you want and just need the steps, our step-by-step suppressor buying process walks you through them.
What Changed in 2026
Three dates explain where things stand today:
- January 1, 2026: the federal suppressor transfer tax dropped from $200 to $0.
- August 5, 2026: in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF, a federal district court ruled that certain NFA regulatory provisions could no longer be justified under Congress's taxing power after the federal government eliminated the applicable making and transfer taxes. The court issued a permanent injunction protecting specified plaintiffs, qualifying members and customers, and certain governmental entities.
- October 9, 2026: the ATF announced a nationwide policy of not enforcing certain NFA registration and approval requirements. That policy extends nonenforcement to people who are not covered by the injunction.
For the full background, read our breakdown of the suppressor ruling or the ATF's own October 9 guidance and FAQs.
Form 4473 vs. Form 4 at a Glance
| Factor | Form 4473 Transfer | Form 4 Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Typical timing | Most commonly the same day | Most commonly 3 to 30 days; could take up to 9 to 12 months |
| ATF approval before possession | Not required under current policy | Required |
| Federal NFA registration | None under the current nonenforcement policy | Approved federal registration record |
| Fingerprints, photo, eForms account | Not required | Required |
| Federal transfer tax | $0 | $0 |
| Registered to | Not registered | You or an eligible gun trust |
| Where it's available | 27 states, at participating dealers | Every state where suppressors are legal |
| Main consideration | Relies on current policy; registering later is generally not permitted | Longer wait; ATF approval required |
How a Form 4473 Transfer Works
Form 4473: Same-Day Transfer
Complete ATF Form 4473 at your participating dealer, satisfy the required background check, and take your suppressor home once the dealer is legally authorized to complete the transfer. Bring valid identification. Most commonly, this is a same day transaction.
- No traditional Form 4 approval wait.
- No NFA fingerprints, passport photos, or eForms account required.
- No federal NFA registration under the current nonenforcement policy.
- Same-day pickup may be available.
You must be at least 21 and buy through a participating dealer in your state of residence. Form 4473-only transfers are generally available in 27 states, and state laws determine whether you can complete one where you live. Not every dealer offers same-day Form 4473 transfers, so confirm your dealer's available transfer options before purchasing.
How a Form 4 Transfer Works
Form 4: Registered Transfer
Your dealer helps submit an ATF Form 4 to register your suppressor to you individually or an eligible gun trust. You complete the application through your dealer, wait for ATF approval, and arrange pickup after all applicable transfer requirements are satisfied.
- Federal suppressor transfer tax: $0.
- Fingerprints, photograph, and ATF application required.
- ATF registration and approval required before possession.
- Provides an approved federal registration record.
- Estimated timeline: approvals typically within 3-30 days, but could take up to 9-12 months.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both routes get you a suppressor with a $0 federal transfer tax. The difference comes down to your state, your dealer, speed, registration, and how much you want to depend on the current enforcement policy.
A Form 4473 transfer may fit if:
- You live in one of the 27 states where Form 4473-only transfers are generally available
- Your dealer offers same-day Form 4473 transfers
- You want to take your suppressor home the same day
- You would rather skip fingerprints, photos and an eForms account
- You are comfortable relying on the ATF's current nonenforcement policy
A Form 4 transfer may fit if:
- You want an eligible gun trust to own your suppressor
- You live in one of the 15 states with additional NFA-related state requirements
- You want an approved federal registration record
- You want to avoid the travel uncertainty the ATF has identified for unregistered suppressors
- You would rather not depend on how long the current policy lasts
The Risks to Weigh Before a Form 4473 Transfer
The same-day route depends on the ATF's current enforcement policy. Here is what that means in practice.
The policy can change
The nationwide ATF nonenforcement policy is an executive enforcement decision, not a permanent repeal of federal law. A future administration, court decision, or congressional action could change the legal landscape.
Unregistered suppressors are not automatically grandfathered
The ATF has warned that unregistered suppressors are not automatically grandfathered if enforcement resumes. This could create legal complications for individuals possessing suppressors acquired without NFA registration.
You may not be able to register it later
Do not assume you can. Federal law generally does not permit subsequent registration of an already-unregistered NFA firearm. A Form 1 or Form 4 should not be treated as a guaranteed method of registering a suppressor after taking possession through a Form 4473-only transfer.
Travel is less certain
The ATF has announced that it will not enforce certain NFA interstate transportation provisions for covered firearms, but that does not guarantee an unregistered suppressor will be lawful in every state. Before traveling, verify the laws of your destination and every state along your route. The ATF has also identified uncertainty about whether federal safe-passage protections extend to unregistered suppressors.
The court order covers specific parties
The Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF injunction is separate from the ATF's nationwide policy. It provides court-ordered relief to covered parties, and living in one of the states that joined the lawsuit does not automatically mean you are personally covered. Court injunctions may provide additional protection for covered parties, but their scope and continued effect depend on the applicable court orders.
What Your State Allows
State law decides whether a Form 4473-only transfer is an option for you. Suppressors are legal for eligible civilian ownership in 42 states, and those states fall into two groups, plus a third group where ownership is generally prohibited.
27 states where Form 4473-only transfers are generally available: 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. Eligible buyers may take possession after completing the required Form 4473 and background check, provided the dealer offers this transfer method and all applicable laws are satisfied.
15 states with additional NFA-related state requirements: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin. Expect to use the traditional Form 4 process unless your dealer and applicable state law confirm another lawful transfer method, such as a 4473.
8 states and Washington, D.C., where civilian suppressor possession is generally prohibited:
- California
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Washington, D.C.
The October 9 ATF guidance does not override these state and local restrictions. Limited statutory exceptions may apply. For more detail on each group, see the suppressor laws by state section of our buying guide.
Form 4473 vs. Form 4: Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers for buyers deciding between the two.
In 27 states, yes, at a participating dealer. Since October 9, 2026, the ATF has followed a nationwide policy of not enforcing certain NFA registration and approval requirements, so eligible buyers can complete the transfer on a Form 4473 with a background check. The NFA itself has not been repealed, and state and local laws still apply.
No. A Form 4473 transfer involves no federal NFA registration under the ATF's current nonenforcement policy. If you want an approved federal registration record, the Form 4 provides one.
Do not assume you can. Federal law generally does not permit subsequent registration of an already-unregistered NFA firearm, and a Form 1 or Form 4 should not be treated as a guaranteed method of registering it after the fact. If federal registration is important to you, discuss the Form 4 option with your dealer before completing your purchase.
The ATF has warned that unregistered suppressors are not automatically grandfathered if enforcement resumes, which could create legal complications for people who acquired suppressors without NFA registration. Court injunctions may provide additional protection for covered parties, but their scope and continued effect depend on the applicable court orders.
Yes, through a Form 4. Your dealer helps submit an ATF Form 4 to register the suppressor to you individually or to an eligible gun trust.
A Form 4473 transfer is most commonly a same-day transaction. A Form 4 transfer most commonly takes 3 to 30 days for ATF approval, but it could take up to 9 to 12 months.
The federal transfer tax is $0 either way. Dealers may charge their own transfer fees, which are not included in the purchase price when you check out on 2adaddy.com.
Be careful. The ATF has said it will not enforce certain NFA interstate transportation provisions for covered firearms, but that does not guarantee an unregistered suppressor is lawful in every state. Verify the laws of your destination and every state along your route before you travel.
No. Not every dealer offers same-day Form 4473 transfers, so confirm your dealer's available transfer options before purchasing. When you buy from 2A Daddy, you select a qualified suppressor dealer in your state of residence at checkout.
Pick Your Suppressor. Then Pick Your Path.
The federal suppressor transfer tax is $0, whichever transfer method you choose. Select your model, choose a qualified dealer in your state of residence at checkout, and confirm which transfer options they offer.
Shop 2AD SuppressorsThe Bottom Line
In 27 states, a Form 4473 transfer at a participating dealer is most commonly a same-day transaction, with no NFA registration under the ATF's current policy. The Form 4 takes longer, most commonly 3 to 30 days and up to 9 to 12 months, and gives you an approved federal registration record, the option of trust ownership, and the process buyers in 15 states should expect.
Both carry a $0 federal transfer tax, and neither guarantees immunity from future changes in law or enforcement. Choose based on your state, your dealer, and your comfort with the potential legal implications. If you are concerned, a Form 4 is the best option during this time period.
Ready to choose? Browse our full lineup at 2A Daddy or follow our suppressor buying guide step by step. Questions along the way? Call us at 615-845-9127.
Legal Disclaimer: Information current as of October 15, 2026. State classifications reflect published industry guidance and are general summaries, not individualized determinations of legality. This content is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Federal laws, court orders, enforcement policies, and state regulations may change. All purchases and transfers are subject to applicable laws, eligibility requirements, background checks, and dealer policies. Consult a qualified firearms attorney for legal guidance specific to your circumstances.
Reviewed by Taylor Winston, owner of 2A Daddy, a Tennessee FFL/SOT manufacturer.
About the Author
Vincent Capo is the Head of Growth and SEO Strategist at 2A Daddy, a Tennessee-based firearm dealer and suppressor manufacturer dedicated to protecting Second Amendment rights through education, advocacy, and world-class products.