Big news for 2026: The $200 federal tax stamp on suppressors has been eliminated! Starting January 1, 2026, you can now purchase suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs without paying the $200 NFA tax. The paperwork and background check remain, but the financial barrier is gone. Here's everything you need to know about buying a suppressor online.
🎉 2026 Update: $0 Tax Stamp
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (signed July 2025) eliminated the $200 tax stamp for suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), and Any Other Weapons (AOWs). The registration, fingerprints, photos, and background check requirements remain in place.
Table of Contents
- What is an NFA Item?
- How to Buy a Suppressor: Step-by-Step
- Understanding Form 3 (Dealer-to-Dealer Transfers)
- Understanding Form 4 (Dealer-to-Individual Transfers)
- Individual vs. Trust: Which Should You Choose?
- Current Wait Times (2026)
- Finding an SOT Dealer
- Other Class III Items: SBRs, SBSs, and More
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is an NFA Item?
The National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 regulates certain types of firearms and accessories, commonly called "Class III" or "NFA items." These include:
- Suppressors (Silencers) – Devices that reduce the sound of a firearm
- Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs) – Rifles with barrels under 16" or overall length under 26"
- Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBSs) – Shotguns with barrels under 18" or overall length under 26"
- Machine Guns – Fully automatic firearms (civilian-transferable ones are pre-1986 only)
- Any Other Weapons (AOWs) – Various other regulated items
- Destructive Devices – Explosives, large-bore firearms, etc.
Unlike standard firearms, NFA items require registration with the ATF, additional paperwork, fingerprints, photographs, and a background check—even though the tax is now $0.
How to Buy a Suppressor: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Find a Suppressor and SOT Dealer
First, choose the suppressor you want and find a dealer who can transfer it. Not just any FFL can handle NFA items—the dealer must have a Special Occupational Tax (SOT) license, which makes them a Class III dealer.
When you purchase from TheGunDock, you'll select an SOT dealer near you for pickup during checkout. We only work with licensed, verified SOT dealers.
Step 2: Set Up Your ATF eForms Account
Before your Form 4 can be submitted, you need an ATF eForms account. Go to eforms.atf.gov and create an account. Make sure:
- Your legal name matches exactly what's on your ID
- Your address is current and matches your ID
- You have a valid email address
- You create a secure PIN (you'll need this for certification)
Step 3: Provide Fingerprints and Photo
You'll need to submit fingerprints and a passport-style photo. Many SOT dealers have fingerprint kiosks (like Silencer Shop kiosks) that capture this digitally. If not, you'll need:
- Two FBI fingerprint cards (FD-258)
- Passport-style photo (neutral background, shoulders up, no hats/sunglasses)
Step 4: Certify and Submit eForm 4
Your dealer will help you complete and submit the eForm 4. This is done together—either in person or remotely. You'll need:
- Your ATF eForms login credentials
- Your PIN
- About 15-20 minutes
Once submitted, the ATF processes your application.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
This is the hard part—waiting. The suppressor stays at your dealer's location until the ATF approves your Form 4. You'll receive an email notification when approved.
Step 6: Pick Up Your Suppressor
Once approved, visit your dealer, complete the final 4473, and take your suppressor home. Congratulations—you're now a suppressor owner!
Understanding Form 3 (Dealer-to-Dealer Transfers)
When you buy a suppressor online, it often needs to travel from the manufacturer or distributor to your local SOT dealer. This is where ATF Form 3 comes in.
What is Form 3?
Form 3 (ATF Form 5320.3) is a tax-exempt transfer between Special Occupational Taxpayers (SOT dealers). It allows one SOT to ship an NFA item to another SOT without paying tax or waiting for approval.
Form 3 Processing Times
| Submission Method | Typical Wait Time |
|---|---|
| Electronic (eForm 3) | 1-7 days |
| Paper Form 3 | 4-6 months |
Why this matters to you: When you buy a suppressor that's not in stock at your local dealer, it must be Form 3'd from another dealer. Always ask if your dealer files Form 3s electronically—if they use paper, you could wait months just for the suppressor to arrive at your dealer!
At TheGunDock, we always use eForm 3 for dealer-to-dealer transfers, ensuring your suppressor arrives at your SOT dealer within days, not months.
Understanding Form 4 (Dealer-to-Individual Transfers)
Form 4 (ATF Form 5320.4) is what transfers the suppressor from the SOT dealer to you, the individual buyer. This is the form that requires:
- Background check (FBI and ATF)
- Fingerprints
- Passport photo
- Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) notification
- $0 tax (as of 2026)
eForm 4 vs. Paper Form 4
| Form Type | 2026 Wait Time (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| eForm 4 | 30-90 days (may increase due to $0 stamp demand) |
| Paper Form 4 | 12-18+ months (not recommended) |
Always use eForm 4. Paper forms are taking over a year, and with the $0 tax stamp increasing demand, that will only get worse.
Individual vs. Trust: Which Should You Choose?
When filing your Form 4, you can file as an individual or through an NFA trust. Here's how to decide:
Individual Filing
Best for: Solo owners who don't need to share their suppressors
- Simpler paperwork
- No trust setup required
- Only you can possess the suppressor
- If you die, it must go through probate
NFA Trust Filing
Best for: Those who want to share NFA items with family or have estate planning concerns
- Multiple trustees can possess the suppressor
- Easier inheritance (avoids probate)
- All trustees must submit fingerprints and photos
- Requires setting up a legal trust ($50-$150 typically)
Our recommendation: If you're married or want family members to be able to use your suppressor without you present, get a trust. Otherwise, individual filing is simpler.
Current Wait Times (2026)
With the $0 tax stamp now in effect, demand has surged. Here are the current estimated wait times:
| Form Type | Q1 2026 Estimate |
|---|---|
| eForm 3 (Dealer to Dealer) | 1-7 days |
| eForm 4 (Individual) | 30-90 days |
| eForm 4 (Trust) | 30-90 days |
| Paper Form 4 | 12-18+ months |
Note: Wait times fluctuate based on ATF staffing and application volume. The $0 tax stamp is expected to significantly increase applications, which may extend wait times throughout 2026.
Finding an SOT Dealer
Not every gun store can handle suppressors. You need a dealer with:
- FFL (Federal Firearms License) – Required for all firearms dealers
- SOT (Special Occupational Tax) – Required for dealing in NFA items
Our checkout process only shows verified SOT dealers in your area. You can also use our FFL/SOT Finder to search by zip code.
Other Class III Items: SBRs, SBSs, and More
The same process applies to other NFA items:
Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs)
Rifles with barrels under 16" or overall length under 26". Popular for home defense and compact builds. Same Form 4 process as suppressors.
Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBSs)
Shotguns with barrels under 18" or overall length under 26". Same Form 4 process.
Any Other Weapons (AOWs)
A catch-all category including certain smooth-bore pistols, disguised firearms, and more. Same Form 4 process, $0 tax (previously was only $5).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the $200 tax stamp really gone?
Yes! As of January 1, 2026, the tax stamp for suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs is $0. You still need to complete all the paperwork and background checks—you just don't pay the $200 fee.
Can I have a suppressor shipped to my home?
No. NFA items must be shipped to a licensed SOT dealer and transferred through the Form 4 process. There are no exceptions.
What states allow suppressors?
Suppressors are legal in 42 states. They're prohibited in California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island, plus Washington D.C.
Can I use my suppressor while waiting for approval?
No. The suppressor legally belongs to the dealer until your Form 4 is approved. You cannot take possession until then.
What if my Form 4 is denied?
Denials are rare if you're legally eligible. If denied, you can appeal or have the suppressor transferred to another eligible buyer. Your payment would typically be refunded minus any dealer fees.
Do I need to tell the police I'm buying a suppressor?
The Form 4 requires CLEO (Chief Law Enforcement Officer) notification—not approval. Your dealer sends a copy of the form to local law enforcement. They cannot deny your application.
Can I travel with my suppressor?
Yes, but with limitations. You can travel within your state freely. For interstate travel, you should file an ATF Form 5320.20 (although this isn't strictly required for suppressors, it's best practice). Some states prohibit suppressor possession entirely.
Ready to Buy Your First Suppressor?
Now that the $200 tax stamp is gone, there's never been a better time to buy a suppressor. Browse our selection of suppressors from top brands and enjoy quieter shooting.
