Your Complete Guide to Suppressor Ownership
Suppressors are legal to own in 42 states across America, and the purchasing process has become remarkably straightforward. With approval times now ranging from just a few days to around 100 days, there's never been a better time to add a suppressor to your collection.
Jump Ahead
The Five-Step Process
Step One: Select Your Suppressor
Browse available suppressors and choose the one that fits your needs. Consider which calibers you'll be shooting most frequently. Popular options include suppressors for .22LR, 9mm, .45 ACP, 5.56mm, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, and multi-caliber designs that offer maximum versatility.
Don't forget to include the required $200 NFA tax stamp with your purchase. This federal tax applies to all items regulated under the National Firearms Act and is mandatory for each suppressor you acquire.
Important: Verify that your firearm has a threaded barrel compatible with your chosen suppressor before making your purchase.
Step Two: Establish Your Buyer Profile
Visit a participating dealer location to have your fingerprints electronically scanned and provide your demographic details. This convenient process takes approximately five minutes, and your fingerprints remain on file for future purchases.
Alternatively, you can submit standard FD-258 fingerprint cards through the mail if electronic scanning isn't accessible to you.
You'll also need to upload a passport-style photograph. Take a clear, forward-facing photo with your shoulders visible, without any headwear, scarves, or sunglasses, preferably against a plain background.
Step Three: Review and Sign Documentation
You'll receive electronic documents containing your purchase information via email. Carefully verify all details for accuracy, then provide your digital signature using either your computer or mobile device.
Step Four: Register with ATF eForms
Create your account on the ATF eForms system at no cost. This platform handles the electronic submission of your Form 4 application.
Critical: Your email address, full legal name, and physical address must match your buyer profile information exactly. Any discrepancies can delay processing.
Step Five: Certification and Final Submission
Once you receive notification that your application is ready for certification, contact your local dealer to schedule an appointment. During this meeting, both you and the dealer will complete the certification process and submit your Form 4 to the ATF.
After submission, your application enters the approval queue. Current processing times are the fastest on record, with many applicants receiving approval in well under 100 days.
Registration Options
You'll need to decide how to register your suppressor:
Individual Registration: The simplest option for single owners
Trust: Allows multiple authorized users and simplifies inheritance. This is the most popular choice among buyers
Corporation: For business-related purchases
Understanding Suppressor Terminology
The terms "suppressor" and "silencer" are completely interchangeable. Both refer to the same device that attaches to a firearm barrel to reduce noise and muzzle blast when firing. You'll see both terms used throughout the industry.
Getting Started
For first-time buyers, a .22LR suppressor makes an excellent starting point. These are affordable, versatile, and perfect for learning how suppressors perform.
The entire process supports local firearms dealers while providing you with expert guidance throughout your purchase. Your chosen dealer will handle the final transfer once your approval comes through, typically via email notification from the ATF.
Current Approval Timeline
Suppressor approvals have dramatically accelerated recently. While processing times vary, many buyers are seeing approvals within 1-100 days, representing the shortest wait times in NFA history. These rapid approvals appear to be establishing a new standard rather than temporary anomaly.
Ready to begin? The process is simpler than ever, and quieter shooting is just a few steps away.
Start shopping for a Supressor.