The suppressor buying and submitting process can be confusing at times, so we are making this as a guide to help you through it!
First thing on the list is deciding which suppressor and suppressor ecosystem is right for you. There are many factors to consider when looking for a suppressor. Which calibers will you be shooting? Do you want a suppressor that can easily swap between rifles with a QD system? Is the weight of the suppressor a dealbreaker for you?
Once you decide on a suppressor brand or attachment system, the next step is to purchase the suppressor. We carry popular brands such as Dead Air, Otter Creek Labs, HUXWRX, and Rex Siltentium. The suppressor will need to be paid in full before we will submit for the suppressor application.
After the suppressor is paid off, the next step will be to create an account on the ATF’s eForms website. The account creation screen will have you input your personal information, email, have you create a password, and a PIN number. Once you register your account, the eforms site will email you your generated username. Your username and password will be used to log into your personal eforms account to manage your personal information. Your username and PIN number is used during the tax stamp submission process to attach your eforms account and information to the tax stamp application.
Now that the suppressor is paid off, and you have created an eForms account, we can fill out the suppressor application. The form that will need to be filled out is a Form 4, that form is submitted through a FFL. The Form 4 is essentially an expanded background check that the ATF sends to the FBI to run. When filling out the Form 4, it is important to fill out the application with the same information that was used when creating your eForms account. Once the form is filled out, you will verify the information entered, then you will be directed to a portal to pay for the tax stamp. Tax stamps are $200 and paid directly to the government. After payment is received and approved, the final submission will require your automatically generated username that was emailed to you, and your 4 digit PIN number.
Once everything is submitted, you will receive an email with a cover letter as well as an ATF copy of your Form 4 application. We print off both of those copies for you and put them in envelopes to send out to the required persons. The cover letter is included with your fingerprint cards and goes to the ATF, and the copy of the application is sent to your local county sheriff.
When everything is submitted and the ATF receives your fingerprints, the waiting process begins. Typical wait times for suppressors vary, but we are seeing wait times range from 2 weeks to 6 months. For current estimated wait times, the ATF has a webpage that shows the times.
When your form is approved, you will receive an email with your tax stamp. We also receive the email and will give you a call or text that the suppressor is ready to be picked up from our shop.
Common Misconceptions:
- It’s not a license. It’s a Form4. That is similar to a firearm background check, just submitted online.
- You don’t just apply and pick out a suppressor later. We need a serial number to submit the Form4.
- The $200 Tax Stamp is paid online with a credit/debit. Not Cash.