Current NFA Wait Times
Currently, Form 4s take the longest to process compared to other forms. It doesn’t matter if you fill them out on paper or digitally; they can still take a long time. The waiting time depends on how fast the ATF staff can check the information and do background checks.
Here are the current wait times for paper and eFile per the ATF as of 11/9/23:
ATF Form 4 (Trust) – Paper & eForms = 6 – 9 Months
ATF Form 4 (Individual) – Paper & eForms = 6 – 8 Months
We recommend filing your Form 4 electronically, which is almost always the fastest method. If you want more specifics into exactly how long your ATF forms will take. You can check out the ATF website here.
What are wait times so long?
The wait times for NFA or ATF can be affected by several factors, such as the number of applications submitted by gun owners from different parts of the country and the number of examiners available at ATF. Your personal information can also play a role in the wait times. For instance, if your name is John Smith, it may take longer to verify your background check than someone with a less common name.
Can you check the status of your form?
If you want to know the status of your application and transfer from the ATF, just call the NFA Branch at (304) 616-4500. They’ll ask for your name and the serial number of the suppressor, as well as the name of the person (or business name) who transferred it to you. Use the exact name from the confirmation email you got when you submitted the electronic transfer. Keep in mind, though, that the estimate they provide for approval time is just an estimate, and it could change.
