ATF stops enforcing NFA paperwork for suppressors, SBRs, SBSs and AOWs¶
What happened. ATF released an Open Letter and FAQ saying it will not enforce the requirement to apply for and receive approval before making or transferring short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, suppressors and "any other weapons," or the NFA's registration and tax-stamp requirements for those items. It follows the Attorney General's decision not to appeal the Northern District of Texas ruling in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF, and to apply the guidance to everyone, not just the plaintiffs. The $200 tax and full NFA rules still apply to machine guns and destructive devices. State and local laws still apply, dealers must still run Form 4473s and NICS checks, and moving an SBR or SBS across state lines still needs ATF approval on a Form 20.
Why it matters. Uncle Sam no longer wants a permission slip and a registration card for a muffler. Read the fine print before you celebrate, though: ATF itself says state and local laws still apply, so check yours first.