ATF Ends Registration, Approval Rules for Suppressors, Short-Barreled Firearms
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) says it will no longer enforce National Firearms Act (NFA) requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and certain other firearms.
Under new guidance, ATF says it will stop enforcing federal requirements for advance approval, registration, and tax stamps for the covered weapons.
The move follows a federal court ruling in Texas that found the NFA's registration and approval requirements for certain firearms could no longer be enforced after Congress cut the law's manufacturing and transfer taxes for the covered weapons to $0 in the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
"The direction from the President, Congress, and the courts is clear," said ATF Director Robert Cekada. "ATF is now following suit with our enforcement posture while continuing to ensure we remain focused where we are needed the most: combatting violent crime in American communities."
The move eliminates a months-long process that required buyers to obtain federal approval, register the items with the government, and pay a tax stamp. Background checks and other federal requirements remain in effect. The move also does not override state and local laws covering the weapons.
Gun shop owners say the change is already having an impact on customers.
"The biggest change is less paperwork," said Mike Perez, owner of the We Kick Brass gun shop in West Palm Beach, Florida. "It's a lot easier for someone to come in here and purchase a firearm and feel safe about it and secure about it."
Machine guns and destructive devices remain subject to NFA requirements while federal approval is still required to transport short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns across state lines.
