The Records Search Request (RSR) Program, Tracing Operations and Records Management Branch (TORM), will search the records maintained at the National Tracing Center (NTC) from out of business Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) pursuant to a request from ATF or other accredited law enforcement agency as part of a bona fide criminal investigation. Law enforcement regularly makes such requests to obtain the serial number of a firearm that was stolen from an individual.

Private Citizens: A private citizen needing to obtain the serial number of a stolen firearm purchased from an FFL which has since discontinued business will need to contact local law enforcement and request that the agency submit a Record Search Request. The NTC can only provide firearms records to law enforcement personnel, not to the general public.

Law Enforcement: Requests can be submitted via email to RecordsSearchRequest@atf.gov and must be submitted from an official law enforcement agency email address and include the name and title of the person submitting the request.

All requests require the following information:

1. The purpose for the request.

2. Investigation/case number if requested by law enforcement other than ATF.

3. Purchaser’s name and date of birth.

4. Description of firearm.

5. Name and location of licensed firearms dealer (where the firearm was purchased).

6. Date of purchase or estimated timeframe.

For assistance or for additional information, please contact the NTC Firearms Services Section at 1-800-788-7133.