Current Processing Times

Average Processing Times for Applications Processed During December 2024

Statistical information on average processing times of applications that are filled out correctly and completely.

ATF Form Processing Office Paper eForms
Form 1 Application to Make and Register a Firearm NFA Division 83 days 21 days
Form 2 Notice of Firearms Manufactured or Imported NFA Division 931 days* 2 days
Form 3 Application for Tax-Exempt Transfer of Firearm and Registration to Special Occupational Taxpayer (SOT) NFA Division 7 days 3 days
Form 4 Trust Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm NFA Division 159 days 34 days
Form 4 Individual Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm NFA Division 158 days 20 days
Form 5 Application for Tax-Exempt Transfer and Registration of Firearm NFA Division 32 days 3 days
Form 6 Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War Imports Branch 16 days 13 days
Form 6 NIA Application/Permit for Temporary Importation of Firearms and Ammunition by Nonimmigrant Aliens Imports Branch 22 days -
Form 7 Application for Federal Firearms License (FFL) FFLC - -
Form 9 Application and Permit for Permanent Exportation NFA Division 4 days 1 day
Form 10 Application for Registration of Firearms Acquired by Certain Governmental Entities NFA Division 22 days 18 days
Form 3311.4 Application for Alternate Means of Identification of Firearm(s) (Marking Variance) FATD - -
Form 5320.20 Application to Transport Interstate or to Temporarily Export Certain National Firearms Act (NFA) Firearms NFA Division 22 days -
Form 5400.13/
5400.16		 Application for Explosives License or Permit (FEL/FEP) FELC 3 months -
Form 5400.28 Employee Possessor Questionnaire (EPQ) FELC 3 months -

*This average includes problem forms that were returned without action. Excluding those forms, the average processing time was 6 days.


Total of Pending NFA Forms

  • Total number of actionable applications, excluding applications submitted pursuant to ATF Final Rule 2021R-08F: 101,614

 

Last Reviewed January 14, 2025