RUGER RXM GIVEAWAY

ATF Form 1: Step-by-Step Guide to Building a NFA Firearm

05/2025
May 13, 2025
🕒 4 mins

If you’ve ever wanted to build your own suppressor or short-barreled rifle legally, ATF Form 1 is your key to the NFA world. But with all the talk of tax stamps, engraving rules, and submission steps, it can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about filing an ATF Form 1 online, meeting the NFA engraving requirements, and navigating the approval process like a pro. Whether you’re a first-timer or looking to expand your collection, this is how you unlock the potential of custom-built freedom—one stamp at a time. Chesapeake Gunslingers simplifies the entire Form 1 process so you can focus on building with confidence, not guessing your way through red tape.

🔷 What is ATF Form 1?

ATF Form 1 is the “Application to Make and Register a Firearm” used when you want to build (manufacture) your own NFA firearm—like a short-barreled rifle (SBR), short-barreled shotgun (SBS), suppressor, or other regulated items under the National Firearms Act (NFA).

🔹 It’s used only by individuals, trusts, or legal entities making their own NFA item—not by dealers or manufacturers selling them.

🔷 Why Does Form 1 Exist?

Form 1 exists because the NFA of 1934 requires that certain firearms and devices be tightly regulated, tracked, and taxed. The form:

  • Registers your homemade NFA item with the ATF
  • Ensures compliance before you build it
  • Allows the ATF to verify you pass background checks and are legally allowed to possess such a firearm

🧠 You must be approved before building—starting the build beforehand is a federal felony.

🔷 What Does ATF Form 1 Do?

Filing Form 1 does 3 things:

  1. Registers you as the maker of an NFA firearm
  2. Allows you to legally build it
  3. Initiates a $200 tax payment (called the NFA tax stamp)

Once approved, the Form 1 functions like a legal document that shows you have ATF permission to possess and build the NFA firearm.

🔷 What NFA Items Require a Form 1?

If you’re making one of the following, you must submit a Form 1 before building:

  • 🔫 Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) – Barrel < 16″ (or < 26″ OAL if folding)
  • 🔫 Short-Barreled Shotgun (SBS) – Barrel < 18″ (or < 26″ OAL)
  • 🔇 Suppressor (Silencer)
  • 🔥 Any Other Weapon (AOW) – e.g., pistol with vertical grip
  • 💣 Destructive Device – grenade launchers, etc.

🔷 Legal Requirements Before Filing

To file ATF Form 1, you must:

✅ Be at least 21 (for a trust) or 18 (for individuals)

✅ Be legally allowed to own firearms (no felony convictions, etc.)

✅ Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident

✅ Live in a state where NFA items are legal (check your state laws)

✅ Do not build the firearm until your Form 1 is approved

🔷 How to Fill Out ATF Form 1

You can file either:

  • Online via eForms (preferred, much faster)
  • Or paper form (slow, usually discouraged)

Here’s what you’ll need:

🔹 1. Go to the ATF eForms Portal

Create an account if you haven’t already.

🔹 2. Complete Form 1 Sections

Key fields you’ll fill:

FieldWhat to Enter
Applicant TypeIndividual, Trust, Corporation
Firearm TypeSBR, SBS, Suppressor, etc.
Model/ManufacturerList firearm model OR “Form 1” for suppressors
CaliberList the actual caliber (e.g., 5.56mm, .30 cal)
Barrel LengthIn inches (for SBR/SBS)
Overall LengthFully extended length of the firearm
Serial NumberMust be unique and engraved on firearm
Maker’s InfoYour name (or trust), city, and state (must be engraved too)

🔹 3. Upload Required Documents

  • Trust documents (if applying under a trust)
  • Passport-style photo (for individuals)
  • Fingerprint cards – mailed separately after submission
  • Responsible Person Questionnaires (Form 5320.23) for each person listed on a trust

🔹 4. Pay the $200 Tax

Use credit or debit card during eForm submission.

🔷 Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Submitting without fingerprint cards or passport photo (for individuals)

❌ Using vague or incorrect barrel length or overall length

❌ Not engraving the correct info on the firearm before assembly

❌ Forgetting to include all trustees/responsible persons (for trust)

❌ Starting the build before approval

🔷 Submission Process (Step-by-Step)

  1. Log in to ATF eForms
  2. Click Form 1 – ATF 5320.1
  3. Enter firearm and applicant info
  4. Upload documents
  5. Pay $200
  6. Submit
  7. Receive cover letter with control number
  8. Mail fingerprint cards + cover letter to ATF (within 10 business days)

🔷 Current Wait Times (as of May 2025)

  • eForm 1 (Individual or Trust):
    🕒 Typically 1–2 months (sometimes faster for suppressors)
  • Paper Form 1:
    🕒 6–12 months (not recommended)

These are estimates and can vary depending on workload or political environment.

🔷 After Form 1 is Approved

You will receive your approved Form 1 with a tax stamp. Here’s what you’re now legally required to do:

✅ 1. Engrave Your Info

  • Name/Trust Name
  • City & State
  • Must be engraved before final assembly
  • Must meet ATF specs: minimum 0.003″ depth, 1/16″ height

✅ 2. Follow NFA Rules

  • Always maintain possession of the registered item
  • Transport across state lines?
    Submit Form 5320.20 before travel (for SBR/SBS/DD)
  • Don’t sell or transfer the item without ATF approval

✅ 3. Keep a Copy of Form 1

  • Must be stored with the firearm
  • Have a copy (paper or digital) with you when shooting or traveling

Building an NFA firearm through the ATF Form 1 process doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be done right. From selecting your platform to understanding engraving specs and submitting your paperwork, every step matters. With the right knowledge and guidance, you can turn your vision into a compliant, functional piece of freedom. At Chesapeake Gunslingers, we’re here to help you every step of the way—whether it’s answering your questions, offering engraving services, or supplying the gear to complete your build. Ready to start your Form 1 journey? Let’s make it happen.

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Johnnie Loveday

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