Effective October 9, 2026 — Based on the ATF Open Letter
The ATF has announced a major change in how it handles certain firearms and firearm accessories covered by the National Firearms Act (NFA).
Because Congress reduced the federal tax on certain NFA items to $0, the ATF says it will no longer require federal approval or registration for those items under its new enforcement policy.
Here's what that means for gun owners.
1. Which firearms and accessories are affected?
Under the new ATF policy, the following items will no longer require NFA approval or registration with the ATF:
Suppressors (silencers)
Short-barreled rifles (SBRs)
Short-barreled shotguns (SBSs)
Certain other weapons classified as “Any Other Weapons” (AOWs)
Previously, buying or making these items generally required submitting paperwork to the ATF, waiting for approval, and registering the item under the NFA.
Under the new policy, the ATF will no longer require that approval or registration.
2. Does this mean you can buy one without ATF paperwork?
Under the announced policy, the ATF will no longer require NFA Form 1 or Form 4 approval or NFA registration for the items listed above.
However, this does not mean that all paperwork or legal requirements disappear.
Regular firearm laws still apply, including background checks, dealer recordkeeping, and restrictions on who can legally possess firearms.
The ATF will also continue accepting NFA paperwork for people who voluntarily choose to submit it.
3. What has NOT changed?
There are several important exceptions.
Machine guns and destructive devices
These items remain subject to the NFA's existing requirements. The $200 federal tax was not eliminated for these categories, so the ATF's new policy does not remove their NFA restrictions.
Federal firearm laws
People who are legally prohibited from possessing firearms cannot legally possess these items just because the NFA registration requirement has changed.
Background checks and applicable federal firearm laws remain in effect.
State and local laws
This is one of the biggest things gun owners need to understand.
The new ATF policy does not automatically make suppressors, short-barreled rifles, or short-barreled shotguns legal in every state or city.
Some states prohibit certain items or have specific requirements for possessing them. You must still follow the laws where you live.
4. What about transporting short-barreled rifles and shotguns?
The ATF says individuals should continue filing ATF Form 20 when transporting short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns, even if those firearms are not registered under the NFA.
Be especially careful when traveling across state lines. A firearm that is legal in your home state may be restricted or prohibited in another state.
Check the laws of every state you plan to travel through before transporting these items.
5. What about gun dealers and manufacturers?
Federal firearm dealers and manufacturers still have legal obligations.
The ATF says businesses must continue paying applicable special occupational taxes when required. Federal firearm laws, dealer records, background checks, and state and local restrictions also remain in effect.
The ATF is working on additional rules for dealers who transfer short-barreled rifles and shotguns.
6. Does this apply nationwide?
According to the ATF's October 9, 2026, announcement, yes.
Although the original federal court ruling applied only to specific parties and circumstances, the ATF has announced that it will extend this enforcement policy nationwide to people otherwise subject to the affected NFA requirements.
That means the policy is not limited to the people who filed the lawsuit.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The ATF has announced that, effective October 9, 2026, it will no longer require NFA approval or registration for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and qualifying AOWs.
But this is not a free-for-all.
Federal firearm laws still apply.
Prohibited persons still cannot legally possess firearms.
State and local restrictions still apply.
Travel restrictions and other requirements may still apply.
Machine guns and destructive devices remain subject to the existing NFA requirements.
Before buying, building, or transporting an affected item, check the laws that apply to your specific situation.
Disclaimer: This is a plain-language summary of the ATF open letter provided above, not legal advice. Gun owners should review current ATF guidance and applicable state and local laws before acting.
Videos below from the ATF and Jared Yanis
youtu.be/I48Jq5KGC_4?si=7GTAT6mrE1_AqDL4
youtube.com/live/KfXZrkoQy1E?si=czZcSG5EVEhC3RVG
Link to the open letter from the ATF