Just got my supressor, what should I do with my paperwork?

I've heard some people recommend scanning it into a PDF (so you can print as many copies as you need) and putting the original in a safety deposit box at the bank. Copies should be sufficient for general police encounters of "hey, is that legal?" but if the ATF ever takes serious interest in your can, you'll probably need the actual F4 with the stamp. I wouldn't recommend laminating the original, but it might not hurt to laminate a copy.

I'm about a month out from getting my first can back, but I would personally keep my stamps with other important documents in a safe and have copies just about everywhere, including the PDF files on my iPhone. It is definitely a good idea to keep your form 4 with the can while you are out shooting it (or at least in the car while at the range). I even have a friend who folded up a copy of a Form 4 for a M16 and put it in the storage compartment of the pistol grip!

I recommend making copies (several) and putting one in every car that you would drive when u go shoot it, place the original in one of those binder picture sleeves( DO NOT LAMINATE ) and put it somewhere safe like a safe or safe deposit box

I scan mine and then print a copy to bring to the range. The original goes into the safe. Never considered laminating the original, since I wouldn't need to handle it again.

I make 1/4 sized copies and laminate them keep a full set in the range bag and a few other bags that always go with me.

scan to a file you can access by smartphone if neccessary

Laminated copies with each item, originals in document protectors in the safe deposit box at the bank.

ATF will be satisfied with this and they are the only ones that can demand to see the paperwork in hand.

I once had a Base Commander once try to tell me that he was going to take custody of an item and I told him that he was more than welcome to do so as long as he understood that the ATF would be there to arrest him immediately after.

lol...*That* was a hoot of a day!

I just picked up my first tax stamp yesterday. With a double sided printer and some messing around with Acrobat settings, you can print double sided 1/4 and 1/2 copies. I am going to get a few of them laminated and put one in my wallet, and one in my suppressors pouch. I'm also going to put full sized copies in both cars.

Just out of curiosity, why do yall say not to laminate the original? I was kind of planning on laminating the original and then leaving it in the safe, but maybe the lamination isn't such a hot idea?

I'll add this, my 1/4 and 1/2 scale copies are color. If you make a full scale copy, in color, you break federal law.

You cannot copy a federal stamp to scale in color.

scan it, email pdf to yourself and put it in a folder on your email account (in addition to photo copies).

you can access your email from any computer and print out as needed. i do same with my concealed permits and drivers license.

jmorris,

What law are you breaking if you copy your form 4 in color? I know that it is illegal to make photocopies of government ID badges, but I haven't found anything on the BATFE FAQ about that. This is the only question I could find that was related:

Q: Does the owner of a registered NFA firearm have to have any evidence to show it is registered lawfully to him or her?
Yes. The approved application received from ATF serves as evidence of registration of the NFA firearm in the owner’s name. This document must be kept available for inspection by ATF officers. It is suggested that a photocopy of the approved application be carried by the owner when the weapon is being transported.

Just out of curiosity, why do yall say not to laminate the original?

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I wouldn't because I don't plan on handling the original at all besides the first day when I make copies/scans, and if I ever do end up needing to show the original (say, court proceeding) I want it to be in the exact same condition that it was in when the ATF sent it to me. That's not to say that it looses any legal legitimacy by being laminated, its just that I would rather not change an original in any way. I probably would laminate at least one or two copies of the form for durability's sake, but just not the original.

lcambre said:

I scan mine and then print a copy to bring to the range. The original goes into the safe. Never considered laminating the original, since I wouldn't need to handle it again.

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My approach as well.

DO NOT LAMINATE THE ORIGINAL!

If the ATF ever needs to validate your paperwork (like they loose their copy), they cannot determine whether or not the stamp is authentic if it is laminated. That means you cannot prove the form is legitimate no matter how many copies you have.

I keep several hard copies, I have PDF scans saved on my computer, and I keep my originals in my safe deposit box.

Seems to me that having copies Notarized would be a prudent action to take.

That doesn't make any sense to me.

Notaries verify your signature on a document is your signature. What you're really wanting is "certified" copies, but only the ATF could provide that.

Just put the original in a safe place and keep some copies around. Don't get too paranoid about it.

Aaron

I make a few photocopies, and scan. I carry photocopies with the cans, and store the originals in my safe. If something ever happens to the copies or originals, I still have the electronic scans.

Like most of the posters, I copy and scan my forms before storing them. I have one 9mm can that I use on a couple of pistols and an AR; a copy goes into each pistol case and one in the grip of the AR. Just being prudent.

Nasty said:

Laminated copies with each item, originals in document protectors in the safe deposit box at the bank.

ATF will be satisfied with this and they are the only ones that can demand to see the paperwork in hand.

I once had a Base Commander once try to tell me that he was going to take custody of an item and I told him that he was more than welcome to do so as long as he understood that the ATF would be there to arrest him immediately after.

lol...*That* was a hoot of a day!

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Base Commander? Military bases have their own restrictions for possessing firearms on base. The base commander and/or his designee (OSI, SFS) would certainly be within their legal right to seize any firearm/weapons not properly registered on base. Don't forget too, that many states have NFA requirements of their own and any local officer can certainly ask for that as well.

Best answer? A copy is sufficient as long as it is legible. Don't laminate the original, keep it in a safe place. The copy MUST accompany the NFA item wherever it goes. Don't cross state lines with an NFA item without prior ATF approval.

The copy MUST accompany the NFA item wherever it goes. Don't cross state lines with an NFA item without prior ATF approval.

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Must according to whom? Cite a law, regulation or at least an ATF recommendation that says that.

It isn't bad advice to carry a copy with your firearm, but there's nothing legally required. The ATF can ask to see it, as can local law enforcement if there are state laws in your state regarding NFA firearms. If you don't have it on you, it might create a temporary hassle, but once you produce the paperwork, problem solved.

The law in question is 26 U.S.C. 5841(e). It generally requires proof to be shown, upon request, to ATF agents. Just because they request it doesn't mean you have to be able to pull it out of your pocket right there. They might temporarily seize your firearm until you produce the proof, but you're breaking no law.

Personally, the only time I've ever met an ATF agent is when I was in an Assistant United States District Attorney's office, and it wasn't a surprise. I doubt you'll encounter them at the shooting range.

Also, not all NFA firearms require ATF approval to cross state lines. You can cross state lines without approval with a silencer.

Aaron

Irritating the authority having jurisdiction is not a good idea. Without the paperwork, the weapon or item is illegal. Having a copy of the paperwork on hand will make your life a lot simpler.

Irritating the authority having jurisdiction is not a good idea.

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True, but the ATF is the authority having jurisdiction, and ATF agents don't just wander shooting ranges asking for paperwork. And they only suggest you keep the paperwork with you--it's not legally required. So I doubt it would irritate them much as long as you were nice about it.

Without the paperwork, the weapon or item is illegal.

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That is absolutely false. If an NFA firearm is registered, it is always legal, whether you have the paperwork with you or not. You may not be able to "prove" to someone on the spot that it's legal, but that doesn't make it illegal.

Having a copy of the paperwork on hand will make your life a lot simpler.

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Yes. That's true. Which is why keeping a copy with you when going to the range isn't a bad idea. But it isn't legally required, and I've never been stopped by anyone at the range, much less encountered the ATF.

Aaron

Aaron,

Everything you said, is true. But without the paperwork, how does the authority having jurisdiction, Game Warden, local Sheriff, etc., know that. They can make you life very miserable until you can prove it is legal.

The ATF is the ultimate AHJ, but having to involve them at a local because you do not have the paperwork with you or do not want to produce it unless it is to the ATF is simply not worth the hassel.

I have asked the local Police, Sheriff's office, and Game Warden, and even my local gun range, they all came back with the same answer, YOU NEED THE PAPERWORK with the NFA item. They may be wrong, but I am not willing to challange them.

Make yourself some double-sided color copies. I keep one in the car along with my vehicle registration and proof of insurance. In case I happen to get pulled over with it, everything is at hand. I keep a copy in my range bag also.

Some ranges request to see the "paperwork" and you will find that 9 times out of 10 they have no idea what they are looking at. You will be amazed at the misinformation that's out there amongst "gun people." Congratulations, you now get to explain that there is no such thing as a "Class 3 License" and that there is no license required at all, but rather a tax stamp. You'll also get to explain that you've actually NOT given up all your rights to privacy. Remember, this all started because you wanted to have some fun