Moved state-to-state w/out filing a 5420.20 for MG

[Mastergunr]

I have a coworker and our business told him he had two weeks to move to another state for work - he did so, and works colocated with me now.. he tossed his gun safe in U-Haul and moved.

Now, a few months later - he mentions he bought a C3 transferrable MG years ago in his old state. I ask if he has changed his address - he has not - he never thought to look into even state-to-state paperwork.. kind of naïve -thought now that he owned it, he just took with him wherever he goes... so -the question is - what does he do now to correct this?

I gave him the form to fill out for permanent change of address... he is concerned that since its a few months later and the receiveing address will be in new state of residence, he might lose MG or be in trouble.. I dont know what to tell him... advice?!?!?

Does he just fill out and send in? Does he need the services of an NFA lawyer (he's low on funds after move)

I want to help him, please let me know his next best move (and soon, please)

Thnx!

 

[Jim K]

Not uncommon and unless the new state bans NFA firearms, BATFE in the past has been inclined to overlook the error if the form is submitted in a reasonable time.

I would call them and simply explain the problem and see what they say. You need not give them your name and in the past they have told me they don't use caller ID or attempt to trace such calls.

Jim

 

[Mastergunr]

Thank you!

Anyone have any other opinions before I tell him to go ahead call, and mail it?

 

[wally]

While the penalties are potentially greater, its pretty much like changing your address on a Driver's license -- as long as you do it before any issues come up, no way they have the manpower to verify you actually did it within the allowed time window.

So just have him send it in and shut-up about it.

 

[Bubbles]

Make sure the MG is legal to own in the new state, submit the form, shut up, leave MG in the safe until approved 5320.20 is in hand.

Oh and with the gov't shutdown expect the processing to take several months.

ETA: Some states also require MG registration so he needs to look into that as well.

 

[medalguy]

I know that approvals for Form 20s are taking about ten days, at least before the shutdown. Call BATF and explain, and do it as soon as possible.

 

[Claude Clay]

you do not say what state his moved to ....

hope it is not one that starts with a C

 

[Midwest]

you do not say what state his moved to ....

hope it is not one that starts with a C

Or starts with a N and ends with a K or a Y

 

[Prince Yamato]

Submit the form now.