NFA Transfer status check
- Thread starter PMDW
- Start date
- Status
TexasRifleman
Moderator Emeritus
You can find the name of your examiner on the Bardwell site, I don't remember the URL.
But, I will tell you that 4 months is not enough these days. My last one took a little over 6 months.
They are claiming that background checks from FBI are taking longer than they used to, but who knows.
But, I will tell you that 4 months is not enough these days. My last one took a little over 6 months.
They are claiming that background checks from FBI are taking longer than they used to, but who knows.
The Grand Inquisitor
Member
I'm from Illinois so I don't even have the chance to get stuff within the NFA system, but I think it is bull????? that the FBI checks take a long time. There cannot be all that many people applying for NFA firearms and accesories, and for the ATF and FBI to drag their feet for half of a year is just another example of their incompetance.
30 cal slob
Member
6 months for your first NFA transfer is the average.
30 cal slob
Member
"A watched pot never boils." 
Patience, grasshopper. The day will come, and since you've already been put under the microscope by the ATF, you won't have to undergo any stinkin' background checks to complete the transfer.
Patience, grasshopper. The day will come, and since you've already been put under the microscope by the ATF, you won't have to undergo any stinkin' background checks to complete the transfer.
30 cal slob
Member
Once ATF approves, your dealer will get the forms with the tax stamp(s) affixed.
That form serves as ATF's approval - you just sign the 4473 and you're off. No need to run through ATF's background check again at the point of transfer (however, you might still need to go through the state background check if that is applicable).
p.s. make a ton of notarized photocopies of those forms (double sided) and stick a few in a safe deposit box. You'll have to lug those originals around wherever you take your Class III toys in and out of the state.
That form serves as ATF's approval - you just sign the 4473 and you're off. No need to run through ATF's background check again at the point of transfer (however, you might still need to go through the state background check if that is applicable).
p.s. make a ton of notarized photocopies of those forms (double sided) and stick a few in a safe deposit box. You'll have to lug those originals around wherever you take your Class III toys in and out of the state.
Johnny Guest
Moderator In Memoriam
Gettin' a bit impatient, huh?
PMDW --
If this is your first registration with them, four months sounds like a MINIMUM length of time. Most take longer - - Up to the six months mentioned above. Did your dealer tell you about how long a wait to expect?
I have to admit, I've had nothing to do with the registration process for four or five months. I used to handle the sign off on Forms 4 for our local sheriff and sort of kept in touch with the time lapse. I'm retired now, so I'm out of touch.
Phone number for the NFA Branch of BATFE in Washington DC USED TO BE 202-927-8330. When phoning them in my professional capacity, I always experienced courteous service. I have been told that others have been given rather abrupt treatment.
If your dealer told you to expect, say, a 90 day wait, okay. I've know of it taking that "short" a time, but only with persons who had previously gotten tax stamps.
A hint - - If you choose to call that number, start right off with a cordial tone of voice, tell the call taker that you have a transfer pending, and state that you'd like to learn about how long the process is taking nowadays. If you catch someone in a good mood, he'she MIGHT ask a couple of questions to see if they can track your application. For this reason, have your copy of the Form 4 AND the information from the back of your check, showing when and where it was deposited. IF the person locates a record on the computer and tells you it is pending, ask if there's a case number or record tracking number you can use for future reference.
If they tell you it's taking "about four or five months," this is probably the best you can hope for. I suggest you do NOT demand special service or complain about the delay. I have NO confirmation on this, but there's been some suspicion that those who irritate the low lever clerks MIGHT experience greater delays. Whatever, be sure to get the name of the person with whom you speak, thank him/her kindly, and ask how long you should wait before phoning back. (This puts that person in the position of giving you assistance without having to leave the desk.)
Also, be advised that, for a big govt bureau, the word is that they still do a LOT of manual filing - - Not everything is computerized. Depending upon the status of your application, it might take considerable paper shuffling to even LOCATE it.
We'd all be interested to know how it's going with you. Please come back to this thread and give us an update.
Best of luck,
Johnny
PMDW --
If this is your first registration with them, four months sounds like a MINIMUM length of time. Most take longer - - Up to the six months mentioned above. Did your dealer tell you about how long a wait to expect?
I have to admit, I've had nothing to do with the registration process for four or five months. I used to handle the sign off on Forms 4 for our local sheriff and sort of kept in touch with the time lapse. I'm retired now, so I'm out of touch.
Phone number for the NFA Branch of BATFE in Washington DC USED TO BE 202-927-8330. When phoning them in my professional capacity, I always experienced courteous service. I have been told that others have been given rather abrupt treatment.
If your dealer told you to expect, say, a 90 day wait, okay. I've know of it taking that "short" a time, but only with persons who had previously gotten tax stamps.
A hint - - If you choose to call that number, start right off with a cordial tone of voice, tell the call taker that you have a transfer pending, and state that you'd like to learn about how long the process is taking nowadays. If you catch someone in a good mood, he'she MIGHT ask a couple of questions to see if they can track your application. For this reason, have your copy of the Form 4 AND the information from the back of your check, showing when and where it was deposited. IF the person locates a record on the computer and tells you it is pending, ask if there's a case number or record tracking number you can use for future reference.
If they tell you it's taking "about four or five months," this is probably the best you can hope for. I suggest you do NOT demand special service or complain about the delay. I have NO confirmation on this, but there's been some suspicion that those who irritate the low lever clerks MIGHT experience greater delays. Whatever, be sure to get the name of the person with whom you speak, thank him/her kindly, and ask how long you should wait before phoning back. (This puts that person in the position of giving you assistance without having to leave the desk.
)Also, be advised that, for a big govt bureau, the word is that they still do a LOT of manual filing - - Not everything is computerized. Depending upon the status of your application, it might take considerable paper shuffling to even LOCATE it.
We'd all be interested to know how it's going with you. Please come back to this thread and give us an update.
Best of luck,
Johnny
Hkmp5sd
Member
If you are buying a converted machinegun (registered sear), it has probably been "married" to the receiver. If that is the case, both will appear on the Form 4.
- Status
