ATF’s new 4473 is now available for pre-order. The new 4473s will start shipping in late July 2020 and all FFLs must start using the new 4473 on November 1, 2020.
If you’re an FFL that would like updates on these topics or help understanding ATF Compliance requirements, you might want to check out RocketFFL’s ATF Compliance program.
4473 Background
The ATF Form 4473 is the form used when purchasing a firearm from a gun store. The 4473 is filled out by the purchaser and includes information about both the purchaser and the firearm(s).
The purchaser includes their personal identifying information and current residential address (which must generally match their government issued photo ID) and they answer a series of questions to ensure that they are not a prohibited person (someone who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition).
The form is also used by Federal Firearm Licensees (FFLs), who are gun dealers/operate gun stores, to record any relevant background check information about the purchaser as well as information about the FFL.
This is an incredibly important form for ATF compliance – it accounts for 7 out of the top 10 violations from the ATF every year.
ATF’S New 4473
There are a handful of changed to the 4473 that the ATF announced on December 26, 2019 for public comment and which are now going into effect on the new firearm transaction form.
The most notable changes are the inclusion of the firearm information at the top of page one instead of page three, the change of “county” to “county/parish/borough,” and the addition of “non-binary” to the gender.
There are, of course, other changes but they are not as significant as these and they apply mostly to the FFLs. There is a full breakdown of each change, and what it means for FFLs, in the RocketFFL compliance program.
New 4473 Deadline
The new 4473s, which can be pre-ordered now and will start shipping by late July 2020, are required as of November 1, 2020.
The current 4473s must be used until this date. The e4473 system should be updated by then but FFLs shouldn’t risk their business on it. Pre-order some paper copies now just in case.
4473 FAQ
Q: When are the new 4473 forms available?
A: The new 4473s are available for pre-order now.
Q: Where can I get the new 4473?
A: The new 4473 can be pre-ordered on the ATF’s website.
Q: When will the new 4473s start shipping?
A: The ATF plans to start shipping the new 4473s by the end of July 2020.
Q: When must FFLs start using the new 4473?
A: The new 4473s must start being used on November 1, 2020.
Q: Does the new 4473 affect individuals?
A: Yes, the new 4473 will affect individual purchasers the next time they purchase a gun from an FFL.
Ryan is a former special operations sniper (1/75 Ranger) and current firearms attorney, firearms industry executive, university lecturer, and bestselling author of the Long Range Shooting Handbook.
This post originally appeared at gununivesity.com and is reprinted here with permission.
