The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has published proposed changes to Form 1, the application to make or register a firearm under the National Firearms Act (NFA), aimed at streamlining and modernizing the NFA acquisition process. The Federal Register notice indicates Form 1 applications have increased nearly five-fold since the form was last renewed, but ATF estimates the time burden will be more than halved thanks to electronic forms and additional efficiencies.
Key proposed changes include allowing passport-style photographs or photo-ID copies, additional electronic signature options, electronic fingerprints, and removing the requirement to notify the chief local law enforcement officer (CLEO) of the applicant’s jurisdiction. The CLEO notification removal would address both administrative burdens and privacy concerns, as ATF can perform required background checks without local law enforcement involvement.
These improvements follow the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Trump last July 4, which eliminated taxes on suppressors, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and other NFA items. The streamlining continues ATF’s promise to abandon previous administration policies and usher in a “new era of reform.”
Why This Matters
These Form 1 improvements will significantly benefit FFL dealers who assist customers with NFA applications. The electronic fingerprint option and CLEO notification removal will reduce paperwork burdens and processing delays. Combined with the tax elimination from 2026, these changes make NFA items more accessible to customers while reducing administrative complexity for dealers. Colorado FFLs should prepare for potentially increased NFA transfer volume as the process becomes more user-friendly.
Original Source: Read the full article at NRA-ILA →