Do I need to Carry My ATF Approved Form 4

Carrying Your Approved Form 4 & Traveling Interstate with ATF eForm 5320.20

This guide covers two essentials for NFA owners: (1) how to handle your approved ATF Form 4 (5320.4) day-to-day, and (2) when and how to file ATF Form 20 (5320.20) for interstate transport of certain NFA firearms. Everything below aligns to current ATF, U.S. Code/eCFR, and TSA guidance (see Sources).

Executive Summary

• ATF Form 4 (5320.4) — Proof your NFA item is registered. Not legally required to carry at all times, but carrying a copy helps resolve questions quickly during range use, hunts, or travel checks.

  Common Practice : Although it is not mandatory, keeping a copy (either electronic or physical) in your range bag, vehicle, or hunting gear is a good practice. It can provide peace of mind and quickly address any questions or concerns from law enforcement officers or range officials. There will always be individuals who may seek to create issues. Taking these precautions can be the most straightforward and efficient way to address and mitigate such problems, helping them resolve quickly and smoothly.

• ATF Form 20 (5320.20) — Required before interstate travel with SBR, SBS, MG, or DD. Not required for silencers/suppressors or AOWs, but those items must be lawful in every jurisdiction along your route and destination. ATF approval is contingent on compliance with applicable state and local law.
• Air travel — Firearms/suppressors must be in checked baggage inside a locked, hard-sided case and declared at check-in. If your itinerary crosses state lines with SBR/SBS/MG/DD, an approved Form 20 is still required.

Understanding ATF Form 4 (5320.4)

ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) administers the National Firearms Act (NFA). An approved Form 4 is your proof of registration for a transferred NFA item (e.g., suppressor). It lists the serial number, make/model, and the registered owner (individual or trust).

Who Can Lawfully Request Proof of Registration?

ATF can request proof for inspections, audits, or investigations to ensure federal compliance. Local law enforcement may ask to see documentation during encounters (e.g., a traffic stop or public incident). While they do not enforce federal NFA regulations independently, providing documentation can quickly clarify lawful possession. You are not federally required to carry the form at all times, but presenting a copy often resolves questions on the spot.

Should You Keep a Copy with You?

1. While Hunting or at the Range

• Legal Requirement: You are not legally required to carry a copy of your ATF Form 5320.4 while hunting or using your NFA item at the range.
• Common Practice : Although it is not mandatory, keeping a copy (either electronic or physical) in your range bag, vehicle, or hunting gear is a good practice. It can provide peace of mind and quickly address any questions or concerns from law enforcement officers or range officials. There will always be individuals who may seek to create issues. Taking these precautions can be the most straightforward and efficient way to address and mitigate such problems, helping them resolve quickly and smoothly.

2. For Travel

• Legal Requirement: The ATF does not require you to carry your Form 5320.4 when traveling with your NFA item. You must ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws during transport.
• Common Practice : Although it is not mandatory, keeping a copy (either electronic or physical) in your range bag, vehicle, or hunting gear is a good practice. It can provide peace of mind and quickly address any questions or concerns from law enforcement officers or range officials. There will always be individuals who may seek to create issues. Taking these precautions can be the most straightforward and efficient way to address and mitigate such problems, helping them resolve quickly and smoothly.

Keeping Your Documentation Safe

Even though you don't need to have your ATF Form 5320.4 on your person at all times, it is crucial to keep both electronic and physical copies of this document in a secure place. Here are some best practices:

• Electronic: Store a clear scan in secure, password-protected storage.
• Physical: Keep a clean printout with your trust documents (if applicable) and another in your range bag or safe.

Interstate Travel & ATF eForm 5320.20 (Form 20)

What’s new: ATF supports electronic filing of Form 20 through ATF eForms, letting you submit online instead of fax/email/mail. Form 20 is the Application to Transport Interstate or to Temporarily Export Certain NFA Firearms.

When is Form 20 Required?

• Required (interstate): Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR), Short-Barreled Shotgun (SBS), Machine Gun (MG), Destructive Device (DD).
• Not required: Silencer/Suppressor and AOW. (Those items still must be lawful in every jurisdiction you enter.)
• Trip type: Mark Temporary (will return) for trips or Permanent for relocations.

Important: ATF will approve transport only if it is consistent with applicable state and local law. You must verify legality at your origin, along your route (even if just passing through), and at your destination.

What Form 20 (5320.20) Requires

The eForm mirrors the paper form; submit one firearm per form.

• Registrant: Individual or exact Trust/Entity name, address, and contact.
• Firearm description: Type (SBR/SBS/MG/DD), caliber/gauge, manufacturer, model, barrel length, overall length, serial number.
• From (origin): Current registered address for the firearm.
• To (destination): Address where the firearm will be located during the trip (lodging, event venue, host/range, etc.).
• Dates: From/To dates covering the entire travel window (seasonal ranges commonly approved; re-file if plans change).
• Temporary or Permanent: Check the appropriate box.
• Reason for transport: Brief and specific (e.g., “Hunting trip,” “Competition,” “Training,” “Event”).
• Signature/Certification confirming accuracy and legal compliance.

ATF instructions note separate forms for additional firearms; if using a contract/common carrier, the carrier should have a copy of the approved form during transport.

How to File eForm 5320.20 (Step-by-Step)

1. Go to https://eforms.atf.gov and sign in.
2. Select Form 20 — Application to Transport NFA Firearms.
3. Registrant: Choose Individual or Trust/Entity exactly as on your tax stamp.
4. Enter the firearm details and origin/destination addresses.
5. Choose Temporary (will return) or Permanent (relocation); enter From/To dates and a concise Reason.
6. Submit and wait for approval. Travel only within the approved dates and keep a copy of the approved 5320.20 with you.

Documents to Carry

• Approved Form 20 for each SBR/SBS/MG/DD transported.
• Registration (Form 1/4) for each NFA item, including suppressors.
• Any state/local permits or documents required on your route.

Good to Know

• Multiple destinations: File per destination as needed, or use a primary location and ensure compliance everywhere you stop.
• Changes after approval: If your dates or destination change, submit an updated Form 20 before traveling.
• Trusts: Only responsible persons/authorized possessors per your trust may possess the item during travel.
• FFL/SOT shipments: Commercial transfers/shipments follow different rules; Form 20 covers personal interstate transport by the registrant.

Air Travel Essentials

• Firearms and suppressors must be in checked baggage only inside a locked, hard-sided case; declare at check-in.
• Follow your airline’s firearms policy and TSA guidance (links in Sources).
• If flying across state lines with SBR/SBS/MG/DD, an approved Form 20 is still required.

Seasonal, Extended, and Permanent Moves

• Seasonal/recurring travel: Use Temporary; request a reasonable date range. Re-file if plans change.
• Extended but returning: Still Temporary (will return) if the firearm is coming back to the origin state.
• Permanent move: File as Permanent for SBR/SBS/MG/DD before relocating.

Common Questions & Where They’re Answered

• Do I need to carry my Form 4 everywhere? No federal requirement; best practice is to carry a copy — see Should You Keep a Copy? and Executive Summary.
• Who can ask to see my paperwork? ATF (federal); local LE may ask during encounters — see Who Can Lawfully Request Proof.
• Does a suppressor require Form 20 for interstate travel? No; Form 20 applies to SBR/SBS/MG/DD — see Interstate Travel & Form 20.
• What information does Form 20 require? Registrant, firearm description, origin/destination, dates, temp/permanent, reason — see What Form 20 Requires.
• One firearm per Form 20? Yes — see What Form 20 Requires and FAQ.
• Seasonal date ranges? Often allowed if reasonable; re-file if plans change — see How to File eForm 5320.20 and FAQ.
• What documents should I carry when traveling? Approved Form 20 (if applicable), Form 1/4 for each NFA item, any state/local permits — see Documents to Carry.
• Air travel rules? Checked only, locked hard-sided case, declare, follow TSA + airline — see Air Travel Essentials.
• Seasonal vs. permanent moves? Temporary (will return) vs. permanent (relocation) — see Seasonal, Extended, and Permanent Moves.
• Lost my Form 4—how do I get a duplicate? Contact ATF NFA Division — see Requesting a Duplicate Copy of Your Form 4.

Summary

Form 4 proves your NFA item is registered; carrying a copy is not required by federal law but is a strong best practice. For interstate travel with SBR/SBS/MG/DD, file and obtain approval of Form 20 in advance, keep the approved copy with you, and verify legality in each jurisdiction on your route and destination. For silencers/AOWs, no Form 20 is required, but state/local laws still apply.

Final Thoughts

Owning NFA items carries responsibilities. Keep your paperwork organized, file Form 20 when needed, stay within approved dates, and follow airline/TSA rules if flying. Verify state/local law before trips. With the right prep, you can travel and enjoy your gear confidently and compliantly.

Requesting a Duplicate Copy

If you lose your Form 5320.4, you can request a duplicate copy from the ATF by contacting their NFA Division at (304) 616-4500 or emailing [email protected] . Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

1. Contact the ATF's NFA Division :

   • Reach out to the ATF's National Firearms Act (NFA) Division to request a duplicate copy of your approved Form 5320.4. You can contact them through:

     • Phone : Call the NFA Division at (304) 616-4500.

     • Email : Email inquiries can be sent to [email protected] .

2. Provide Necessary Information :

   • When contacting the ATF, be prepared to provide the following details:

     • Your full name

     • Your contact information

     • The serial number of the NFA item (e.g., suppressor)

     • The make and model of the item

     • The name of the trust (if applicable)

     • The approximate date when the original Form 5320.4 was approved

3. Explain the Situation :

   • Clearly state that you need a duplicate copy of the approved Form 5320.4. Mention that you have lost or no longer have access to the original document.

4. Wait for Processing :

   • The ATF may take some time to process your request and send a duplicate copy. Be patient and follow up if necessary.

5. Receive the Duplicate Copy :

   • The ATF will typically send the duplicate copy via mail. Ensure that your mailing address is current and correct when making the request.

Here is a sample email template you can use to request a duplicate copy:

Subject : Request for Duplicate Copy of ATF Form 5320.4

Dear NFA Division,

I am writing to request a duplicate copy of my approved ATF Form 5320.4. Unfortunately, I no longer have access to the original document. Below is the information related to my NFA item:

• Full Name: [Your Full Name]

• Contact Information: [Your Phone Number/Email Address]

• Serial Number of the NFA Item: [Serial Number]

• Make and Model of the Item: [Make and Model]

• Trust Name (if applicable): [Name of Trust]

• Approximate Approval Date: [Date]

I appreciate your assistance in this matter. Please let me know if any additional information is needed to process this request.

Thank you for your help.

Best regards,
[Your Name]