NFA Registration Options

Quick Take

NFA Registration Options: Individual vs. Trust vs. LLC/Corporation – Pros, Cons & eForm Tips

2023-01-31 4 min read

NFA Registration Options

Yowie Outdoors
#NFA #Registration #how-to

Ways To Register a Silencer or Other NFA Item

Choosing how you should register a suppressor is sometimes confusing and is one of the most common questions we get. There are basically three different registration methods available.

Individual

As an individual, your suppressor (NFA item) is registered in your name—and only your name. This means you legally cannot share it with anyone if you’re not physically present.

For all of the options, this one requires the least paperwork to get your suppressor. On the flip side, registering as an individual is the least flexible for “sharing” your silencer with friends or family.

Traditional NFA Trust

Some customers choose the Traditional NFA Trust because the trust puts all serialized items into one document. This is a great option for people who want to list responsible parties and beneficiaries.

Traditional NFA Trusts are great for customers who want their trust to dictate who the silencer can be handled by during their life and after.

Corporation (LLC/Corp)

Filing under a corporation implies you have a business. The silencer belongs to the corporation. Customers like this option when they want employees to have access—remember, the corporation owns it, similar to a company vehicle employees can use.

Some customers still prefer a trust because if the company liquidates, the silencer is technically an asset of that company.

Changing Your Filing Method

Switching to a different registration type requires re-filing the suppressor. Re-filing means new paperwork, a $200 tax stamp, and waiting for approval.

Quick Comparison Table

Use the table below to help decide which method is best for you. It shows a quick comparison between the options:

     Individual Traditional NFA Trust Corporation
Who is allowed to use and possess my Suppressor? You Anyone listed as a Trustee (including you). Anyone listed as an officer (including you).
What are the Setup Requirements? No additional paperwork is necessary. Print, notarize & scan. Then upload. Submit your letter of Incorporation
How do I add Trustee(s) to be able to transport and use my Suppressor without me present? This option does not allow Trustees. Varies depending on the Trust used. When using Silencer Shop's Trust, we provide an Addendum. Varies depending on State requirements for adding an officer.
Is the CLEO (Chief Law Enforcement Officer) Notification Required? Yes, but we do it for you. Yes, but we do it for you. Yes, but we do it for you and all Officers.
Can I list who will receive my silencer upon my death? No, but may be willed to an heir. The heir would need to re-register with the ATF. Yes, there will be a spot for you to list beneficiaries when you set up your Trust. Articles of Incorporation should have a section laid out for this.
Who has to complete Fingerprints? Required by you. Required by you & all responsible parties. Required by all officers listed on the Corporation.
Who has to complete a Passport-Style Photo? Required by you. Required by you & all responsible parties. Required by all officers listed on the Corporation.
Who has to provide Registration Information? Required by you. Required by you & all responsible parties. Required by all officers listed on the Corporation.
How many times can I use this registration method? You can file as an Individual as many times as you want. Unlimited. You can add as many items as you want to the Trust. Unlimited. You can add as many items as you want to the Corporation.
Does it Increase the Wait Time? No. Possibly. The more responsible parties you have listed on your trust, the more time it could take the ATF to investigate each person. Possibly. The more responsible parties you have listed on your Corporation, the more time it could take the ATF to investigate each person.
Cost $0 Silencer Shop offers a traditional NFA trust for $129.95. They also have a Single item trust for 24.95. Otherwise, an attorney could charge whatever they want. N/A