Whereas many NFA item owners are aware of the requirement to submit a Form 20 before crossing state lines with a machine gun, short-barreled shotgun, short-barreled rifle, or destructive device, many are unaware that a one-year approval is permissible under section 13.8.3 of the NFA Handbook (available on the ATF’s website at this link: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-firearms-act-handbook):
13.8.3 One-year approval. If a person will be transporting his/her firearm(s) to the same location on a continual basis, ATF will approve a transportation request for up to 1 year. Example: the person lives in State A, has a farm in State B (State B allows possession of the particular firearm), and wants to take the firearm to the farm throughout the year. The person may request permission for a 1-year period to transport the firearm interstate to the farm. Any other interstate transportation would still require a separate request and approval. Second example: the person lives in State A and wants to transport his/her firearm to a site in State B where competitions and shootings occur several times a year (State B allows possession of the firearm). The person may request permission for a 1-year period to transport the firearm interstate to the site for competitions and shoots. Any other interstate transportation would still require a separate request and approval.
This provision can come in very handy for those who frequent the same properties multiple times a year. But what is the Form 20 and how is this different from the normal process? The ATF Form 20 (Application to Transport Interstate or Temporarily Export Certain National Firearms Act Firearms) is a critical document required for individuals who legally own or possess NFA-regulated firearms and intend to transport them across state lines or export them temporarily. These firearms include suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), and machine guns. The form is administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in accordance with the National Firearms Act (NFA).
Purpose of ATF Form 20
The primary goal of ATF Form 20 is to regulate the transportation of NFA firearms in compliance with federal law. Since these items are subject to stricter controls than standard firearms, the form ensures proper oversight of their movement and prevents illegal activities. It also helps firearm owners align with applicable state and local laws, as some jurisdictions restrict or prohibit specific NFA items.
Who Needs to Use ATF Form 20?
Anyone legally in possession of an NFA firearm planning to transport it across state lines must submit ATF Form 20, unless exempted by specific regulations. For instance, suppressors—while regulated under the NFA—do not require Form 20 for interstate transport. However, this requirement applies to items such as SBRs, SBSs, and machine guns. Additionally, individuals or entities exporting NFA firearms temporarily for lawful purposes, like hunting or exhibitions, must also file this form.
Information Required on the Form
The ATF Form 20 collects detailed information about the firearm and its intended transportation. Key sections include:
- Applicant Information: Name, address, and contact details of the person or organization filing the form.
- Firearm Description: Details such as the firearm’s make, model, type (e.g., SBR or machine gun), caliber, and serial number.
- Reason for Transport: A description of why the firearm is being moved, such as attending an event, relocating, or temporary use in another state.
- Transportation Details: Specific addresses for the origin and destination, planned dates of transport, and any intermediate stops.
- Certification: The applicant must confirm compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
Submission and Approval Process
To complete the process, the applicant must submit the ATF Form 20 either electronically or via mail. It is advisable to file the form well ahead of the intended transportation date, as processing can take several weeks. Once the application is reviewed and approved, the ATF issues a stamped copy of the form. This stamped copy serves as proof of authorization and should be kept on hand during transport.
Conclusion
As of this writing, the current processing time for The ATF Form 20 is 22 days. If you were to travel to the same locations multiple times a year, waiting for the stamped Form 20 to return would require a great deal of time. The one-year approval option is a much more efficient solution. Although many NFA item owners overlook the Form 20, it ensures compliance with federal and state regulations while maintaining accountability for these highly controlled items. Although the process may seem time-consuming, it is an essential responsibility for NFA firearm owners committed to following the law.
ATF Processing Times