The “original manufacturer” of any SBR or suppressor is required to engrave that item with the name of the manufacturer and city and state in which it is manufactured.
Who is considered the original manufacturer when building or modifying an SBR or suppressor?
- If an individual were to file for the tax stamp under their own name, that individual is considered the original manufacturer of their item. The city and state in which that individual lives will be what will be engraved into the item.
Engraving Example: John Doe
Atlanta, GA
- If an individual were to file for the tax stamp under a trust they create, that trust is considered the original manufacturer of that item. The city and state in which that trust is registered will be engraved into the item.
Engraving Example: JD Trust
Atlanta, GA
Engraving Requirements
According to ATF.gov “The engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) of the serial number and additional information must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch, and the serial number and any associated license number in a print size no smaller than 1/16 inch.”
This tells us the depth and the print size of what you will engrave on your item. The manufacturer’s name, city, and state must be a minimum depth of .003 inch and in a print no smaller than 1/16th of an inch. The engraving must also be in a visible location.
If you are building an item that does not already have a serial number, you will choose your own serial number to have engraved in the item as well. That serial number will be included in the Form 1 that you will submit for that item.
Will I ever need to re-engrave my item?
- What if I move?
- What if I sell the item?
- What if I transfer my item from my name to my trust?
In each of these situations, keep in mind that the engraving is required for the original manufacturer and the city and state in which it was originally manufactured. This information does not change, so at no point will you be required to re-engrave your item.
Engraving Examples
Suppressor
You can purchase DIY suppressor kits online to completely assemble your own suppressor. These kits will not have an existing serial number on any of the parts. For this situation, you will be engraving either your individual name or trust name into the item as the original manufacturer.
You will also engrave the city and state in which the item is manufactured. You will choose a serial number for your item to include on the Form 1 and to engrave into the item.
SBR
You will likely be converting an existing pistol or rifle into an SBR. In this case, this item will already be marked with a serial number, and you will not create your own. For this situation, you will be engraving either your individual name or trust name into the item as the original manufacturer. You will also engrave the city and state in which the item is manufactured.
References:
