How the FFL/NFA Process Works
Follow these 5 simple steps to complete your firearms or NFA item transfer through Shiner Tactical.
Understand FFL & NFA Requirements
FFL (Federal Firearms License): Required for ALL firearms transfers. All firearms must be transferred through a licensed dealer.
NFA (National Firearms Act): Applies to regulated items like suppressors, short-barrel rifles (SBRs), and machine guns. These require additional ATF registration and a $200 federal tax stamp.
Age Requirements:
• Rifles & Shotguns: 18+ years old
• Handguns: 21+ years old
Provide Required Information
When you place your order, we’ll collect:
- Full legal name and current address
- Government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Background check authorization
- FFL dealer information (dealer’s name and location)
FFL Transfer Setup (1-2 Business Days)
We coordinate the transfer with your chosen FFL dealer. The FFL must be licensed in your state. Transfer fees typically range from $10-50, depending on the dealer.
NFA Registration (8-12 Weeks for Applicable Items)
If your item is regulated by the NFA (suppressors, SBRs, etc.):
- ATF Form 4 must be submitted
- $200 federal tax stamp is required (paid by customer)
- Fingerprints & photos required (typically done at FFL)
- Approval timeline: 8-12 weeks typical (may vary)
Delivery & Registration Complete
Once your item clears all transfers and registrations, it’s delivered to your chosen FFL or to you. Complete any local registration if required by your state.
Pricing & Fees
| FFL Transfer Fee | $10–$50 (charged by your FFL dealer) |
| NFA Tax Stamp (Applicable Items) | $200 (federal requirement) |
| Shiner Tactical Service Fee | None (included in item price) |
| Processing Timeline | FFL: 1–2 days • NFA: 8–12 weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between FFL and NFA?
FFL (Federal Firearms License): All firearms sales are regulated by the FFL requirement. The selling dealer must be licensed, and the receiving dealer (FFL) must conduct the transfer and background check.
NFA (National Firearms Act): Specific items like suppressors, short-barrel rifles, machine guns, and other controlled weapons require additional registration with the ATF. NFA items require a Form 4 submission and a $200 federal tax stamp.
How long does the FFL transfer process take?
The FFL transfer itself is typically 1–2 business days for us to coordinate with your dealer and send the item. Your local FFL may have additional processing times (typically 3–5 business days).
For NFA items, add 8–12 weeks for ATF Form 4 processing.
What forms do I need to fill out?
For all firearms: Your FFL will handle the ATF Form 4473 (instant background check form).
For NFA items: You’ll also need to complete ATF Form 4 (NFA Transfer application). We can provide guidance on this process.
Are there state-specific restrictions I should know about?
Yes. Some states prohibit certain items (like certain NFA items or semi-automatic rifles). Before ordering, verify that your desired item is legal in your state. We can help you confirm, or contact your local law enforcement for specifics.
What if my state doesn’t allow NFA items?
We cannot ship NFA items to states where they’re prohibited. If your desired item is illegal in your state, we’ll inform you before processing your order and can offer alternative products.
Do I need a trust for NFA items?
A trust is optional but can provide benefits like easier transferability and simplified family ownership. However, we strongly recommend consulting an attorney in your state before setting up a trust. Some states have specific requirements.