🔫 Firearm Transfers Explained: NFA vs. Non-NFA Items

Updated for 2025–2026: Post–“Big Beautiful Bill” Changes

Welcome! If you're new to firearms or unsure about the transfer process, you're not alone. This guide breaks down the difference between NFA and non-NFA items, how each type is transferred legally, and what has changed starting January 1, 2026, under the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill.

Whether you're purchasing your first suppressor or just want clarity on wait times and paperwork, this guide gives you a clear understanding of the process.

🔹 What is a Non-NFA Item?

Non-NFA items, often called Title I firearms, are the standard firearms most gun owners are familiar with. These are regulated under the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA), and do not fall under the National Firearms Act (NFA).

✅ Common Non-NFA Items:

Handguns (e.g., Glock 19, SIG P320)
Rifles with barrels 16" or longer
Shotguns with barrels 18" or longer
Standard AR-15s and bolt-action rifles
Stripped lower receivers (unless configured as an SBR)

📋 Transfer Process:

Buyer fills out ATF Form 4473
FFL runs a NICS background check
If approved, the buyer can take the firearm home the same day
No tax stamp, no fingerprints, no wait

🔸 What is an NFA Item?

NFA items, or Title II firearms, are regulated under the National Firearms Act of 1934. These items are subject to more extensive background checks, ATF registration, and traditionally required a $200 tax stamp—which has changed starting in 2026 (details below).

🔒 NFA Items Include:

Suppressors (Silencers)
Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs) – barrel under 16"
Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBSs) – barrel under 18"
Any Other Weapons (AOWs) – disguised firearms (e.g., pen guns, wallet guns)
Machine Guns (transferable only if made before May 1986)
Destructive Devices (e.g., grenade launchers, large-bore weapons)

📋 Transfer Process:

Buyer submits ATF Form 4
Provides fingerprints, passport-style photos, and CLEO notification
Undergoes a full FBI background check
ATF approval must be received before the item can be transferred
Item is registered to the individual, trust, or entity

🧾 NFA Tax Stamp: What Changed & What Didn’t

✅ What HAS Changed (Effective Jan 1, 2026):

Item Type	Tax Stamp Before	Tax Stamp Now (Post-2026)
Suppressors	$200	$0
Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs)	$200	$0
Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBSs)	$200	$0
Any Other Weapons (AOWs)	$5	$0

🏛️ This change is part of the One Big Beautiful Bill (H.R. 1) passed in July 2025, which eliminated the financial burden of NFA tax stamps for civilian legal ownership of most NFA firearms and accessories.

❌ What HAS NOT Changed:

Category	Still Required
ATF Forms (Form 1, Form 4, etc.)	✅ Yes – Must still be submitted
Fingerprints & Photos	✅ Yes – Still mandatory
NFA Registry Entry	✅ Yes – Each item must be registered
ATF Approval Before Possession	✅ Yes – Transfer still requires ATF OK
Waiting Periods (Form 4)	✅ Yes – Still takes time (30–120 days avg)
$200 Tax on Machine Guns or Destructive Devices	✅ Yes – Still in effect

So while the tax is gone, the paperwork, background check, and approval process remain in full effect.

⚙️ NFA vs. Non-NFA: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Non-NFA Firearm	NFA Firearm/Accessory
Regulated By	ATF – Gun Control Act (Title I)	ATF – National Firearms Act (Title II)
Requires ATF Form	Form 4473	Form 1 (manufacture) / Form 4 (transfer)
Background Check	NICS via FFL	FBI Fingerprint-Based Check
Tax Stamp	❌ No	✅ $0 (as of 2026)
ATF Approval Wait	❌ No wait – same-day	✅ Yes – approval required
Fingerprints & Photos	❌ Not required	✅ Yes
Transfer Through Private Sale	✅ Usually allowed (in-state, legal parties)	❌ Must go through ATF process
Registry Entry	❌ No national registry	✅ Registered in NFA registry
Penalty for Improper Possession	Confiscation, fines, or misdemeanor	Felony – up to 10 years + $250,000 fine

📆 NFA Wait Times in 2025

Form 4 eFile (individual): 9–30 days
Form 4 paper: 45–120 days
Form 1 (eForm): 1–14 days
Form 4 for Trusts: 60–180 days (varies by number of responsible persons)

Wait times are improving thanks to ATF eForms—so electronic filing is highly recommended.

⚠️ Legal Notice

Possessing an NFA item without proper approval is a serious federal felony, punishable by:

Up to 10 years in prison
Up to $250,000 in fines
Permanent loss of gun rights
Seizure of all firearms and NFA items

Always make sure your item is registered, approved, and transferred legally.

🧠 Final Thoughts

The repeal of the $200 tax stamp is a massive win for gun owners, but it's not a complete deregulation of the NFA. The government is no longer charging you—but they still want your:

Paperwork
Fingerprints
Approval time
Legal compliance

That’s where we come in—to ensure your NFA transfer is fast, compliant, and stress-free.

📞 Ready to Start? Let's Make It Easy.

Whether you’re buying your first suppressor or converting an AR pistol to an SBR, I’ll walk you through every step—from paperwork to approval. No guesswork, no gimmicks, just professional help you can trust.

Contact:

📍 Armed Code, LLC
📬 Fort Worth, TX
📲 682-375-9607
🌐 https://armedcodellc.com