ATF Proposes Revisions to Form 1: Application to Make and Register NFA Firearm


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On October 30, 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) announced proposed changes to the information collection process for ATF Form 5320.1, also called “Form 1.” Form 1 is the document people use to apply to make and register a National Firearms Act (NFA) firearm.

Public Comment Period Open

The ATF is accepting written public comments for 30 days, until midnight on December 1, 2025. Comments should be submitted online at www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. People can search for this collection using the title or OMB control number 1140-0015.

What is Changing?

ATF is revising Form 1 for several reasons:

  • The number of applicants has increased. There are now an estimated 148,975 applicants, up from 25,716.
  • The time to complete the form is now less. Better technology means fewer people need to provide fingerprints and photos, and electronic systems have made the process faster.
  • Only one copy of the form needs to be filled out. You do not need to send an extra copy to local law enforcement anymore.

Detailed Form Updates

  • The title of the form is being revised to be clearer.
  • The photo box is being removed. Now you can attach either a passport-style photo or a copy of a photo ID document.
  • Race and ethnicity questions are being combined.
  • More types of electronic and digital signatures will be allowed.
  • The fillable PDF will now link copy 1 and copy 2, except for the checkboxes and signature.
  • References to eForms (electronic forms) and Pay.gov are being added.
  • The form will now include instructions on how to get a refund.
  • The requirement to notify Chief Law Enforcement Officers (CLEOs) and submit an extra copy has been removed.
  • Married couples jointly making, transferring, or registering a firearm will get new instructions, as an ‘other legal entity.’
  • Minor grammar mistakes are being fixed.
  • There will be email addresses for questions about the form.

Changes to the Tax Requirement

  • Item 1a: Applicants must submit a $200 tax payment for each machinegun or destructive device. The tax can be paid by card, check, money order, or through Pay.gov.
  • Item 1b: For other types of firearms, the tax is $0, and item 19 does not need to be completed.

Impact on Applicants

  • The estimated time per respondent is now 12 minutes, down from 30 minutes.
  • The total annual time burden for all applicants is now 29,795 hours.
  • The total estimated annual cost burden (excluding time) is $685,285.

Comments and ATF Response

  • One dealer supported removing the requirement to send a copy to CLEOs, saying this prevents CLEOs from accidentally creating a firearms registry.
  • The commenter supported digital signatures and using copies of photo IDs, rather than photographs and fingerprints.
  • ATF replied that the changes reflect a broader move to modernize and digitize NFA forms. The agency expects to move to online-only forms in 2026.

Where to Get More Information

For questions or copies of the documents, contact Meghan Tisserand at the National Firearms Act Division (304-616-3219) or Darwin Arceo at the Department of Justice.

Summary

ATF’s changes to Form 1 are designed to make the process of applying to make and register NFA firearms faster, easier, and more modern, with less paperwork and more digital options. Public comments are welcome until December 1, 2025.


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This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.