ATF Form 4473: What It Is and How to Complete It
Every time you purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer in the United States, you are required to complete ATF Form 4473, also known as the Firearms Transaction Record. This form is the official federal document that records your purchase, captures your eligibility information, and authorizes the background check. Understanding Form 4473 helps you complete the process quickly and correctly.
What Is ATF Form 4473?
ATF Form 4473 (full name: Firearms Transaction Record) is a federal form required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for every firearm transfer by a licensed dealer (FFL). The form:
- Records the buyer's personal information
- Documents the firearm being transferred
- Asks eligibility questions to determine if the buyer is legally allowed to possess a firearm
- Authorizes the dealer to run an NICS background check
- Serves as the permanent record of the transaction
The dealer retains the completed Form 4473 for at least 20 years. Providing false information on a Form 4473 is a federal felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
When Is Form 4473 Required?
Form 4473 is required for:
- All retail firearm purchases from an FFL dealer
- Online firearm purchases transferred through a dealer
- Private party transfers that are processed through an FFL (required in some states)
- NFA item transfers through a dealer
Form 4473 is NOT required for transfers between two private individuals in states that do not require FFL involvement for private sales.
What Information Does Form 4473 Ask For?
Section A – Buyer Information
- Full legal name
- Current address
- Date and place of birth
- Height, weight, and gender
- Social Security Number (optional but recommended)
- Ethnicity and race (required by federal law for tracking purposes)
- Country of citizenship
- State of residence
- Unique Personal Identification Number (if applicable)
Section B – Transferee (Buyer) Eligibility Questions
You must answer Yes or No to a series of eligibility questions. Answering Yes to any disqualifying question prohibits the transfer. These questions include:
- Are you the actual buyer of the firearm(s)?
- Are you a prohibited person due to any of the following: felony conviction, domestic violence conviction, subject to a restraining order, unlawful drug user, adjudicated mentally defective, illegal alien, renounced citizenship, or dishonorable discharge?
- Are you under indictment for a felony?
- Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence?
- Have you been adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution?
Section C – Firearm Information
- Make, model, and caliber/gauge of the firearm
- Serial number
- Type of firearm (pistol, rifle, shotgun, receiver, etc.)
- Country of manufacture
Section D – Certification
The buyer certifies that all answers are true and accurate. Signing a false Form 4473 is a federal crime.
Section E – Dealer/Transferor Information
The FFL dealer records their license information and the results of the NICS background check.
What Happens After Form 4473 Is Completed?
1. The dealer submits the buyer's information to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)
2. NICS returns one of three responses:
- Proceed: Transfer can be completed
- Denied: Transfer is prohibited
- Delayed: Additional review is needed (dealer must wait up to 3 business days)
3. If approved, the dealer completes the transfer and retains the Form 4473
Common Reasons Form 4473 Is Denied
- Felony conviction
- Domestic violence misdemeanor conviction
- Active restraining order
- Illegal alien status
- Adjudicated mental defective
- Dishonorable discharge from the military
- Unlawful drug user or addict
Form 4473 Tips
- Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your ID
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID that matches your address
- Answer all questions truthfully — false answers are federal crimes
- If you have questions, ask the dealer before signing
- Keep a copy of your purchase receipt but note that dealers retain Form 4473 records
Where to Get ATF Form 4473
Form 4473 is provided by your FFL dealer at the point of purchase. You do not need to obtain or complete the form in advance. FFLSearch.net can help you find a trusted local FFL dealer who will guide you through the Form 4473 process.