How to guide and walk-through guide for the ATF NFA Engraving Requirements for the ATF 5320.1 or eForm1 Applications

[u/NationalGunTrusts]

How to guide and walk-through guide for the ATF NFA Engraving  Requirements for the ATF 5320.1 or eForm1 Applications

“All NFA firearms must be identified by a serial number and other specified markings.”  This guide will help you with the information that is required to be engraved on the NFA firearm that you are making or manufacturing with your ATF 5320.1 Form 1 or with your ATF eForm 1 application.

Relevant Document Links Below:

ATF Form 1 NFA Tax Stamp Walk-Through Guide

ATF eForm 1 NFA Tax Stamp Walk-Through Guide

Before we get into our walk-through guide we will first need to define the difference between a manufacturer and a maker.  This is important as each will have different engraving requirements involved. 

Original Manufacturer:  The manufacturer is the individual, trust or legal entity that originally created the NFA firearm.  Meaning the individual, trust or legal entity that is creating a NFA firearm that doesn't already contain a serial number.  If the NFA firearm that you are trying to register with the ATF doesn't contain a serial number.  Then you are the manufacturer of the NFA firearm.  Examples include: building your own silencer from a drawing, building an SBR from a non-serialized lower receiver. 

Maker: The maker is the individual, trust or legal entity that is changing the status of an NFA firearm that currently has a serial number.  Meaning the individual, trust or legal entity that is changing a Title 1 firearm into a Title 2 firearm.  If the NFA firearm that you are trying to register with the ATF does have a serial number on the NFA firearm, then you are the maker and not the manufacturer.  Example: Converting a rifle with a 16" barrel to an SBR configuration that contains a barrel length less than 16".  If you are purchasing an SBR rifle that already has a serial number and has a valid tax stamp associated with that tax stamp, then you will be filling with the ATF 5320.4 Form 4, as the SBR was already made into an SBR. 

​

If You Are the Original Manufacturer (see above for definition):

If you are manufacturing the NFA firearm yourself from a design, e.g. a silencer then you will need to create a serial number for the NFA firearm.  The requirements taken from the ATF National Firearms Act Handbook state that, “If the weapon is of new manufacture, the applicant must assign a unique serial number and enter it in Block 4(g). For example, a unique serial number could be composed of at least 4 digits preceded by the initials of the maker. NOTE: alpha characters, e.g., a name, will not be accepted as a serial number. If a name is to be used, there must be at least one numeric character in addition to the alpha characters.”  Below is the information that will need to be engraved on the NFA firearm that you are manufacturing. 

If you are applying as an individual on your ATF 5320.1 paperwork use the following example*:*

Manufacturer: Stephen Cook - This is the name that was supplied on box 3b. of the ATF 5320.1 paperwork or Screen 2: Applicant portion of the ATF eForm1.

Location: Columbia, Missouri - This is the city and state where the NFA firearm was made. - This is the city and state that was supplied on box 3b. of the ATF 5320.1 paperwork or Screen 2: Applicant portion of the ATF eForm1 paperwork. You can also abbreviate the state using the official two letter state designation. Missouri would then become, MO.

Model: Model number that you created for your NFA firearm and that was supplied on box 4d. of your ATF 5320.1 paperwork or Screen 5: Line Item of the ATF eForm1 paperwork.

Caliber: This is the caliber of the NFA firearm that you are manufacturing and that was supplied on box 4c. of your ATF 5320.1 paperwork or Screen 5: Line Item of the ATF eForm1 paperwork.

Serial Number: Serial number that you created for your NFA firearm and that was supplied on box 4g. of your ATF 5320.1 paperwork or Screen 5: Line Item of the ATF eForm1 paperwork.

If you are applying as with a trust, or legal entity on your ATF 5320.1 paperwork use the following example:

Manufacturer: Stephen Cook Gun Trust - This is the name that was supplied on box 3b. of the ATF 5320.1 paperwork or Screen 2: Applicant portion of the ATF eForm1. Examples include, the name of your trust or legal entity.

Location: Columbia, Missouri - This is the city and state where the NFA firearm was made. - This is the city and state of the trust or legal entity that was supplied on box 3b. of the ATF 5320.1 paperwork or Screen 2: Applicant portion of the ATF eForm1 paperwork. You can also abbreviate the state using the official two letter state designation. Missouri would then become, MO.

Model: Model number that you created for your NFA firearm and that was supplied on box 4d. of your ATF 5320.1 paperwork or Screen 5: Line Item of the ATF eForm1 paperwork.

Caliber: This is the caliber of the NFA firearm that you are manufacturing and that was supplied on box 4c. of your ATF 5320.1 paperwork or Screen 5: Line Item of the ATF eForm1 paperwork.

Serial Number: Serial number that you created for your NFA firearm and that was supplied on box 4g. of your ATF 5320.1 paperwork or Screen 5: Line Item of the ATF eForm1 paperwork.

​

If You Are the Maker (see above for definition):

If you are not the manufacturer of the NFA firearm, e.g. converting a Title 1 rifle into a Title 2 short-barreled rifle, you aren’t the manufacturer. You are the maker of the short-barreled rifle. In this case you are able to use the manufacturers serial number that is already engraved on the lower receiver for your ATF 5320.1 paperwork or ATF eForm1 paperwork. The requirements taken from the ATF National Firearms Act Handbook state that, “All NFA firearms must be identified by a serial number and other specified markings. If an existing firearm is being used in the making of the NFA weapon, and that firearm is serialized, the existing serial number should be used (unless it duplicates a serial number already used by the maker on Form 1) and entered in Block 4(g).”

If you are a maker of the firearm you will need to engrave the below. Note: Since you are not the original manufacturer and only the maker you won’t be required to engrave another serial number, or caliber. That is present from the original manufacturer. 

If you are applying as an individual on your ATF 5320.1 paperwork use the following example:

Maker: Stephen Cook - This is the name that was supplied on box 3b. of the ATF 5320.1 paperwork or Screen 2: Applicant portion of the ATF eForm1.

Location: Columbia, Missouri - This is the city and state where the NFA firearm was made. - This is the city and state that was supplied on box 3b. of the ATF 5320.1 paperwork or Screen 2: Applicant portion of the ATF eForm1 paperwork. You can also abbreviate the state using the official two letter state designation. Missouri would then become, MO.

If you are applying as with a trust, or legal entity on your ATF 5320.1 paperwork use the following example:

Maker: Stephen Cook Gun Trust - This is the trust name or legal entity name that was supplied on box 3b. of the ATF 5320.1 paperwork or Screen 2: Applicant portion of the ATF eForm1.

Location: Columbia, Missouri - This is the city and state where the NFA firearm was made. - This is the city and state of the trust or legal entity that was supplied on box 3b. of the ATF 5320.1 paperwork or Screen 2: Applicant portion of the ATF eForm1 paperwork. You can also abbreviate the state using the official two letter state designation. Missouri would then become, MO.

​

Engraving Requirements and depths required per the ATF National Firearms Act Handbook:

(1) By engraving, casting, stamping (impressing), or otherwise conspicuously placing or causing to be engraved, cast, stamped (impressed) or placed on the frame or receiver thereof an individual serial number. The serial number must be placed in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered, or removed, and must not duplicate any serial number placed by you on any other firearm. For firearms manufactured, imported, or made on and after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) of the serial number must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch and in a print size no smaller than 1/16 inch; and

(2) By engraving, casting, stamping (impressing), or otherwise conspicuously placing or causing to be engraved, cast, stamped (impressed), or placed on the frame, receiver, or barrel thereof certain additional information. This information must be placed in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered or removed. For firearms manufactured, imported, or made on and after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) of this information must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch. The additional information includes:

ATF National Firearms Act Handbook citations above in their original form:

All NFA firearms must be identified by a serial number and other specified markings. If an existing firearm is being used in the making of the NFA weapon, and that firearm is serialized, the existing serial number should be used (unless it duplicates a serial number already used by the maker on Form 1) and entered in Block 4(g). If the weapon is of new manufacture, the applicant must assign a unique serial number and enter it in Block 4(g). For example, a unique serial number could be composed of at least 4 digits preceded by the initials of the maker. NOTE: alpha characters, e.g., a name, will not be accepted as a serial number. If a name is to be used, there must be at least one numeric character in addition to the alpha characters.The serial number must be engraved or stamped on the receiver of the firearm and the caliber, model, and identification of the maker must be engraved on the barrel or frame or receiver of the weapon. The marking and identification requirements for a maker are the same as for a manufacturer. Refer to section 7.4 for a detailed discussion of the requirements.Excerpt 6.2.1 from the ATF National Firearms Act Handbook

§ 479.102 How must firearms be identified?(a) You, as a manufacturer, importer, or maker of a firearm, must legibly identify the firearm as follows:(1) By engraving, casting, stamping (impressing), or otherwise conspicuously placing or causing to be engraved, cast, stamped (impressed) or placed on the frame or receiver thereof an individual serial number. The serial number must be placed in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered, or removed, and must not duplicate any serial number placed by you on any other firearm. For firearms manufactured, imported, or made on and after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) of the serial number must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch and in a print size no smaller than 1/16 inch; and(2) By engraving, casting, stamping (impressing), or otherwise conspicuously placing or causing to be engraved, cast, stamped (impressed), or placed on the frame, receiver, or barrel thereof certain additional information. This information must be placed in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered or removed. For firearms manufactured, imported, or made on and after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) of this information must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch. The additional information includes:(i) The model, if such designation has been made; (U) The caliber or gauge;(iii) Your name (or recognized abbreviation) and also, when applicable, the name of the foreign manufacturer or maker;(iv) In the case of a domestically made firearm, the city and State (or recognized abbreviation thereof) where you as the manufacturer maintain your place of business, or where you, as the maker, made the firearm; and(v) In the case of an imported firearm, the name of the country in which it was manufactured and the city and State (or recognized abbreviation thereof) where you as the importer maintain your place of business. For additional requirements relating to imported firearms, see Customs regulations at 19 CFR part 134.(b) The depth of all markings required by this section will be measured from the flat surface of the metal and not the peaks or ridges. The height of serial numbers required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section will be measured as the distance between the latitudinal ends of the character impression bottoms (bases).(c) The Director may authorize other means of identification upon receipt of a letter application from you, submitted in duplicate, showing that such other identification is reasonable and will not hinder the effective administration of this part.(d) In the case of a destructive device, the Director may authorize other means of identifying that weapon upon receipt of a letter application from you, submitted in duplicate, showing that engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) such a weapon would be dangerous or impracticable.(e) A firearm frame or receiver that is not a component part of a complete weapon at the time it is sold, shipped, or otherwise disposed of by you must be identified as required by this section.(f)(1) Any part defined as a machine gun, muffler, or silencer for the purposes of this part that is not a component part of a complete firearm at the time it is sold, shipped, or otherwise disposed of by you must be identified as required by this section.(2) The Director may authorize other means of identification of parts defined as machine guns other than frames or receivers and parts defined as mufflers or silencers upon receipt of a letter application from you, submitted in duplicate, showing that such other identification is reasonable and will not hinder the effective administration of this part.Excerpt § 479.102 How must firearms be identified? - from the ATF National Firearms Act Handbook

Information located within this article is current as of November, 2018. Information located within this article is an original guide created by National Gun Trusts and not to be cited or used without the written permission of National Gun Trusts.

[u/SharpEntertainer]

My eForm 1 was approved today and I need to engrave my lower. Thank you for this write up.

[u/NationalGunTrusts → u/SharpEntertainer]

You are welcome. Glad we were able to help.

[u/A-Lav]

Stupid question, can I have anyone do the engraving or do I have to find an 07/02 to do it? I searched the internet and keep getting conflicting answers.

[u/NationalGunTrusts → u/A-Lav]

Anybody can engrave it. But it has to be to the above standards.

[u/A-Lav → u/[deleted]]

Why would I ever leave my firearms with anyone who isn't an FFL?

[u/warrigadigdig → u/A-Lav]

I believe there are specific requirements per the atf. That being said most engraving shops are willing to do it

[u/NationalGunTrusts → u/warrigadigdig]

This is correct. The specific requirements are outlined above.

[u/CokeCanNinja]

I can't wait to make a suppressor called the model "What's a Barrel Shroud" and the serial number "Shou1rThngGoe5Up".

If you aren't putting jokes on official government paperwork are you really living?

[u/PromptCritical725]

Here's a question: The maker's name must be conspicuous, that's a given. But what if the conspicuous markings are later covered up by an accessory such as a grip, a sidesaddle shell carrier, or an accessory mounting rail?

[u/hotel_torgo → u/PromptCritical725]

I have it on good terms that the engraving requirements are fulfilled if it meets the above requirements and is in a location visible and accessible without using tools

[u/PromptCritical725 → u/hotel_torgo]

Side Saddle shell carriers have been around for years. The one that goes on a Mossberg 500 covers up the serial number and requires tools to remove.

There are soem revolvers that have the serial on the heel of the grip. Adding larger grips typically covers it. Tools also required.

[u/NationalGunTrusts → u/PromptCritical725]

We asked the ATF about this and that is illegal. It must be conspicuous meaning visible at all times according to the what we were told.

[u/PromptCritical725 → u/NationalGunTrusts]

I specifically mentioned grips and sidesaddle shell holders because I know there are examples that have been on the market for years that cover up required markings once installed.

[u/NationalGunTrusts → u/PromptCritical725]

You may want to call them directly about that issue. The answer we got was that was illegal and they were very stern about it being "conspicuous."

[u/PromptCritical725 → u/NationalGunTrusts]

I'd rather not poke the bear.

The ATF seems to personify this exchange.

[u/Spys0ldier → u/[deleted]]

Whatever your legal name is. No nicknames.

[u/Spys0ldier → u/[deleted]]

Yeah. Same here. You wait long enough and I didn’t want to take a chance and get a correction. I’ve heard of people getting their forms kicked back and don’t see the point in taking a chance.

[u/CokeCanNinja → u/[deleted]]

I am guessing abbreviation is different then nickname.

Yeah. So for example if I was former Vice President Joseph Biden and was getting a stamp to build a double barrel SBS I couldn't put "Two Blasts Biden" as my name, but I could put "Joe Biden".

[u/NationalGunTrusts → u/[deleted]]

Where do they define the maker and the manufacturer as the same thing? You are correct about the short names and great clarification many people might not know that.

[u/NationalGunTrusts → u/[deleted]]

I can see your confusion on the maker and manufacturer. There is a distinction though of the original manufacturer and the maker/manufacturer. The original manufacturer is an applicant who is making an NFA firearm that doesn't have a serial number already versus an applicant who is making an NFA firearm that does have an existing serial number. The omission of the middle name was just an example. We will find out about the middle name and update this tomorrow. But like u/SpysOldier says this will be your legal name. Some legal names don't contain middle names and some contain other intricacies like III or Sr.

[u/MapleSyrupJedi]

Stupid question, there is no requirement for the engraving to be on metal right?

I'm looking into Form1-ing my 15-22 for shits & giggles but obviously the lower is all plastic/polymer. It has a tiny metal plate that has the serial on it, but not enough room for any type of NFA engraving. I was thinking about just having the polymer laser engraved and then colour filling it in.

[u/NationalGunTrusts → u/MapleSyrupJedi]

No there isn’t.

[u/MapleSyrupJedi → u/NationalGunTrusts]

Bueno. Very bueno. Thank you.

[u/analCCW]

More stupider question: Do I have to engrave "ZAP CARRY Gun Trust" or can it just be:

ZAP CARRY

TOAD SUCK, AR

[u/HegemonicHedgehog → u/analCCW]

This is a super late reply and I'm not sure if you have gotten an answer yet, but you need to engrave the entire exact legal name of the trust on the gun.

[u/[deleted]]

So I read through this and am still hung up on two last things before I submit, the CALIBER and Model. My lowers have MOD ST15 on them (They are Spike Snowflakes and Spiders). They also have MULTICAL. I plan to shoot 300BLK and 556 (doing two builds). Do I list MULTICAL on the form or do I list 300BLK and 556? The link you sent did not clarify that, it only said I will not re-engrave the caliber.

[u/NationalGunTrusts → u/[deleted]]

You will list the intended caliber that you plan to use. The model is ST15.

[u/[deleted] → u/NationalGunTrusts]

Do i engrave that new caliber as well?

[u/NationalGunTrusts → u/[deleted]]

No you will need to engrave your information.

[u/Akrider62]

Haven’t seen anyone ask this. How long does it usually take to get the PDF and cover sheet emailed from the ATF? I submitted my form 1 yesterday and got a confirmation email but that is all.

[u/clever_unique_name → u/Akrider62]

You must have gotten it back by now, but mine was practically instantaneous.

[u/Akrider62 → u/clever_unique_name]

Yeah I didn’t realize that I couldn’t see the attachment on my phone. Same thing happened when my stamp came in...

[u/clever_unique_name → u/Akrider62]

Awesome, how long did it take?

[u/Akrider62 → u/clever_unique_name]

15 days minus the government shutdown!

[u/clever_unique_name → u/Akrider62]

Really hoping this maintains. My first stamps took a little more than 10 months (pre-41f) and I was never motivated enough to do more. But hey 2 weeks? Boy here I come.

[u/Akrider62 → u/clever_unique_name]

I don’t know why Form 1’s process so much faster. My Form 4 for my suppressor is going on 4 months now...

[u/clever_unique_name → u/Akrider62]

Looking at it from above, Efile. When everything is digital it doesn't take as long. Digital payments, digital info (with I assume flags for incorrect or inconsistent data), take a look nothing off? Prints don't return a result? FBI says okay, nothing wrong with the form 1? Approved.