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Filing ATF Form 1 for DIY Suppressors & SBRs

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Revision as of 03:35, 20 December 2025 by Theshittinator (talk | contribs)

The ATF eForms system allows individuals to file a Form 1 ("Application to Make and Register a Firearm") electronically. This process is generally faster than the legacy paper method. This guide outlines the steps for legally making your own NFA item, such as a suppressor or a Short Barreled Rifle (SBR).

Step 1: Create an eForms Account

Create an account at eforms.atf.gov.

  • Note: The website is not optimized for mobile devices; a desktop or laptop computer is recommended.

Step 2: Determine Item Type

For most DIY projects, you will be filing for one of two items:

  • Suppressor: For 3D printed projects (e.g., OP9, FTN4) or solvent trap kits. You are considered the manufacturer.
  • Short Barreled Rifle (SBR): For adding a stock to an existing pistol (e.g., AR-15 pistol, MP5 clone). In the eyes of the ATF, you are "making" a new firearm (the SBR) from the existing one.

Step 3: Fingerprints & Photos

You will need a digital passport-style photo and a digital fingerprint file (.EFT).

The Photo

A standard passport-style photo is required. This can be taken at home against a plain white background with good lighting. The subject should have no headwear or glasses.

The Fingerprints (.EFT File)

The eForms system accepts digital fingerprint files in the .EFT format. This eliminates the need to mail physical fingerprint cards. There are three primary methods to obtain this file:

Option A: Open Source (Free / Technical)

For technically inclined users, open-source tools exist to generate EFT files at home.

  • Tools: OpenEFT (and various community forks).
  • Pros: Free, private, and open-source.
  • Cons: Requires technical knowledge (often command line or Docker) to set up and run. Requires a decent scanner and careful adherence to instructions to ensure the file is valid.

Option B: Web-Based Generators (Paid / Easy)

Web-based tools that simplify the process for a fee.

  • Tools: OpenPew EFT Tool is maintained by a contributor to the fosscad community (dev of the OP9)
  • Pros: Fast, user-friendly, no appointments required.
  • Cons: Paid, 3rd party service.

Option C: Physical Services (Retail)

Services like PrintScan (often located inside UPS Stores) can scan fingerprints and email the file.

  • Pros: Professional scanning hardware.
  • Cons: Most expensive option, requires an appointment, requires travel.

Step 4: Filling Out Form 1

Select "Form 1" on the eForms portal.

  • Applicant: Select "No FFL".
  • Application Type: Select "Tax Paid" ($200). (Note: Legislation passed in July 2025 eliminates this tax effective Jan 1, 2026).
  • CLEO: Enter details for your local Chief Law Enforcement Officer (Sheriff/Police Chief).

Line Item Details

The information entered here depends on what you are making:

Field Requirement for Suppressor Requirement for SBR
Manufacturer Code FMI (Form 1 Registration) Original Manufacturer Code (e.g., Glock, Anderson)
Manufacturer Name FORM 1 REGISTRATION Original Manufacturer Name
Model Create your own but choosing a random

existing one may lead to faster approvals

Exact model from original receiver
Serial Number Create a unique serial Original Serial Number from receiver
Caliber Specific (e.g., "9", "mm") Specific (e.g., "5.56", "mm")
Overall Length Total length of suppressor Length with stock extended

Step 5: Notify CLEO

Currently, applicants must send a copy of the submitted form to their CLEO (Chief Law Enforcement Officer). This is a notification only; no action or approval is required from them.

  • Note: The ATF has proposed eliminating this requirement effective Jan 1, 2026. Check current guidelines.

Step 6: Engraving

Once the Form 1 is approved, the item must be engraved before final assembly.

  • Depth: Minimum 0.003 inches.
  • Height: Minimum 1/16 inch.

Required Markings:

  • Name (or Trust Name)
  • City and State
  • Serial Number
  • Model
  • Caliber

Engraving Methods

Method 1: DIY Punch Method 2: Printed Serial Method 3: Heat-Set Tag
Punching aluminum strip

Low Liability & Private. Manually punch your info into an aluminum strip (like from a soda can) or washer and epoxy it to the tube. OP9 & FTN4 have jigs to help you do this.

  • Cheap and amazon ships the punches fast.
  • No PII shared with any vendor.
  • Requires a punch set (amazon link).
Fastest/Cheapest to implement. Print the serial number directly into the model itself. You must declare this method in the "Additional Description" on your Form 1 to reduce liability.
  • No wait time for shipping anything.
  • Requires Form 1 to have been filed with description of this method.
  • For OpenPew cans, use the Can Customizer to generate it.
MAF Serial Number Tag

Looks Pro & Low Liability. Use a professionally-made metal tag (like from MAF Arms) that you heat-set into the body.

  • Very safe for legal compliance.
  • Requires sharing PII with a vendor.
  • Costs money and takes time to ship.
  • MAF Tag Link
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