ATF Ends NFA Registration Requirements for Certain Firearms

Federal firearms regulations are changing after the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced it would stop enforcing certain National Firearms Act (NFA) requirements for specified firearms. The agency's guidance follows a federal court victory in Texas and the Department of Justice's decision not to appeal, extending the ruling's practical effect nationwide.

According to the National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), the policy covers short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, suppressors, and certain other concealable firearms classified as “any other weapons.” The ATF will no longer require individuals to obtain advance approval or comply with federal NFA registration and tax-stamp requirements for these items.

The change does not eliminate all federal firearms regulations. The $200 NFA tax and the broader regulatory framework remain in effect for machine guns and destructive devices, while other federal, state, and local requirements continue to apply.

John Commerford, executive director of NRA-ILA, described the development as the result of legislative and legal efforts challenging the existing requirements.

“This is what happens when all three branches of government are willing to follow the Constitution,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of NRA-ILA. “The NRA worked hand-in-glove with pro-gun lawmakers to zero out the unconstitutional NFA tax. Following this legislative milestone, the NRA and our allies took that opening into court to file several NFA challenges, including Jensen v. ATF, and won.

Now the Trump administration has confirmed it will stop treating law-abiding Americans as if they still need special permission from the government to own hearing protection, rifles, or shotguns. While this is a historic victory, our work is far from over to ensure that all law-abiding Americans have access to these rights, regardless of what state they live in.”

The legal dispute centered on whether the federal government could continue requiring registration and advance approval after Congress eliminated the making and transfer taxes for the covered firearms through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

On August 5, 2026, U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix of the Northern District of Texas entered final judgment for the plaintiffs in the consolidated cases of Jensen v. ATF and Silencer Shop Foundation v.

ATF. The court concluded that the remaining registration and pre-approval requirements could no longer be justified under Congress's taxing power after the taxes were eliminated.

The NRA filed Jensen alongside the American Suppressor Association, Firearms Policy Coalition, and Second Amendment Foundation. The plaintiffs also included the Texas State Rifle Association, individual gun owners, and a Texas federal firearms licensee.

Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the Department of Justice would not appeal the judgment and would apply its reasoning through enforcement discretion beyond the parties directly covered by the injunction. The ATF subsequently issued an open letter and frequently asked questions outlining the agency's approach.

Under the guidance, licensed firearms dealers must continue completing Form 4473 paperwork, conducting National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) checks, and maintaining records required by the Gun Control Act. These obligations remain separate from the NFA requirements affected by the ruling.

Interstate transportation rules also remain in place. The ATF still requires approval through Form 20 for interstate transportation of short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns.

State and local restrictions are unaffected by the federal enforcement change. According to NRA-ILA, states may continue imposing their own registration requirements or other restrictions, and the ATF will continue processing NFA applications submitted for those purposes.