Form 4473 Questions and Answers

By Ryan Cleckner
0
Updated May 19

The ATF Form 4473 is the “Firearms Transaction Record” used by Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) whenever they sell or transfer a gun to a customer.

I’m a firearms attorney that specializes in ATF/FFL compliance under federal law and I’ve helped thousands of people get their FFL and stay out of trouble with the ATF. I’m going to answer the most common questions I receive about the 4473.

Form 4473 FAQ

What Information Goes on a 4473?
How is a 4473 Completed?
When Must a 4473 be Used?
Is the 4473 Important?
Who Fills Out the 4473?
Does a 4473 Mean a Firearm is Registered in my Name?
Can I Fill Out a 4473 for Someone Else?
What is a 4473 Multiple Sale?
What are the 4473 Identification Requirements?
What is the 4473 Background Check?
How is my Information Stored?
How do I Know if I Passed the Background Check
Can I buy a Firearm as a Gift?

What Information Goes on a 4473?

The 4473 is broken-down into 5 sections, A through E. Section A includes information about the firearms to be transferred (e.g. make, model, serial number, etc). Section B includes biographical information about the customer, to include their legal name, current residence address, and physical characteristics (e.g. race, height, weight, etc). Section C is for background check information and satisfying the ID requirements. Section D is a recertification of the information in Section B if the firearms are being transferred on another day than when Section B was filled out and signed. Section E is for the FFL to list their information (FFL Number and Name) and to sign and date certifying the transfer was completed.

How is a 4473 Completed?

A 4473 may be completed manually with pen and paper or electronically. I strongly suggested using an electronic system to avoid errors and stay out of trouble with the ATF. There are plenty of paid e4473 options available but I think they are all too complicated and expensive so I made a free option for all FFLs that is 100% compliant (and the easiest to use): FFLSafe e4473.

When Must a 4473 be Used?

A 4473 must be used whenever an FFL is transferring a firearm to a non-licensee (non FFL customer) unless the firearm is a repaired firearm being returned to the same person who dropped it off.

Is the 4473 Important?

Yes! In fact, the 4473 is likely the most important document for an FFL because 7 out of the top 10 violations from the ATF every year come from mistakes on this form. There are MANY potential pitfalls with filling out the 4473 correctly – if you’d like to become a 4473 expert, check out this ATF Compliance Program.

Who Fills Out the 4473?

The 4473 is filled out both by the customer/person receiving the firearm and the FFL (or an employee of the FFL). The licensee (gun store) fills out Section A first, then the transferee (customer) fills out Section B, then back to the FFL for Section C and E.

Does a 4473 Mean a Firearm is Registered in My Name?

No. Under federal law, there is no firearm registry. Some states, however, may have their own requirements and National Firearms Act (NFA) firearms like silencers and machine guns are registered and tracked by the ATF.

Can I Fill out a 4473 for Someone Else?

No! You must NEVER fill out a 4473 for someone else. The actual purchaser is the ONLY person who may lawfully fill out the 4473 – if anyone other than the actual purchaser fills it out, it is a serious crime (called a Straw Purchase) for everyone involved.

What is a 4473 “Multiple Sale”?

If there is more than one handgun on a 4473 (or within 5 business days of another 4473) or more than one of a certain type of rifle in the border states with Mexico, then the transaction is considered to be a “multiple sale” and a special form must be filled out and submitted to the ATF and the local police department.

What are the 4473 Identification Requirements?

A customer must present valid government-issued photo identification with their current residential address. If their address is incorrect (or not shown), then there is a list of supplemental documents that can be used to satisfy the federal requirements for identification on the 4473. Be careful here – there are a few traps that should be avoided. I encourage you to check out my 4473 Training

What is the 4473 Background Check?

All 4473s must have the background check requirements satisfied, however, not all require a fresh background check. Most states use the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) but some states use their own system for background checks (these states are called Point of Contact or POC states). Exemptions include some state’s Concealed Carry Permits (CCWs) and NFA transfers on the federal Form 4.

How is My Information Stored/Who Can Access It?

Your information from a 4473 is kept at the lFFL’s licensed premisses and can only be seen by the ATF during a compliance inspection, during a trace-request concerning a crime gun, or when the FFL goes out of business and sends their records into the ATF.

How do I Know if I Passed the Background Check?

The sale may NOT continue if you do not pass the background check. There are three main responses an FFL will get for a background check through NICS: Pass, Delay, or Deny. If a “Delay” is received, you may need to come back on another day to continue the 4473 and pick up your firearm.

Can I Buy a Firearm as a Gift?

Yes, if the firearm is a legitimate gift, you can purchase it and fill out the 4473 even though you are not the intended final recipient. It must be a legitimate gift (no reimbursement), you must be the actual purchaser, and you must have no reason to believe that the person you’re buying the firearm for is a prohibited person.

If you’re interested in getting your own FFL so that you don’t have to go to the local gun store, fill out a 4473 for every firearm, and pay a transfer fee, please check out our Get Your FFL course.

In that course, we teach you everything you need to know to get your FFL and set it up the right way (even from home).

And, with your own FFL, you can start making money with guns as you sell them and charge for transfers for your friends and customers.

AUTHOR

Ryan Cleckner

Check out Ryan Cleckner 's Courses

Ryan Cleckner is a former special operations sniper and current attorney specializing in firearms law/ATF compliance and is a firearms industry executive (former govt. relations manager for NSSF, Vice President of Remington Outdoor Company, and a SAAMI voting board member).

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Form 4473 Questions and Answers

Form 4473 FAQ

What Information Goes on a 4473?

How is a 4473 Completed?

When Must a 4473 be Used?

Is the 4473 Important?

Who Fills Out the 4473?

Does a 4473 Mean a Firearm is Registered in My Name?

Can I Fill out a 4473 for Someone Else?

What is a 4473 “Multiple Sale”?

What are the 4473 Identification Requirements?

What is the 4473 Background Check?

How is My Information Stored/Who Can Access It?

How do I Know if I Passed the Background Check?

Can I Buy a Firearm as a Gift?

Ryan Cleckner

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Ready to start making money with guns?

Form 4473 Questions and Answers

Form 4473 FAQ

What Information Goes on a 4473?

How is a 4473 Completed?

When Must a 4473 be Used?

Is the 4473 Important?

Who Fills Out the 4473?

Does a 4473 Mean a Firearm is Registered in My Name?

Can I Fill out a 4473 for Someone Else?

What is a 4473 “Multiple Sale”?

What are the 4473 Identification Requirements?

What is the 4473 Background Check?

How is My Information Stored/Who Can Access It?

How do I Know if I Passed the Background Check?

Can I Buy a Firearm as a Gift?

Ryan Cleckner

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BREAKING: ATF’s Landmark 34 Rule Package

How to Get a Home Based FFL [2026]

How to Get an FFL License [2026] Step-by-step Guide

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Ready to start making money with guns?