The short barreled rifle permit and the suppressor permit are firearms permits required by federal law. The SBR permit is required to alter any rifle so that has a barrel less than 16 inches long or an overall length of less than 26 inches. The suppressor permit -- often called a silencer permit -- is required to purchase or possess any device designed to muffle the sound of a firearm. Application for the SBR permit requires ATF Form 1 along with a $200 tax payment to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The suppressor permit requires ATF Form 4 along with a $200 tax payment to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Applications for both permits may be submitted simultaneously. However, Form 1 and Form 4 must be submitted to different ATF divisions.
SBR Permit
Step 1
Check local and state ordinances first to make sure the laws permit shortening the barrel of a rifle.
Step 2
Obtain two copies of ATF Form 1, "Application To Make And Register A Firearm," from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco And Firearms website or by mailing a request. Complete both forms.
Step 3
Obtain two copies of ATF Form 5330.20, "Certificate Of Compliance," to verify U.S. citizenship from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco And Firearms website or by mailing a request. Complete the forms.
Step 4
Obtain two 2-by-2-inch passport photos. Attach one to each copy of ATF Form 1.
Step 5
Consult with your local chief law enforcement official to obtain the required signature of approval on your Form 1. An acceptable CLEO may be a local police chief, county sheriff or district attorney. The signature of approval is strictly the prerogative of the local CLEO and obtaining the required signature is not assured.
Step 6
Get yourself fingerprinted by a law enforcement agency and have two sets of FBI Form FD-258 fingerprint cards issued. A good time to do this is when you are visiting the CLEO to get the signature on Form 1.
Step 7
Send both copies of Form 1 signed by the CLEO with passport photos attached, both ATF Forms 5330.20, both FD-258 fingerprint cards and a check for $200 payable to the ATF to the address shown on Form 1.
Suppressor Permit
Step 1
Check local and state ordinances first to make sure these laws permit purchasing and possessing a firearms suppressor.
Step 2
Choose the suppressor you wish to purchase and locate a Federal Class 3 firearms dealer to buy it from. Consult the manufacturer of the suppressor for suggested Class 3 dealers.
Step 3
Pay in full for the suppressor at the Federal Class 3 firearms dealer.
Step 4
Obtain two copies of ATF Form 4, "Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm," from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms website or by mailing a request. Complete both forms.
Step 5
Obtain two copies of ATF Form 5330.20, "Certificate of Compliance," to verify U.S. citizenship from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco And Firearms website or by mailing a request. Complete the forms.
Step 6
Obtain two 2-by-2-inch passport photos. Attach one to each copy of ATF Form 4.
Step 7
Consult with your local chief law enforcement official to obtain the required signature of approval on your Form 4. An acceptable CLEO may be a local police chief, county sheriff or district attorney. The signature of approval is strictly the prerogative of the local CLEO and obtaining the required signature is not assured.
Step 8
Get yourself fingerprinted by a law enforcement agency and have two sets of FBI Form FD-258 fingerprint cards issued. A good time to do this is when you are visiting the CLEO to get the signature on Form 4.
Step 9
Send both copies of Form 4 signed by the CLEO with passport photos attached, both ATF Forms 5330.20, both FD-258 fingerprint cards and a check for $200 payable to the ATF to the address shown on Form 4.