ClearCarry

NFA Rules by State 2026

The National Firearms Act (NFA) regulates suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBR), short-barreled shotguns (SBS), machine guns, destructive devices, and AOWs at the federal level. States can ban NFA items entirely or impose additional restrictions beyond federal law. Federal approval is required first — then state law governs whether you can actually possess the item.

2026 Update — Tax Stamp Eliminated: Effective January 1, 2026, the $200 NFA tax stamp was eliminated for suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act extension. ATF Form 4 registration is still required and wait times still apply. The $200 stamp for machine guns and destructive devices remains in effect.

45

Jurisdictions Allowing Suppressors

11

Jurisdictions Banning Suppressors

45

Jurisdictions Allowing SBRs

$0

Tax Stamp Cost (2026)

NFA Item Categories

Suppressors (Silencers)

Any device that reduces the report of a firearm. Legally called 'silencers' in the NFA but universally known as suppressors. Require ATF Form 4 approval and serial number. As of 2026, no tax stamp required for new registrations.

Short-Barreled Rifles (SBR)

A rifle with a barrel under 16 inches or overall length under 26 inches. Includes AR-pistols configured as rifles. Require ATF Form 4 or Form 1 (if you're making your own). Interstate transport requires advance ATF approval via Form 5320.20.

Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBS)

A shotgun with a barrel under 18 inches or overall length under 26 inches. Same registration process as SBRs. Interstate transport requires ATF Form 5320.20 filed and approved before crossing state lines.

Machine Guns

Any firearm that fires more than one round per trigger pull. Civilian transfer of post-1986 machine guns is prohibited under the Hughes Amendment. Pre-1986 transferable machine guns require ATF Form 4 and the $200 tax stamp, which was NOT eliminated in 2026.

AOWs (Any Other Weapons)

A catch-all NFA category including pen guns, disguised firearms, smooth-bore pistols, and certain short-barreled weapons with grips. The $200 tax stamp for AOWs was eliminated in 2026. Transfer tax for AOWs was already only $5.

Destructive Devices

Grenades, rockets, explosive devices, and firearms with bore over 0.50 caliber (with exceptions for shotguns). The $200 tax stamp for destructive devices was NOT eliminated in 2026. Highly restricted and rarely owned by civilians.

Suppressors Permitted (45 jurisdictions)

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew MexicoNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

Suppressors Prohibited (11 jurisdictions)

CaliforniaHawaiiMassachusettsNew JerseyNew YorkDistrict of ColumbiaPuerto RicoGuamUS Virgin IslandsAmerican SamoaNorthern Mariana Islands

The ATF Form 4 Process

Step 1 — Purchase from a licensed dealer: Find an NFA dealer and select your suppressor, SBR, or SBS. The item stays at the dealer during the wait.

Step 2 — Submit ATF Form 4: File electronically through the ATF eForms system. Include passport photos, fingerprints, and as of 2026, no tax payment. CLEO notification is required but no longer a CLEO sign-off.

Step 3 — Wait for approval: ATF processes Form 4s. Electronic submissions are significantly faster than paper. Current wait times vary — check ATF eForms for current processing estimates.

Step 4 — Take possession: Once your approved Form 4 is returned, you can take possession from the dealer. Keep your approved Form 4 with the NFA item at all times.

Interstate transport: Suppressors can be transported to any state where legal without prior ATF notification. SBRs and SBSs require ATF Form 5320.20 approval before crossing state lines.

NFA Status by State

StateSuppressorsSBR / SBS
AlabamaPermittedPermitted
AlaskaPermittedPermitted
ArizonaPermittedPermitted
ArkansasPermittedPermitted
CaliforniaProhibitedProhibited
ColoradoPermittedPermitted
ConnecticutPermittedPermitted
DelawarePermittedPermitted
FloridaPermittedPermitted
GeorgiaPermittedPermitted
HawaiiProhibitedProhibited
IdahoPermittedPermitted
IllinoisPermittedPermitted
IndianaPermittedPermitted
IowaPermittedPermitted
KansasPermittedPermitted
KentuckyPermittedPermitted
LouisianaPermittedPermitted
MainePermittedPermitted
MarylandPermittedPermitted
MassachusettsProhibitedProhibited
MichiganPermittedPermitted
MinnesotaPermittedPermitted
MississippiPermittedPermitted
MissouriPermittedPermitted
MontanaPermittedPermitted
NebraskaPermittedPermitted
NevadaPermittedPermitted
New HampshirePermittedPermitted
New JerseyProhibitedProhibited
New MexicoPermittedPermitted
New YorkProhibitedProhibited
North CarolinaPermittedPermitted
North DakotaPermittedPermitted
OhioPermittedPermitted
OklahomaPermittedPermitted
OregonPermittedPermitted
PennsylvaniaPermittedPermitted
Rhode IslandPermittedPermitted
South CarolinaPermittedPermitted
South DakotaPermittedPermitted
TennesseePermittedPermitted
TexasPermittedPermitted
UtahPermittedPermitted
VermontPermittedPermitted
VirginiaPermittedPermitted
WashingtonPermittedPermitted
West VirginiaPermittedPermitted
WisconsinPermittedPermitted
WyomingPermittedPermitted
District of ColumbiaProhibitedProhibited
Disclaimer: NFA regulations and state laws change frequently. Always verify current federal and state law before acquiring, possessing, or transporting NFA items. This is not legal advice.