At Oklahoma Silencer, I’ll prepare all of the paperwork and ensure that it’s completed correctly. With the recent introduction of ATF E-Form 4’s, the process has gotten even more convenient! It’s not as bad as you might think.
There are two means of owning a suppressor, as an INDIVIDUAL or through a LEGAL ENTITY (LLC or TRUST). Individual applications are very similar and either way, you’ll need to set up an E-FORMS account for validations. You’ll want to remember your username and pin for the application validations!
1. For the E-Form process, you need to submit fingerprints in either electronic format or mail paper copies within 10 days of submitting the E-Form. Oklahoma Silencer has the ability to take your fingerprints and submit electronically! You no longer need to go find a CLEO to fingerprint you and give you 2 copies per suppressor at $10-15/per copy! (COVID gouging that I saw), or bother with a DIY Kit. We are a one-stop shop!
Here’s an example of the FD-258 which must be used.
If you DON’T submit electronic copies with your application, You need TWO FD-258 Fingerprint cards PER item, so this means, if you buy 3 suppressors, you’ll need SIX fingerprint cards! I know it’s silly, but until the ATF changes this policy, that is the requirement. You can complete these cards yourself, or complete electronic ones in my office and I can print them for you. But honestly, if you are willing to do the electronic process in my office, you don’t need to mess with paper! 🙂
As I mentioned, you CAN buy kits online to complete your fingerprints at home. If you do, just ensure that they are clear and without smudges or smears. A cover letter will be sent once the E-Form is submitted and you can mail them to the ATF within the 10 day limit.
2. With the introduction of E-Forms, the photo portion has gotten much easier. We can take your passport sized photo in our office, and upload that to your application. No more buying 1 or 2 pictures per suppressor like before. Once again, we are a one-stop shop!
3. If you are buying through a Trust or LLC, I can help with that setup in less than 5 minutes. 199 Trust is the company I use, they have great customer service and you will have your printable .pdf file in as short as 15 minutes! You’ll print that out, complete some write in items, such as schedule, addendum and beneficiary pages , sign and notarize and then bring back so that I can scan a copy, or you can email me a copy of the completed PDF. We do NOT submit the original, you keep that in a secure location.
4. If you are applying under an LLC or Trust, additional Trustees will have a Form 5320.23 to sign. Click
here to read about the 5320.23 “Responsible Person Questionnaire”. I will prepare all the paperwork and can email you this form to print out and have your people sign. You can then scan and email me the signed form, or bring it with you to your appointment. Trustees are NOT required to come to your appointment. Non-Trust applications do not require the Form 5320.23.
5. Other things to consider. Each item requires a $200 SOT payment. You can pay via credit card on the E-Form website or pay me and I’ll pay it at the time of submission. Rest assured, this is the FIRST item to complete at submission, so be prepared to pay this at or before our meeting. The government will get their money before we can click submit.
6. I am required to notify the CLEO, Chief Law Enforcement Officer, of your intent to acquire an NFA item. For example, Tulsa County is the Tulsa County Sheriff. The Forms referenced above include the copies that are mailed to those officers.
7. Oklahoma Silencer will mail the copies to the CLEO. As a result, the only additional fee you will see along with your purchase is a shipping charge of $10. That is the cost of a priority mail flat rate envelope.
That is the process that we accomplish every day! It is not difficult, but knowing what to expect ensures it is a smooth process for all of us.