FFL Watch — Compliance Checklist

A&D Record Keeping Checklist

8 items · Last updated Mar 10, 2026
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Acquisition Records

Log all acquisitions within one business day

Every firearm received — whether purchased, consigned, transferred, or returned from repair — must be entered in the A&D book by the close of the next business day.

Record complete firearm descriptors

Each entry must include: manufacturer/importer, model, serial number, type (pistol, rifle, shotgun, etc.), and caliber/gauge.

Document acquisition source

Record the name, address, and FFL number (if applicable) of the person or entity from whom the firearm was acquired.

Disposition Records

Record all dispositions with transferee details

Log the name, address, and (if applicable) FFL number of the person or entity receiving the firearm. Include the date of transfer and 4473 serial number.

Cross-reference dispositions with Form 4473

Every retail sale disposition entry should reference the corresponding Form 4473 transaction number for easy audit tracing.

Record theft/loss with ATF and local law enforcement

Any stolen or lost firearms must be reported to ATF within 48 hours using the FFL Theft/Loss Report and noted in your A&D book.

Maintenance & Integrity

Never use correction fluid — draw a single line through errors

ATF requires that errors in bound books be corrected by drawing a single line through the mistake, writing the correct entry nearby, and initialing and dating the correction.

Conduct quarterly self-audits of A&D records

Perform a spot-check of at least 10% of entries each quarter, comparing physical inventory to bound book records. Document audit date and results.