Before the Transaction

Use only the current version of ATF Form 4473

Check atf.gov for the latest revision date. Using an outdated form version is a compliance violation.

Section A — Buyer Completes

Buyer completes all Section A fields in their own handwriting

The FFL may not complete Section A on behalf of the buyer. All fields must be filled by the transferee personally.

Full legal name matches government-issued photo ID exactly

Verify name spelling against the ID presented. Any discrepancy must be resolved before proceeding.

Current residence address is complete — P.O. Box alone is not acceptable

A physical street address is required. A P.O. Box may be listed as a mailing address only if a street address is also provided.

Date of birth and place of birth fields are complete

Both fields are required. Place of birth must include state or country.

Buyer answered YES or NO to every eligibility question in Section B — no blanks

Every question must have a clear yes or no response. A blank answer is a violation. If any answer is YES, do not proceed without consulting ATF guidance.

Buyer signed and dated the certification at the bottom of Section A

An unsigned 4473 cannot be used to complete a transfer. The date must match the date of the transaction.

Section B — FFL Completes

Enter complete firearm information: make, model, serial number, caliber, type

All fields are required. Serial number must match the physical firearm exactly — including capitalization and hyphens.

For multiple firearms, list all or attach a complete separate sheet

Each firearm must be individually identified. Attached sheets must be signed and dated by both buyer and FFL.

Run NICS background check and record the transaction number

The NICS check must be initiated before transferring the firearm. Record the NTN (NICS Transaction Number) on the form.

Record NICS response: Proceed, Delayed, or Denied — and the date

The response and date must be documented on the form. Do not leave these fields blank regardless of outcome.

If Delayed: do not transfer until Proceed received OR statutory wait expires (3 business days standard, up to 10 for buyers under 21)

Standard rule: transfer may proceed after 3 business days if no Denied response is received. CRITICAL EXCEPTION — Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA): for buyers UNDER 21, NICS may invoke an enhanced check that delays the proceed-by-deadline up to 10 business days while juvenile records are reviewed. Verify the NICS response carefully when the buyer is 18–20. Note that proceeding after the deadline is a business decision, not a requirement — many FFLs as a matter of policy do not transfer on Delayed status until a Proceed is received.

If Denied: do not transfer the firearm

A denial means the transfer cannot proceed. Document the denial on the form and follow ATF procedures. Do not return the firearm to the buyer.

FFL signs and dates the transferor certification after NICS result received

The FFL signature must come after the NICS check is completed. Signing before running the check is a violation.

Recordkeeping

Retain ALL completed Forms 4473 at the licensed premises until business or licensed activity is discontinued (ATF Final Rule 2021R-05F)

Current rule (in effect since Aug 2022): every Form 4473 — whether the transfer was completed, denied, voided, or no-saled — must be retained for the life of the FFL. This applies to every 4473 that is started in your store. The previous 20-year (transfers) and 5-year (NICS-contacted no-sales) ceilings no longer apply. Forms must be retrievable within a reasonable time during an inspection. If your license is discontinued, all 4473s must be transferred to ATF's Out-of-Business Records Center within 30 days. NOTE: ATF's April 29, 2026 reform package proposes returning to a 20–30-year retention window (NPRM 1140-AA95) — this is not yet effective. Watch for the final rule.

Correct errors properly — single line through error, correction nearby, FFL initials

Never use white-out or correction fluid. Never obliterate an entry. If buyer makes an error, they must make the correction and initial it. Do not recopy the form.

Form 4473 Completion Checklist