Posted by Vincent Hall on 3/16/2026 to
News
Complete Guide: Filing an ATF eForm 4 (Individual ? Trust)
This guide explains how to file an electronic ATF Form 4 to transfer an NFA firearm from an individual to their own trust using the ATF eForms system.
Note: This guide reflects a tax-exempt ($0) transfer scenario.
Step 1 – Create an ATF eForms Account
- Go to https://eforms.atf.gov
- Click Register
- Enter your personal information
- Create password and 4-digit PIN
Step 2 – Confirm Registration
- Firearm must already be approved on Form 1 or Form 4
- Have original approved form ready
Step 3 – Gather Documents
- Complete trust PDF (including amendments)
- Passport photos
- Form 23 for each responsible person
- Fingerprints (EFT preferred)
Step 3A – EFT Fingerprints
- Obtain .EFT file from fingerprint provider
- Ensure name matches application exactly
- One file per responsible person
Step 4 – Start Form 4
- Login to eForms
- Select ATF Form 4
- Begin new application
Form 4 Completion Checklist (Follow While Filing)
Page 1 – Transferor (You)
- Select: Individual
- Enter full legal name exactly as approved form
- Enter current address
- Enter county and state
- Enter email and phone
Page 2 – Transferor Details
- Verify name and address
- Enter SSN (recommended)
- Confirm citizenship
- Answer storage location question
Page 3 – Transferee (Trust)
- Select: Trust or Legal Entity
- Enter exact trust name
- Enter trust address
- Enter county and state
- Verify spelling matches trust document
Smith Family NFA Firearms Trust
Page 4 – Responsible Persons
- Add ALL trustees
- Enter full legal names
- Enter addresses
- Upload passport photo for each
- Upload Form 23 for each
- Upload EFT fingerprint file (if available)
Page 5 – Firearm Information
- Copy manufacturer exactly
- Enter model
- Select firearm type
- Enter caliber
- Enter barrel length
- Enter overall length
- Enter serial number EXACTLY
Manufacturer: Dead Air
Model: Sandman S
Type: Silencer
Caliber: 7.62
Serial: XXXXX
Page 6 – Documents Upload
- Upload complete trust PDF
- Upload amendments
- Upload Form 23s
- Upload passport photos
- Upload EFT fingerprint files
Page 7 – CLEO
- Enter CLEO name
- Enter agency
- Enter address
- Confirm location matches your jurisdiction
Page 8 – Review
- Verify trust name
- Verify serial number
- Verify responsible persons
- Verify firearm details
Page 9 – Certification
- Enter eForms User ID
- Enter 4-digit PIN
- Click Certify & Submit
- Confirm $0 tax (no payment required)
Page 10 – Confirmation
- Save submission control number
- Save confirmation email
- Print cover sheet if mailing fingerprints
Step 6 – Fingerprints (If Not Using EFT)
- Mail fingerprint cards within 10 business days
Step 7 – CLEO Notification
No approval required
Step 8 – Wait for Approval
- Background check
- Trust review
Step 9 – Approval
- Approved Form 4
- Digital tax stamp
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect trust name
- Missing trustees
- Incorrect serial number
- Missing fingerprints
Pro Tips
- Use EFT fingerprints
- Combine trust into one PDF
- Double-check everything before submitting
