How to Buy a Suppressor
Since 1934 suppressors have been regulated by the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and require a tax stamp and approval before they can be purchased by a civilian. While there are extra steps to owning these accessories, it is straightforward.
Here are steps to purchasing a suppressor through your local dealer:
1) Choose your suppressor
Choose your desired YHM suppressor to begin the registration process below.
2) Contact your local dealer
Before purchasing your tax stamp and submitting the Form 4 to the ATF, the dealer must possess your suppressor. Contact your local SOT-licensed dealer and order your YHM suppressor.
3) Choose registration type
There are two ways to register your suppressor, as an individual or a trust. You must know how you would like to register your suppressor before filing the Form 4.
Individual
An individual registration allows you to solely own and possess the suppressor. This registration type does not allow the suppressor to be operated without the owner present. There is no prior setup needed to register as an individual on a Form 4. This is the most common registration type for suppressors.
Trust
Registering a suppressor with a trust allows you to own and operate the suppressor, along with any responsible persons listed in the trust. There are costs and setup required for a trust before buying your tax stamp and submitting the Form 4 to the ATF. Check your local laws and regulations and consult with a lawyer if you would like to consider registering your suppressor to a trust.
4) Buy a tax stamp
At the time you file the Form 4 with the ATF you will need to buy a tax stamp. The ATF currently charges $200 for a suppressor tax stamp.
5) Submit form with ATF
Fill out the Form 4 or eForm 4 at your local dealer. We recommend using eForms because they are faster to submit, much faster for subsequent purchases, more secure, and there are potentially shorter wait times.
6) Wait for approval from ATF
Now that your suppressor is on hold at the dealer, the tax stamp is bought, and the Form 4 is filed now you will wait for approval from the ATF to pick up your new suppressor.
Here are current wait times from the ATF for Form 4 and eForm 4.
7) Order your suppressor accessories
While you are waiting for an approval from the ATF, now is a great time to think about outfitting your firearm with any additional suppressor accessories you might need. Depending on your build or intended application for the suppressor, talk to a YHM salesperson or your local dealer about mounting options, thread protectors, mirage covers, and more for your new silencer.
8) Pick up your suppressor
Once you have been approved by the ATF your new suppressor will be ready to be picked up from the dealer and enjoyed!
FAQs
Are suppressors legal in my state?
Suppressors are legal in most states but are regulated by Federal and State law. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) has rules and regulations for legal ownership.
Currently, the following states allow private ownership of suppressors with appropriate federal tax stamps:
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.
If you live in one of these states, you should still verify that owning a suppressor is legal in your area as local laws are subject to change.
Is it legal for me to buy a suppressor?
In most states; if you can legally own a handgun you can legally own a suppressor. Please see your local laws and regulations before purchasing your suppressor.
Can I buy a suppressor directly from YHM?
No, you must go through a licensed dealer to purchase a suppressor from YHM.
Can I buy a YHM suppressor online?
You can purchase YHM suppressors directly from an online vendor listed below.
Each dealer handles orders differently, contact their support team if you need assistance with your order.
How long does my suppressor tax stamp last?
Your tax stamp lasts the duration of ownership, only needing to be bought once at time of purchase.
Can I buy multiple suppressors with the same tax stamp?
No, you must purchase a tax stamp for each individual item regulated by the ATF including suppressors, short barrel rifles, short barrel shotguns, and machine guns.
Will the dealer charge a transfer fee?
Each dealer has different policies and fees. Contact your local dealer to inquire about their transfer fee.
Can I transfer ownership of my suppressor?
Yes, the new owner will need to follow steps 3 through 8 above.
Can I let someone borrow my suppressor?
If the suppressor is registered to an individual it cannot be lent and operated without the owner present.
If the suppressor is registered to a trust, anyone listed as a responsible person can operate the suppressor.
What is the wait time to get approved by the ATF for a suppressor?
Here are current ATF wait times for Form 4 Trust and Form 4 Individual for paper and eForm.
Is ATF eForm 4 faster than mailing in the Form 4?
The ATF eFrom 4 is typically faster, but does not guarantee faster approvals.