How to Legally Buy a Machine Gun: Step-by-Step Guide to the ATF Form 4 Process

Buying a transferable machine gun is completely legal in the United States for eligible civilians, and the process is more straightforward than many people realize. At Full Auto LLC, we assist buyers across the country with smooth, fully compliant NFA transfers, and this guide explains exactly what you can expect when purchasing a transferable machine gun through the ATF Form 4 process.

Whether you are new to NFA firearms or a seasoned collector, this walkthrough will help you understand each step clearly from start to finish.

Understanding Transferable Machine Guns

Transferable machine guns are fully automatic firearms lawfully registered before the cutoff date of May 19, 1986, under the Firearm Owners Protection Act. Since the registry has been closed to new civilian registrations for nearly forty years, the number of transferable machine guns is permanently fixed, which is why these firearms are both collectible and highly valuable.

When you purchase a transferable machine gun, the transfer to you must be approved by the ATF on a Form 4.

Step 1: Choose the Machine Gun You Want to Purchase

Your transfer begins when you select the machine gun you intend to buy. At Full Auto LLC, every listed firearm has been verified, photographed, and documented to ensure confidence and transparency in your purchase.

Once the gun is selected, we prepare the NFA transfer paperwork for you.

Step 2: Decide Whether You Are Filing as an Individual or NFA Trust

You may purchase a transferable machine gun as:

• an individual buyer

• a trust

• a legal entity such as an LLC

Most buyers today file as individuals because the process tends to move faster and requires fewer administrative steps. We assist you with whichever option you choose.

Step 3: Completing the ATF Form 4

The ATF Form 4 is the application used to transfer a machine gun from a licensed FFL/SOT to a private buyer. It includes firearm information, transferor information, transferee information, and responsible persons if a trust is used. At Full Auto LLC, we prepare the Form 4 for you and ensure it is accurate before submission.

SilencerShop eForm Assistance

Many buyers prefer to use SilencerShop because of their streamlined fingerprinting and eForms system, which integrates directly with the ATF portal. For customers who already have fingerprints stored with SilencerShop or who prefer their kiosk system, we can coordinate a SilencerShop-powered eForm 4 submission to simplify your transfer.

Benefits include:

• fingerprints stored digitally

• photos uploaded automatically

• quicker preparation of eForm 4 packages

• fewer chances of clerical errors

• smoother process for buyers in other states

We are fully compatible with SilencerShop, and if you prefer to use their system, we will coordinate everything to make the submission easy.

Step 4: Submit Fingerprints and Photos

For Form 4 transfers, the ATF requires fingerprint cards and passport-style photos for each responsible person. Fingerprints may be submitted using physical FD-258 cards or electronically through SilencerShop’s kiosk system. We guide you through whichever method you choose and ensure all documents meet ATF requirements.

Step 5: Pay the $200 Tax Stamp

Each Form 4 transfer requires a $200 federal tax stamp, which can be paid electronically through the ATF eForms system or by mailed check for paper submissions. The tax has remained unchanged since 1934.

Step 6: ATF Background Check and Approval

After your application is submitted, the ATF performs identity verification, background checks, and registry confirmation. Processing times vary, though eForms typically move faster than paper.

We monitor your transfer and notify you immediately once approval is issued.

Step 7: Pick Up Your Machine Gun

Once your Form 4 is approved, the machine gun is legally transferred to you and may be picked up in person. If you live out of state, the firearm must be shipped to your receiving FFL/SOT.

Out-of-State Buyers and Form 3 Transfers

If you are a dealer or buying inventory for your own FFL/SOT, Full Auto LLC can transfer machine guns to other licensed dealers nationwide using an ATF Form 3. Form 3 transfers are tax-free and generally process much faster than Form 4 transfers because they occur between two licensees.

This is especially helpful when:

• you want the gun in your local dealer’s possession before the customer files their Form 4

• you are a dealer purchasing inventory

• your customer prefers local inspection before finalizing their purchase

• you want quicker movement of NFA items across state lines

We routinely ship machine guns to dealers throughout the United States and handle all paperwork preparation for Form 3 transfers.

Important Notes for Owners

Keep your approved Form 4 accessible, file ATF Form 5320.20 before transporting machine guns across state lines, and notify us if your address changes while your transfer is pending. Machine guns must remain registered to their current owner until approved for transfer.

Why Buy Through Full Auto LLC

We handle every step, including Form 4 preparation, SilencerShop coordination, fingerprint assistance, shipping, communication with ATF, and helping you select the right machine gun for your goals.

Buying a transferable machine gun is a major investment and we make the process extremely smooth.

Ready to Start the Process?

Contact Full Auto LLC at myfullautollc@gmail.com for information on available transferable UZIs, MP5s, M16s, Thompsons, M2HBs, MG34s, and other collectible NFA firearms.

Just let me know.