Complete guide to the Firearms Transaction Record - the federal form required for every firearm purchase from a licensed dealer.
Understanding the Firearms Transaction Record
ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record) is a federal form required for all firearm purchases from federally licensed dealers (FFLs). It collects information about the buyer, the firearm being purchased, and includes eligibility questions based on federal law.
Every time you purchase a firearm from a dealer, you must complete this form. The dealer retains it for 20 years (or indefinitely if involved in an investigation) and submits the transaction information to the FBI for NICS background check purposes.
Form 4473 serves several important purposes:
Your dealer provides Form 4473. The form is free - never pay for it.
Download Blank Form (ATF.gov) →Understanding each part of the form
Completed by the dealer with details about the transaction.
Sale, pawn redemption, return to seller, etc.
MM/DD/YYYY format
Dealer's FFL number and expiration
Dealer's business name
Unique identifiers for each firearm
Information about each firearm being purchased. Multiple firearms require separate lines.
Name of the maker (not importer)
Model name/number
Exact number on firearm
Pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun
9mm, .45 ACP, .223, 12 ga, etc.
In inches for rifles/shotguns
Blued, stainless, polymer, etc.
Manufacturer, importer, etc.
This section is YOUR responsibility. Answer all questions honestly and accurately.
• 14. Full name (no nicknames)
• 15. Date of birth
• 16. Social Security Number (optional but recommended)
• 17. Current address
• 18. City, State, ZIP
• 19. County
• 20. Driver's License or ID number
• 21. State of issue for ID
• 22. Gender
• 23. Height, Weight, Race, Hair Color, Eye Color
These yes/no questions determine your legal eligibility. If you answer "yes" to any, you CANNOT purchase the firearm.
• 24. Indicted/convicted of felony
• 25. Fugitive from justice
• 26. Drug user or addicted
• 27. Involuntarily committed to mental institution
• 28. Illegal alien
• 29. Nonimmigrant visa holder
• 30. Renounced U.S. citizenship
• 31. Under indictment for felony
• 32. Under protection order (domestic)
• 33. Domestic violence conviction
• 34. Dishonorable discharge
• 35. State law prohibition
Includes country of citizenship, state of birth, and other required information.
You must sign and date the certification. By signing, you certify that:
Important: Lying on Form 4473 is a federal crime (up to 5 years imprisonment and $250,000 fine). If you're unsure about any question, ASK the dealer before answering.
Common mistakes to avoid
Providing your SSN is voluntary but strongly recommended. If you don't provide it, the background check may be delayed. Your SSN helps the FBI verify your identity and conduct a more accurate check.
You can review the form ahead of time, but the form must be completed at the dealer at the time of purchase. The dealer must witness you signing the form.
Do not use white-out or cross out errors. Ask the dealer for a new form. A clean, accurate form is essential for legal compliance.
Yes! Your copy serves as proof of the transaction and firearm ownership. Keep it with your other important documents. If your firearm is ever lost or stolen, the form helps prove ownership.
Every question on Form 4473 exists for a legal reason. If you're uncertain about any answer: