Buying a suppressor is easier than most people think. Yes, there's paperwork and a wait, but the process is straightforward. This guide walks you through every step from choosing a suppressor to taking it home.
In This Guide
Basic Requirements
- Be 21 years or older
- US citizen or permanent resident
- Live in a state where suppressors are legal (42 states)
- Pass background check (same as buying a regular gun)
- Not prohibited from owning firearms
No special license, training, or permit required. If you can legally buy a gun, you can likely buy a suppressor.
Step 1: Verify Your State Allows Suppressors
Legal States (42)
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, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Prohibited States (8)
CA, DE, HI, IL, MA, NJ, NY, RI
Check your state's full NFA laws →
Step 2: Find a Dealer
You need to buy from a licensed dealer (FFL/SOT - Federal Firearms License with Special Occupational Tax).
Finding Dealers
- Local gun stores - Many now carry suppressors
- Silencer-specific dealers - Capitol Armory, Silencer Shop partners, etc.
- Online retailers - Transfer to local dealer
Questions to Ask
- "Do you have suppressors in stock?"
- "Do you help with Form 4 paperwork?"
- "Do you offer fingerprinting?"
- "What's your transfer fee?" (if buying online)
Step 3: Choose and Purchase Your Suppressor
Things to Consider
- Caliber - Match to your guns (.22, 9mm, .45, .30 cal, etc.)
- Size/Weight - Longer = quieter but heavier
- Mount type - Direct thread vs quick detach
- Full auto rated? - If you ever shoot full auto
- Multi-caliber? - Use on multiple guns
Popular First Suppressors
- .22 suppressors - Cheapest, quietest relative to unsuppressed
- .30 cal rifle cans - Versatile for hunting rifles and AR-15s
- 9mm pistol cans - Home defense and range use
Pay for the suppressor. It stays at the dealer (in "NFA jail") until your Form 4 is approved.
Step 4: Complete ATF Form 4
Form 4 is the "Application for Tax Paid Transfer" - the official paperwork to transfer the suppressor to you.
What You'll Need
- Personal information (name, address, DOB, SSN)
- Passport-style photo
- Fingerprints in EFT format
- CLEO information (for notification)
The Process
- Dealer creates Form 4 in ATF eForms system
- You create/login to ATF eForms account
- Dealer shares the form with you
- You fill in your portion
- Upload photo and fingerprints
- Review and certify
- Pay tax (submit)
EFT Fingerprints Required: ATF eForms only accepts fingerprints in EFT format. Get fingerprinted on an FD-258 card, then convert with SlapEFT.
Step 5: Submit and Wait
After submitting, ATF processes your application:
- Initial review for completeness
- FBI background check
- Examiner review
- Approval (stamp issued)
Current Wait Times (2026)
- eForms Form 4: 30-90 days typical
- Paper Form 4: 6-12 months
Always file electronically. Paper is 4-6x slower.
Step 6: Pick Up Your Suppressor
When approved:
- Dealer receives approval notification
- Dealer contacts you
- You visit dealer
- Complete ATF Form 4473 (standard background check)
- Take your suppressor home!
Total Costs Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Suppressor | $300 - $2,000+ |
| Tax Stamp (2026) | $0 |
| Fingerprinting | $0 - $30 |
| EFT Conversion | $10 |
| Example Total | $310 - $2,040+ |
Typical Timeline
- Day 1: Purchase suppressor, start paperwork
- Day 1-7: Get fingerprinted, convert to EFT
- Day 7-14: Complete and submit Form 4
- Day 14-90: Wait for ATF approval
- Day 90+: Pick up your suppressor!
