Military members and veterans have some unique considerations when it comes to NFA items. This guide covers fingerprinting options, PCS moves, state residency issues, and more.
In This Guide
Can Active Duty Military Own NFA Items?
Absolutely yes. Military service does not prevent you from owning personal NFA items. Many military members own suppressors, SBRs, and other NFA items.
Key points:
- NFA items are personal property—separate from military service
- Subject to laws of your state of residence
- Can be registered to duty station OR home of record state
- No special military exemptions for NFA process
Fingerprinting Options for Military
On-Base Options
- Military Police/Security Forces - Many bases offer fingerprinting services
- Legal Assistance Office - May provide or direct to services
- ID Card Office/DEERS - Sometimes offers fingerprinting
Off-Base Options
- Local Sheriff's Office - Usually available near any base
- UPS Stores - Common near military installations
- Gun Stores - Many near bases cater to military
- DIY at Home - Works anywhere you're stationed
Popular Base Areas
- Fort Liberty (Bragg), NC: Cumberland County Sheriff, Jim's Gun Jobbery
- Fort Hood, TX: Bell County Sheriff, multiple local dealers
- Camp Lejeune, NC: Onslow County Sheriff
- Norfolk/Hampton Roads, VA: Multiple sheriffs, Bob's Gun Shop
- San Diego, CA: Note - CA prohibits suppressors
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA: Pierce County Sheriff - Note: WA prohibits SBRs
State Residency for Military
Military members have flexibility in residency that affects NFA applications:
Option 1: Duty Station State
- Register NFA items to where you're currently stationed
- Must be legal in that state
- Will need Form 5320.20 when you PCS
Option 2: Home of Record
- Register to your legal residence (home of record)
- Item stored there or with you at duty station
- May simplify long-term ownership across PCS moves
Recommendation
If your home of record is NFA-friendly (like TX, FL, TN), registering there can simplify moves. If stationed in an NFA-friendly state but home is not, register to duty station.
PCS Moves with NFA Items
Before You Move
- Check destination state laws - Is your item legal there?
- File ATF Form 5320.20 - Interstate transport notification (free, approved in days)
- Keep stamp and 5320.20 with the item
If Moving to a Prohibited State
- Cannot bring NFA item to a state where it's illegal
- Options: Store with friend/family in legal state, store in commercial storage in legal state, sell or transfer before moving
OCONUS PCS
Taking NFA items overseas requires State Department export permits (very difficult). Most military members store items stateside during OCONUS tours:
- Store with trusted family in legal state
- Commercial gun storage (some dealers offer this)
- Leave with spouse if remaining stateside
Deployment Considerations
Single Service Members
- Ensure items are properly secured during deployment
- Gun safes in on-base housing or off-base residence
- Some bases have armories that will store personal weapons
With Family at Home
- If using an NFA trust, spouse can use items while you're deployed
- Individual registration means only you can possess the item
- Consider trust for flexibility
Veterans
Veterans follow the same NFA process as civilians. A few notes:
- Military service doesn't expedite ATF processing
- Honorable/general discharge doesn't affect eligibility (only dishonorable discharge prohibits firearms)
- VA disability doesn't affect NFA eligibility unless adjudicated mentally incompetent
- Existing fingerprints from military service cannot be used for ATF—need fresh FD-258
Converting Your Military Fingerprints to EFT
Whether you got fingerprinted on base or off, the conversion process is the same:
- Photograph or scan your FD-258 card
- Upload to SlapEFT
- Get your .eft file in minutes
- Use for current and future applications—even after PCS moves
Tip: Get your EFT file now while you have time. Your file works forever, so you'll be ready whenever you want to submit an application—even if you PCS first.
