Understanding the 4473 Form

ATF Form 4473, officially titled the 'Firearms Transaction Record,' is the federal form every individual must complete when receiving a firearm from an FFL dealer. It has been required since the Gun Control Act of 1968 and is the backbone of the federal transfer documentation system.

Why the form exists

The 4473 serves two primary purposes: it documents the transfer for ATF record-keeping purposes, and it requires the buyer to certify under penalty of perjury that they are not a prohibited person. Lying on a 4473 is a federal felony under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(6), carrying up to 10 years imprisonment.

Section A: Transferee information

This section collects your personal information: full legal name, current address, date of birth, place of birth, height, weight, sex, and country of citizenship. You'll also indicate whether you're transferring the firearm for yourself (the most common case) or as a representative of a corporation or other entity.

Section B: Firearm information

The FFL completes this section, recording the manufacturer, importer, model, serial number, type (handgun/rifle/shotgun/other), and caliber of the firearm being transferred.

Section C: The prohibitor questions

This is the critical section of the form. You must answer 'Yes' or 'No' to a series of questions about your legal status. The questions cover felony convictions, domestic violence, controlled substance use, mental adjudication status, and more.

• Are you the actual buyer? (Question 21a)
• Are you under indictment or information in any court for a felony? (21b)
• Have you ever been convicted of a felony? (21c)
• Are you a fugitive from justice? (21d)
• Are you an unlawful user of controlled substances? (21e)
• Have you ever been adjudicated as a mental defective? (21f)

Answering 'Yes' to most of these questions will result in the FFL declining the transfer. Answering falsely is a federal crime.

The NICS check and certification

After completing the form, the FFL contacts NICS (either online or by phone) using your information. NICS responds with Proceed, Delayed, or Denied. If Proceed, the FFL completes the certification section and releases the firearm. The completed 4473 is retained by the FFL, not sent to the ATF (except in certain circumstances).