Do I need to register my gun with the government?

**SHORT ANSWER: Usually NO (except NFA items)**

**FEDERAL LEVEL:**
- **NO federal gun registration** in the United States
- The government does NOT maintain a database of gun owners
- Form 4473 stays with the FFL dealer (not sent to government)
- Only NFA items (suppressors, SBRs, etc.) are federally registered

**STATE LEVEL VARIES:**

**STATES WITH NO REGISTRATION:**
- Kentucky (where we're located) - **NO registration required**
- Most states have no registration requirements
- You can buy, own, and carry without registering

**STATES WITH REGISTRATION:**
- California: Handgun registration
- Connecticut: "Assault weapons" registration
- Hawaii: All firearms registration
- New York: "Assault weapons" registration
- A few others with specific requirements

**WHAT IS TRACKED:**
- **Form 4473:** Stays with FFL dealer (us)
- **NICS check:** Records the check, not the gun
- **NFA items:** Suppressors, SBRs federally registered
- **Concealed carry permits:** Some states track these

**COMMON MYTHS:**
- "ATF keeps records of all gun sales" - **FALSE**
- "NICS creates a gun registry" - **FALSE**
- "All guns are registered somewhere" - **FALSE**

**IF YOU MOVE TO ANOTHER STATE:**
- Check that state's laws
- Some states require registration of guns brought in
- California and Hawaii have strict requirements
- Most states have no additional requirements

**NFA ITEMS ARE DIFFERENT:**
- Suppressors, SBRs, machine guns ARE registered
- ATF Form 4 creates federal registration
- $200 tax stamp required
- These are tracked by serial number

**BOTTOM LINE:**
- In Kentucky: **No registration needed**
- Regular firearms: **No government database**
- Only special NFA items are registered
- Check your state laws if you move

**Questions about your state's laws?** We can help research requirements for your area!