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!