NFA Dealers in California

What Are NFA Dealers?

NFA (National Firearms Act) dealers hold a Special Occupational Tax (SOT) license that allows them to deal in items regulated under the NFA: suppressors (silencers), short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), machine guns (pre-1986 transferable), destructive devices, and "any other weapons" (AOWs).

To purchase an NFA item, you'll need to complete an ATF Form 4 (for individual transfer) or Form 4 as a trust/entity, pay a $200 tax stamp fee, submit fingerprints and photos, and wait for ATF approval — typically 4–12 months. Your local NFA dealer handles the paperwork and holds the item until your stamp is approved.

NFA transfer fees are typically $75–$150, higher than standard transfers due to the additional paperwork and extended storage requirements.