How to Buy a Suppressor

The Basic Requirements

Before you begin, you need to meet a few federal requirements:

• You must be 21 years or older to purchase from a dealer (18 to purchase from an individual or to possess as a trust beneficiary)
• You must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
• You must be legally allowed to possess firearms under federal law
• You must live in one of the 42 states where suppressor ownership is legal

If you can legally buy a firearm, you can likely buy a suppressor.

Step 1: Choose Your Suppressor

Suppressors come in different configurations for different purposes. The main categories include:

Rimfire suppressors work with .22 LR, .17 HMR, and similar small calibers. They are typically the most affordable option and offer the greatest relative sound reduction.

Pistol suppressors handle 9mm through .45 ACP, and similar handgun calibers. Most are rated for pistol caliber carbines as well.

Rifle suppressors manage the higher pressures of centerfire rifle cartridges. All .30 caliber suppressors can also handle smaller calibers like 5.56 and your 6mm variants.

Multi-caliber suppressors offer flexibility across multiple platforms but may involve compromises in size or weight.

Consider what firearms you plan to suppress most often, then select a suppressor rated for those calibers.

Step 2: Find a Dealer

Suppressors must be purchased through a licensed dealer with Special Occupational Tax (SOT) status. These dealers are authorized to handle NFA items.

Some dealers offer additional services like ATF paperwork assistance, fingerprinting and photographs, NFA trust preparation, and direct-to-door delivery in qualifying states.

Capitol Armory provides all of these services and maintains one of the largest suppressor inventories in the country.

Step 3: Complete the ATF Form 4

The ATF Form 4 is the application for transfer of your suppressor. It requires:

• Your personal information (name, address, citizenship)
• The suppressor details (make, model, serial number, caliber)
• Passport-style photograph
• Fingerprints (two FBI FD-258 cards or electronic submission)
• CLEO notification (copy sent to your local chief law enforcement officer)

Capitol Armory handles all the paperwork for you and submits everything electronically for faster processing. We walk you through each step, prepare your documents, and file your eForm 4 so you can focus on choosing the right suppressor.

Step 4: Individual vs. Trust Filing

You can register your suppressor as an individual or through an NFA gun trust.

Individual filing puts the suppressor in your name only. The process is slightly simpler, but only you can legally possess the suppressor.

Trust filing allows multiple trustees to possess the suppressor. This is useful for families or situations where others might need access. Each trustee must submit fingerprints and photographs.

Capitol Armory offers a multi-use NFA trust that works in all 50 states and is designed for speedy approvals. Unlike single-use trusts that charge $29.95 per suppressor, our multi-use trust covers unlimited NFA items for one price all in one legal document. If you plan to own more than one suppressor, the savings add up fast.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

After submission, the ATF conducts a background check and processes your application. Current wait times vary:

eForm 4 submissions are currently averaging days to weeks, depending on their workload and your background check. The ATF has dramatically improved processing speed through electronic filing.

Paper Form 4 submissions take longer, often several months.

You can check current approval times and track the process through your dealer or directly with the ATF. See our wait times tracker for current data.

Step 6: Take Possession

Once approved, your dealer receives notification. You complete a standard 4473 form (the same as any firearm purchase), and your suppressor is released.

Capitol Armory's Direct-to-Door program delivers your approved suppressor directly to your home in all 42 suppressor-friendly states.

What About the Tax Stamp?

Historically, suppressor purchases required a $200 federal tax stamp. As of January 1, 2026, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act eliminated this tax for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and AOWs.

The Form 4 process, background check, fingerprints, and registration requirements remain in place. The $200 cost is simply gone.

Read our complete guide to the 2026 tax changes for more details.