Suppressor approvals are faster than ever right now. We’re seeing customers get their tax stamps approved anywhere from just 1 day to around 100 days, with many landing on the shorter end. These are the quickest turnaround times we’ve ever seen, and it looks like they’re becoming the new normal.

At Blackstone Shooting Sports, our goal is to make the process of buying a suppressor simple, smooth, and stress-free. Whether it’s your first time or you’re adding to your collection, we’ll guide you through every step so you can spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time enjoying your time at the range.

The Process in 5 Easy Steps

1. Choose and purchase the suppressor you want:

2. Complete your profile and submit fingerprints/photo:

3. Review and sign your electronic documents:

4. Create your ATF eForms account:

5. Certify with your local dealer and submit:

Let’s take a closer look at what each step involves and how our team can help.

1. Pick the right suppressor and add your tax stamp:

Start by deciding which suppressor fits your needs. Are you looking for something for your .22 rifle, your 9mm pistol, or maybe a versatile multi-caliber setup? Each one has its benefits, and our team can help you narrow down the options based on your firearms, calibers, and shooting goals.

Every suppressor purchase requires a $200 federal NFA tax stamp. When you order, you’ll add that stamp to your cart and choose how you’d like to register your suppressor — as an individual, through a trust, or under a corporation. Many customers choose a trust because it’s easy to manage and lets you add other authorized users later on.

Pro Tip: Make sure your firearm has a threaded barrel that matches your suppressor’s thread pattern before you buy.

2. Complete your profile and submit fingerprints & photo:

Once you’ve purchased your suppressor, you’ll need to provide your fingerprints and a passport-style photo. Most Silencer Shop dealers have a kiosk that makes this step quick and easy — it usually takes about five minutes.

• Fingerprints: The kiosk scans your prints once, and you’re done for good.

• Photo: Upload a simple, straight-on selfie against a neutral background.

• Info: Double-check that your name, address, and email match what you’ll use on your ATF eForms account exactly.

Getting this part right helps avoid delays later in the process.

3. Review and sign your electronic documents:

Once your profile is complete, you’ll receive an electronic document packet with all your information pre-filled. Review it carefully to make sure everything is accurate, then sign it electronically. This step takes only a few minutes and ensures your Form 4 submission is correct before it goes to the ATF.

4. Create your ATF eForms account:

Next, head to the ATF eForms website and create your account. Be sure that every detail matches your dealer profile — your name, address, and email must be identical to avoid issues.

There’s no fee to create the account. You’ll only pay the $200 tax stamp when your Form 4 is submitted.

5. Certify with your local dealer and submit:

When your application is ready, you’ll get an email letting you know it’s time to certify. Give your dealer a quick call to schedule a time to come in. During your visit, your dealer will review your information one last time, verify your ID, and help you submit your eForm 4 to the ATF.

From there, it’s just a waiting game until your approval arrives. Once approved, your dealer will contact you so you can pick up your suppressor and hit the range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are “silencer” and “suppressor” different?
Nope — they’re the same thing. The terms are interchangeable, so use whichever one you prefer.

How long does approval take?
Times vary. Lately, approvals have been anywhere from a few days to a few months. We recommend checking an ATF wait-time tracker for the latest averages.

How much is the tax stamp?
The NFA tax stamp is $200 for each NFA item (like a suppressor).

Should I file as an individual or use a trust?
It depends on your situation. A trust makes it easy to share ownership with others, while an individual filing is straightforward if you’re the only one using it. Our staff can walk you through both options.

How Blackstone Shooting Sports Can Help

At Blackstone, we know the process can seem confusing the first time. That’s why we offer hands-on support from start to finish. We’ll help you:

• Understand the difference between a trust and an individual filing

• Get your fingerprints and photo taken (where available)

• Set up your ATF eForms account correctly

• Review your documents to make sure everything matches

We also partner with trusted dealers in the Powered by Silencer Shop network, so when you purchase your suppressor, a portion of the sale supports local businesses like ours.

Final Tips Before You Buy

• Make sure your firearm’s barrel is threaded correctly for your suppressor.

• If you’re new to suppressors, a .22LR model is a great first choice — affordable, quiet, and fun to shoot.

• Save copies of every email and document until your transfer is complete.

• If you ever have questions, stop by or give us a call. Our staff will walk you through it in person.