Firearm Serialization
- Firearm frame serialization is a big deal, the Attorney General signed 2021R-05F to define “frame or receiver” and firearm identification.
- The ATF final rule was signed in April and went into effect in August, so those are the key dates in the timeline.
- Firearm frames (including Glock frames) need to have a unique serial number for tracking and identification purposes.
- The Federal Register posted updates on firearm regulations including the final rule on frame and receiver definitions which affects federal firearms licensees and privately made firearms.
- Understanding the serialization regulations is important for gun owners, manufacturers and dealers to comply with the laws and avoid crimes.
- The serialization process is marking the firearm frame with a unique serial number and then registering it with the manufacturer and law enforcement.
Firearm Parts
- A firearm is made up of many parts including the frame, receiver, slide and trigger guard, each plays a critical role in the gun’s function. Different frames and parts are designed for different calibers so you need to match the caliber (9mm, 40S&W, 357Sig) to ensure fit, function and safety.
- The frame or receiver is the heart of the firearm and serialization is critical for tracking and identification. Some frames have rail lips that are twice as long as a Glock, which makes the firearm more robust and functional.
- Firearm manufacturers (like the PF series) need to make sure their products comply with the regulations including serialization of frames and completing ATF forms.
- The lower parts of the firearm (grip and trigger assembly) are also regulated and need to be manufactured and assembled according to the laws and guidelines. Owners often upgrade the trigger assembly for better performance and customization.
- The definition of a firearm and its parts is key to understanding the serialization regulations and the impact on gun owners and manufacturers.
Homemade and 3D Printed Firearms
The rise of privately made firearms (PMFs) including homemade and 3D printed guns has brought new attention to serialization in the firearm industry. Under the final rule published in the Federal Register federal firearms licensees (FFLs) must make sure every firearm frame or receiver regardless of how it’s made is marked with a unique serial number. This includes firearms built at home, assembled from kits or 3D printed.
The Attorney General and the Department of Justice has made it clear that serialization is a key tool in preventing crime and public safety. The final rule requires all firearms manufactured (including those built or 3D printed) to be serialized and registered before they can be transferred, sold or even completed for personal use. This process is marking the frame or receiver with a serial number that is visible and permanent using methods like engraving or laser marking.
For individuals building firearms at home (whether using an 80% lower, PF series frame or Glock style trigger guard) the law treats the frame or receiver as the regulated component. As soon as the frame or receiver is completed to the point where it can be assembled into a functional firearm it becomes subject to serialization requirements. Before any transfer or sale the builder must complete an ATF Form 4473 and have a background check done just like commercially manufactured guns.
FFLs must keep detailed records of all firearms manufactured (including those built or 3D printed). This includes the serial number, date of manufacture and details of any transaction or transfer. These records help law enforcement track firearms, recover lost or stolen guns and hold individuals accountable if a firearm is used in a crime.
The regulations also applies to anyone who wants to sell, transfer or even give away a homemade or 3D printed firearm. The firearm must be properly serialized and registered and all applicable laws regarding background checks and ATF forms must be followed. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in severe legal consequences including fines, loss of license or criminal charges.In summary serialization of homemade and 3D printed firearms is not just a formality – it’s a critical step to ensure all guns regardless of how they’re made can be tracked and accounted for. Whether you’re a manufacturer, FFL or individual building a firearm for personal use you need to understand and follow the current laws and regulations. Proper marking, record keeping and compliance with background check requirements helps communities, responsible gun ownership and the integrity of the firearms industry.
Firearm Dealer Requirements
- FFLs must comply with regulations regarding the sale and transfer of firearms including verification of serial numbers and background checks. Firearms must be shipped according to ATF regulations to be legal. Firearm dealers must make sure they’re selling and transferring firearms according to laws and regulations including ghost guns and privately made firearms. Purchase of firearms and components must comply with all federal and state laws.
- The final rule on frame and receiver definitions has big implications for FFLs who must now ensure they’re complying with the new regulations and guidelines.
- Firearm manufacturers and dealers must also comply with regulations regarding marking and registration of serial numbers and record keeping and ATF regulations.
- Firearm sales and transfers are complex and require attention to detail to comply and avoid consequences.
For more information see the Q&A section below for common compliance questions.
Compliance and Consequences
- Failure to comply with firearm regulations including serialization and background checks can result in serious consequences including fines and imprisonment. The Department of Justice and ATF is addressing the proliferation of untraceable firearms by updating regulations and enforcement.
- Gun owners and manufacturers must make sure they’re complying with laws and regulations including sale and transfer of firearms. Unserialized firearms are difficult for law enforcement to trace which complicates solving crimes and regulating firearms.
- Consequences of non-compliance can be severe including loss of federal firearms licenses and significant fines and penalties. Law enforcement can inspect serial numbers and a person must not alter or remove them to be in compliance with the law.* Gun owners and manufacturers must keep up to date with current regulations and guidelines including ghost guns and privately made firearms to comply and avoid consequences. There are legal implications if you replace parts like the frame or receiver as these are critical for firearm identification. The serial number is the identifier of the weapon and must remain intact and unaltered.
- Compliance is key as it’s for public safety and preventing misuse of firearms and protecting the rights of law abiding gun owners and manufacturers.
For compliance questions or more information contact the appropriate regulatory authority or your local ATF field office.