NFA Processing Times as of August 01, 2026: Form 1 at 59 Days
As of August 01, 2026, the National Firearms Act (NFA) processing times for Forms 1 and 4 have stabilized, with Form 1 averaging 59 days across sources and Form 4 Individual at a swift 6.3 days.
Current Wait Times
The current blended average wait times for NFA forms are as follows: Form 1 is at 59.0 days, while Form 4 Individual applications have an average processing time of 6.3 days. For trusts, the average wait time stands at 27.0 days.
These averages reflect a stable environment where individual applicants experience significantly shorter waits compared to trust-based filings.
What the Sources Show
The sources break down as follows: Silencer Shop, a dealer source, reports Form 4 Individual at 6 days and Form 4 Trust at 29 days. Silencer Central, another dealer, shows similar patterns with Form 4 Individual at 7 days and Form 4 Trust at 26 days.
The ATF itself is processing Form 1 applications in 59 days, aligning closely with the blended average.
Week-over-Week Change
Comparing recent trends, there has been minimal fluctuation. The wait times for Form 4 Individual have remained consistent at around 6 to 7 days over the past few weeks. Trust applications show a slight increase in processing time, ranging from 26 to 29 days.
What This Means for Buyers
For individual applicants, current wait times present an opportune period to file Form 4 requests due to the rapid turnaround. Trust-based applications face longer waits but remain within expected ranges.
The adoption of eForms continues to streamline processing for both individuals and trusts, though trust filings still experience a lag compared to individual submissions.
Outlook
Given the current stability in wait times, there are no immediate indications of significant changes. Individual applicants can expect continued rapid processing, while trust-based requests will likely maintain longer wait periods. Future adjustments may depend on further eForm adoption and ATF resource allocation.
View all articles→Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current average wait time for Form 1 applications?
The current blended average processing time for Form 1 applications stands at 59 days as of August 01, 2026.
How long does it take to process a Form 4 Individual application?
Form 4 Individual applications are currently averaging around 6.3 days for processing as of August 01, 2026.
What is the difference in wait time between individual and trust-based Form 4 filings?
The current wait times show a significant gap; individual Form 4 applications average around 6.3 days, while trust-based Form 4 filings take approximately 27 days.
How do dealer sources compare to the ATF in processing times?
Dealer sources like Silencer Shop and Silencer Central show similar trends with individual applications averaging around 6-7 days, while trust-based filings range from 26 to 29 days. The ATF’s Form 1 processing time aligns closely with the blended average at 59 days.