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Ownership and Possession

Here are the requirements for owning a machine gun, or an automatic weapon, in the United States:

  • Must not be classified as a “prohibited person.”
  • Be at least 21 years of age to purchase a machine gun from the current owner.
  • Be a legal resident of the United States.
  • Be legally eligible to purchase a firearm.
  • Pass a BATFE background check with a typical process time of 5 to 10 months.
  • Pay a one-time $200 transfer tax. (You’ll need a stamp for each machine gun.)
Black semi-automatic handgun

FAQs

May I Possess One in My State?

Some states may prohibit ownership and possession. State and local laws may also require more stringent registration besides federal registration. Check with us or the ATF for laws in your state.

How Can I Own These Weapons? What Forms Do I Need?

You can apply for registered ownership of these weapons in three ways:

  1. Registration in Your Name: Taking ownership in your name is one option of ownership. If you are 21 or over, have no criminal record, and ownership is legal in the jurisdiction, you will be granted approval. Registration in an individual’s name requires the application to include a set of fingerprints, an FBI background check, and photographs. Contact us or your local FFL for additional information.

  2. Registration in a Business Name: Same as above, but the business owns the firearm

  3. Trust Ownership: One benefit of trust ownership is that multiple people may legally possess an NFA firearm, provided they are trustees. However, this is not possible if it is registered in one person’s name.  


    Additionally, one advantage of a trust over a business entity registration is that trusts generally do not have annual renewals or associated fees. The new ATF rules, commonly referred to as 41F, have now changed trust ownership requirements.

    Starting July 2016, all trust applicants must submit fingerprints, photographs, and a statement concerning the responsible party of the trust. Contact your local FFL or call us for more information.