ATF Form 4473 | Purchasing a Firearm

Published on March 9, 2015
Duration: 16:40

This video provides a detailed walkthrough of the ATF Form 4473, explaining each section and common pitfalls. Instructors emphasize the importance of accurate information, proper identification matching residency, and understanding specific questions like ethnicity, race, and mental adjudication. It clarifies that while the Social Security Number is optional, it can aid background checks, and explains alternatives for proving residency if a driver's license doesn't match.

Quick Summary

To correctly fill out the ATF Form 4473, provide your full legal name, current residential address matching your ID, and answer all eligibility questions truthfully. If your ID address differs, bring alternative proof like a vehicle registration. The Social Security Number is optional but must be entered in full if provided. Remember to answer ethnicity, race, and county of residence accurately.

Chapters

  1. 00:01:00Introduction & Disclaimer
  2. 00:14:00Top Section of Form 4473
  3. 01:31:00Personal Information Fields
  4. 01:54:00Address and Place of Birth
  5. 02:20:00Height, Weight, Gender, Birth Date, SSN
  6. 02:42:00Ethnicity and Race (Question 10)
  7. 03:06:00Question 11: Residency and County
  8. 03:54:00Valid ID and Proof of Address
  9. 05:50:00Understanding Question 11 Terminology
  10. 07:06:00Adjudicated and Renounced Citizenship
  11. 08:55:00Question 12: Special Circumstances
  12. 09:39:00State of Residency and Citizenship
  13. 10:20:00Customer Signature Section
  14. 10:59:00Dealer Section: Firearm Type & Background Check
  15. 11:34:00Understanding Delays in Background Checks
  16. 12:22:00Follow-up and Waiting Periods
  17. 12:38:00Firearm Details and Serial Numbers
  18. 13:01:00ATF/FBI Record Keeping Myths
  19. 14:07:00Firearm Traceability in Crimes
  20. 14:51:00Indiana Specific Laws: Non-Registration
  21. 15:12:00Transferring Firearms
  22. 15:55:00Conclusion & Disclaimer

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key sections of the ATF Form 4473?

The ATF Form 4473 has two main sections: Section A for the buyer to complete, covering personal information, residency, and eligibility questions, and Section B for the dealer to complete, detailing the firearm purchased and running the background check. The buyer must sign and date their section before the dealer proceeds.

What identification is needed to purchase a firearm using ATF Form 4473?

You need a valid government-issued ID with your current residential address. If your ID's address doesn't match, you must provide alternative proof of residency, such as a vehicle registration, gun permit, or a government-issued utility bill.

Is providing a Social Security Number required on the ATF Form 4473?

No, your Social Security Number is optional on the ATF Form 4473. However, if you choose to provide it, you must enter the full number; providing only the last four digits is not permitted.

Can I buy a firearm as a gift for someone else using ATF Form 4473?

Yes, you can legally purchase a firearm as a gift if it's a bonafide gift and the recipient is legally eligible to own a firearm. You must still truthfully answer all questions on the form as the actual buyer.

What should I do if my address on my ID doesn't match my current residence for the ATF Form 4473?

If your ID address doesn't match, you'll need to bring additional documentation proving your current legal address. Acceptable items include a vehicle registration, gun permit, hunting/fishing license, or a government-issued utility bill addressed to you.

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