Minds → Firearms Law → When must a licensed dealer complete a firearms transaction record before transferring a gun? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources.

US Federal

When must a licensed dealer complete a firearms transaction record before transferring a gun? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources.

Under 27 CFR 478.124, a licensed dealer must complete Form 4473 prior to transferring any firearm to a non-licensee, and must not transfer the firearm unless the form has been executed and the transferee's identity verified by examining an identification document as defined in 27 CFR 478.11.

Last verified: 2026-08-27 · Sources checked: 3/3 resolving · Next scheduled review: 2026-11-25

Details / How it works

Per 27 CFR 478.124(a), a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer shall not sell or otherwise dispose of any firearm to any person other than another licensee unless the transaction is recorded on Form 4473. Under paragraph (c), prior to making an over-the-counter transfer to a non-licensee resident of the same State, the dealer must obtain the executed Form 4473 from the transferee, then verify identity via an identification document (as defined in 27 CFR 478.11), note the identification type on the form, comply with NICS requirements under § 478.102, and only then sign, date, and transfer the firearm. For non-over-the-counter transfers, paragraph (f) requires submission of Form 4473 in duplicate, mailing a copy to the principal law enforcement officer by registered or certified mail, and observing a 7-day waiting period.

Exceptions & edge cases

Form 4473 is not required when a firearm is delivered to a licensee solely for repair or customizing and returned to the original owner, or when the transfer is to another licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer (governed by 27 CFR 478.94), or to a licensed collector (including a sole proprietor transferring to a personal collection under § 478.125a). 27 CFR 478.99 separately prohibits sales to underaged persons and to enumerated prohibited categories.

Sources

[1]U.S. National Archives, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — 27 CFR 478.124 — Firearms transaction record · as of 2026-08-27
[2]U.S. National Archives, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — 27 CFR 478.11 — Meaning of terms (firearms definitions) · as of 2026-08-27
[3]U.S. National Archives, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — 27 CFR 478.99 — Certain prohibited sales or deliveries · as of 2026-08-27

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