Does the ATF keep records of gun sales?
Federally licensed gun dealers are required to submit sales records to the ATF when they close up shop. The ATF has acquired a massive library of such records: more than 285 million, which it scans and digitizes. Those documents are saved into one of the 25 “data systems” that help the ATF source guns used in crimes.
How long does the ATF Keep gun Records?
20 years
Licensees shall retain each ATF Form 4473 for a period of not less than 20 years after the date of sale or disposition.
Does the ATF have a gun registry?
ATF has a national gun registry. False: ATF is strictly prohibited by law from having a national gun registry. ATF conducts gun background checks. False: The National Instant Background Check System (NICS) is maintained & operated by the FBI.
Does the ATF keep 4473?
Completed Forms 4473 are retained by the Federal firearms licensee (FFL). ATF does not, and never has, maintained an archive or other information repository on the race or ethnicity of firearm purchasers or licensees, and it has no intention to do so in the future.
Do gun stores keep records of receipts?
Yes every FFL dealer must keep a copy of the sales receipt for a firearm. A firearm can be traced from the MFG to the dealer and then to the original purchaser. If the original purchaser sell the firearm he does not need to keep a copy of the receipt and in most states does not need to have a 4473 filled out.
Is there a federal firearms database?
There is no national database of guns. We have no centralized record of who owns all the firearms we so vigorously debate, no hard data regarding how many people own them, how many of them are bought or sold, or how many even exist.
What records do FFL keep?
Dealer FFL Records
| Record | Retention Time |
|---|---|
| Firearms Transaction Record, Form 4473 – Transfers | 20 Years* |
| Firearms Transaction Record, Form 4473 – Background Check without Transfer | 5 Years |
| Multiple Handgun Sales Report, Form 3310.4 | 5 Years |
| FFL Theft/Loss Report | 5 Years |
How long are NICS checks kept?
A NICS check is valid for 30 calendar days for any transaction. The 30 calendar day period is counted beginning on the day after NICS was initially contacted.
How long is 4473 Good For?
The only requirement is to keep the Forms 4473 for 20 years. (See NSSF Factsheet.) The federal firearms regulations allow for licensees to dispose of forms that are older than 20 years. Disposition includes submission of those records to the ATF National Tracing Center (NTC).