How to Buy a Silencer in 2026: No More $200 Tax Stamp

Big news for 2026: The $200 federal tax stamp on suppressors has been eliminated. As of January 1, 2026, you can legally purchase a silencer without paying the century-old NFA tax—though the registration process remains. Here's everything you need to know about buying a suppressor in 2026.

The $200 Tax Stamp Is Gone

On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (H.R. 1), which eliminated the $200 federal tax on suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), and any other weapons (AOWs) effective January 1, 2026.

This is a historic change. The $200 tax was established in 1934—when it was equivalent to about $4,300 in today's dollars—specifically designed to make these items unaffordable for most Americans. Now that barrier is gone.

What Changed vs. What Stayed the Same

Important: Machine guns and destructive devices are not included in this change and still require the $200 tax stamp.

Current Wait Times (2026)

With the elimination of the tax stamp and improvements to the ATF's eForm system, approval times have dropped dramatically from the 8-12 months common just a few years ago:

Expect delays in early 2026: The ATF received approximately 150,000 eForm 4 submissions on January 1 alone, overwhelming the system. While eForms remain far faster than paper, short-term backlogs are likely as demand surges.

How to Buy a Suppressor in 2026

Despite the tax elimination, the NFA registration process remains. Here's the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Verify Your State Allows Suppressors

Suppressors are legal in 42 states. They are prohibited in:

• California
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
• New York
• Rhode Island
• Washington D.C.

If you live in one of these states, you cannot legally possess a suppressor regardless of federal law changes.

Step 2: Choose Your Suppressor

Suppressors come in various configurations for different purposes:

• Rimfire suppressors – For .22 LR and similar calibers. Smallest, quietest, and most affordable ($200-$500)
• Pistol suppressors – For 9mm, .45 ACP, and other handgun calibers ($400-$1,000)
• Rifle suppressors – For 5.56, .308, and other rifle calibers ($600-$1,500+)
• Multi-caliber/modular suppressors – Configurable for multiple calibers with interchangeable end caps ($800-$1,500+)

Popular brands include SilencerCo, Dead Air, Rugged Suppressors, YHM (Yankee Hill Machine), and Griffin Armament.

Step 3: Purchase from an FFL/SOT Dealer

Suppressors can only be sold by dealers with a Special Occupational Tax (SOT) license—a Class III dealer. You have several options:

Option A: Online Dealers (Recommended)

Online silencer specialists handle the entire process, including paperwork, and ship directly to you or a local dealer:

• Capitol Armory (51 locations) – Texas-based, ships to 42 states, specializes in SilencerCo and Dead Air
• Silencer Central (43 locations) – Ships approved suppressors directly to your door, includes free NFA trust
• Silencer Shop – Largest dealer network with kiosks at local gun stores for fingerprints, 99.5% application accuracy

Option B: Local Gun Store with SOT

Many local gun stores hold SOT licenses and can sell suppressors directly. Benefits include hands-on inspection before purchase and local support. Use our FFL search to find dealers near you.

Step 4: Complete the ATF eForm 4

After purchase, you'll complete ATF Form 4 (Application for Tax Paid Transfer). The electronic version (eForm 4) is strongly recommended—paper forms can take 3-10 months versus days for eForms.

You'll need:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Passport-style photograph
• Fingerprints (FBI FD-258 cards or electronic via kiosk)
• Individual or trust? Individuals have simpler paperwork. Trusts allow multiple people to possess the suppressor but require forms for all "responsible persons."

Most online dealers and many local shops handle the entire eForm process for you, including digital fingerprints and photo submission.

Step 5: Wait for ATF Approval

Your dealer holds the suppressor while the ATF processes your application. You'll receive email notification when approved. Current wait times are typically under two weeks for clean applications, though the January 2026 surge may cause temporary delays.

Step 6: Pick Up Your Suppressor

Once approved, visit your dealer to take possession (or have it shipped to your door if using Silencer Central). Bring your approval documentation and valid ID.

Costs in 2026

With the $200 tax eliminated, here's what you'll actually pay:

Total: As low as $200 for a budget rimfire suppressor, with no additional fees if using a dealer that includes fingerprints and photos.

Individual vs. Trust: Which Should You Choose?

Individual Registration

• Pros: Simpler paperwork, faster processing, no trust setup
• Cons: Only you can legally possess the suppressor
• Best for: Solo shooters who don't need to share

NFA Trust

• Pros: Multiple trustees can possess the suppressor, easier estate planning, no CLEO signature required
• Cons: All trustees must submit fingerprints and photos, slightly more complex
• Best for: Families, shooting partners, or anyone wanting shared access

Many dealers like Silencer Central include a free NFA trust with your purchase.

Where to Buy: Dealer Comparison

Legal Considerations

Pending Lawsuits

Multiple Second Amendment organizations have filed federal lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the NFA registry now that it no longer generates tax revenue. These cases could potentially eliminate the registration requirement entirely, though no rulings have been issued yet.

State Laws

Even in the 42 states where suppressors are legal, some have additional requirements:

• Some states require state-level registration
• Hunting with suppressors may have separate regulations
• Local ordinances may apply in some jurisdictions

Always verify your state and local laws before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the $200 tax stamp really gone?

Yes. As of January 1, 2026, the federal tax on suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs is $0. Machine guns and destructive devices still require the $200 tax.

Do I still need ATF approval to buy a suppressor?

Yes. The NFA registration process remains fully in place—only the $200 tax was eliminated. You still need to complete Form 4, pass a background check, and submit fingerprints.

How long does it take to get a suppressor in 2026?

With eForm 4, typical approval times are 4-10 days for individuals and under a week for trusts. However, the January 2026 demand surge may cause temporary delays. Paper forms can take 3-10 months—always use eForms when possible.

Can I buy a suppressor online?

Yes. Online dealers like Silencer Central can ship approved suppressors directly to your door in most states. Other online dealers ship to a local FFL for pickup.

Do suppressors make guns silent?

No. Suppressors reduce noise by 20-35 decibels, bringing a gunshot from "immediate hearing damage" levels (~160dB) to "still loud but safer" levels (~130dB). They're hearing protection devices, not "silencers" in the Hollywood sense.

Can I use a suppressor for hunting?

In most states where suppressors are legal, yes. However, some states have specific regulations about hunting with suppressors—check your state's hunting regulations.

What happens to my existing tax stamps?

Nothing changes for suppressors you already own. Your existing registrations remain valid. There are no refunds for previously paid tax stamps.

Find Silencer Dealers Near You

Ready to buy your first suppressor? Browse our directory of licensed NFA dealers.

Or search our complete FFL directory to find local dealers with SOT licenses in your area.