How to Complete ATF Form 4473 Correctly
ATF Form 4473 has to be filled out completely and accurately for every firearm transfer to a non-licensee. This step-by-step guide walks through who completes each part, how to verify identification, how the background check is recorded, and the mistakes that most often turn up in ATF inspections.
Before you start
A few things should be in place before any 4473 is started. Confirm you are using the current revision of the form, because using an outdated revision is itself a compliance finding. Make sure the person completing the dealer portion is trained on the eligibility questions and on how to verify identification. Keep your A&D book nearby, since the disposition entry and the 4473 must match.
Step 1: The buyer completes their section
The buyer fills in their personal identifying information and answers every federal eligibility question. Each question must be answered, and none can be left blank. Common buyer-side mistakes include skipping a question, abbreviating an address, or not reading the actual transferee certification before signing.
- Complete every personal information field, including the full name and current residence address.
- Answer each eligibility question truthfully, with no blanks.
- Read the certification carefully, then sign and date the form.
Step 2: The dealer verifies identification
The dealer examines the buyer's government-issued photo identification and confirms it matches the information on the form. The name, address, and date of birth on the identification should agree with what the buyer entered. If anything does not match, resolve it before going any further.
Step 3: Run and record the background check
The dealer submits the buyer's information for a background check through NICS or the applicable state point of contact. The check returns a Proceed, Delayed, or Denied response. Record the transaction number, the response, and the date on the form. Do not transfer the firearm unless the result allows it.
Step 4: Record the firearm description
Enter the firearm details exactly as they appear on the firearm: manufacturer, importer where applicable, model, serial number, type, and caliber or gauge. Serial number transcription errors are one of the most common findings, so double-check every character, including prefix and suffix letters.
Step 5: Complete the certification and transfer
The dealer completes the dealer certification, signs and dates the form, and only then transfers the firearm. Confirm every required signature and date is present before the firearm leaves the counter.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Blank or skipped eligibility questions.
- Missing signatures or dates in either the buyer or dealer sections.
- Background check information not recorded, such as a missing transaction number or response.
- Serial number mismatches between the 4473 and the A&D book.
- Using an outdated revision of the form.
- Failing to retain denied and non-completed forms.
Many of these errors disappear when the form is completed digitally. e4473 guides the buyer through every question with built-in ATF instructions and enforces required fields before the form can be submitted, so incomplete forms never reach your counter.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if a question is left blank on the 4473?
Every question must be answered. A blank eligibility question is a common compliance finding, and the transfer should not be completed until the form is filled out fully and correctly.
Can the buyer complete the 4473 before arriving at the store?
With electronic 4473 software the buyer can complete their portion ahead of time on their own phone, so the form is validated and waiting for the dealer's review by the time they reach the counter.
What do I record from the background check?
Record the transaction number, the response (Proceed, Delayed, or Denied), and the date on the form. The firearm may only be transferred if the result allows it.
How do I avoid serial number errors?
Enter the serial number exactly as it appears on the firearm, including prefix and suffix letters, and confirm it matches your A&D book. Digital systems that share data between the 4473 and the A&D entry eliminate transcription mismatches.
Make 4473 errors impossible
See how e4473 walks every buyer through the form and validates each field before submission, so your team only ever reviews clean, complete records.
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