1. Individual
Registering as an Individual means the suppressor will be owned and possessed by one person — you.
Key points:
Only you may possess or use the suppressor on your own.
Other people may use the suppressor, but only when you are physically present and supervising them directly.
No one else can legally store, transport, or use the suppressor without you.
Fastest and simplest registration type.
Only your own information, photo, and fingerprints are required.- Ensure your account settings reflect an individual filing preference to avoid unnecessary holds or trust requirements.
This is a great option if you do not plan to regularly share NFA items with others. You can switch your filing type from individual to trust or vice versa before submission, but once an application is approved, the filing type cannot be changed.
2. Trust
Silencer Shop offers two types of trusts:
NFA Gun Trust
Single Shot Trust (SST)
NFA Gun Trust
An NFA Gun Trust allows multiple people, called trustees or responsible persons, to legally possess and use the suppressor.
Key points:
Multiple people can be added to the trust.
All responsible persons must provide fingerprints, photos, and signatures.
Allows shared use and flexibility for long-term planning or inheritance.
Single Shot Trust
The Single Shot Trust is a simplified trust created for one specific NFA item.
Key points:
Each suppressor gets its own trust and cannot be reused for other items; a new trust must be purchased for each suppressor.
Additional responsible persons can be added after approval.
Great for quick processing with the option to convert to a multi-person trust later.
Single Shot Unlimited allows unlimited SSTs for future purchases.
Trusts enable you to designate beneficiaries for inheritance, ensuring a smoother transfer of ownership.
Trusts are ideal if you want others (spouse, adult children, hunting friends) to legally possess or use the suppressor without you being present.
FAQs
Can I mix filing types in one order? No, all items in a single order must share the same filing type. Place separate orders if you want to use different filing types.
Can I use a Single Shot Trust for purchases outside Silencer Shop? No, Single Shot Trusts are exclusive to Silencer Shop and cannot be used for other ATF applications.
What happens if I forget to purchase a trust? If you forget to purchase a trust, your order may proceed as an individual filing, depending on your account settings.
What happens to unused Single Shot Trusts? Unused trusts can be applied to a future order or refunded. To apply a Single Shot Trust to your order, follow these steps:
Purchase the Trust: Log in to your Silencer Shop account and purchase a Single Shot Trust credit online or by phone.
Update Your Order: Notify Silencer Shop to apply the trust to your order. Ensure any existing trust is linked to your account.
Complete Required Documents: Submit fingerprints and other necessary documents to finalize the trust setup.
3. Corporation
Registering under a Corporation or LLC allows a legal entity to own the suppressor instead of an individual person.
Key points:
Employees or officers with authorized access may legally possess or use the suppressor.
Corporate documents must be provided (articles, operating agreement, etc.).
Only the responsible persons listed need photos, fingerprints, and signatures.
Corporation registration works well for business-owned firearms, security companies, training facilities, or shared-use environments.