Yes, rifle suppressors (often called silencers) are legal under federal law and in 42 states. However, because they are classified as safety accessories under the National Firearms Act (NFA), buying one requires navigating specific federal rules and passing a background check.
The Major Federal Law Update: The $0 Tax Stamp
For nearly a century, purchasing a suppressor meant paying a mandatory $200 federal transfer tax. That changed following federal updates that officially dropped the NFA suppressor tax stamp to $0.
While this shift has made hearing protection far more financially accessible for shooters, it is highly important to note that the regulatory framework has not disappeared. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) still heavily monitors, registers, and approves every single suppressor transfer.
State-by-State Breakdown: Where Are They Banned?
Even though federal law permits them, local state laws always take precedence. Currently, 8 states and the District of Columbia strictly prohibit civilian possession of suppressors under any circumstances.
| State | Suppressor Legality | Notable Hunting Restrictions |
| 42 States (e.g., Texas, Florida, Ohio) | Legal | Allowed for most hunting. |
| Connecticut | Legal | Prohibited for hunting use. |
| Minnesota | Legal | Requires an additional local law enforcement permit. |
| CA, DE, HI, IL, MA, NJ, NY, RI, & D.C. | Strictly Illegal | Total civilian ban. |
How the ATF Process Works
If you live in a legal state, acquiring a rifle suppressor is handled digitally via the ATF eForms system. The process is straightforward but rigorous:
1.Select Your Suppressor:Step 1.
Purchase your suppressor from a licensed dealer holding a Federal Firearms License (FFL) and a Special Occupational Tax (SOT) status.
2.Submit Your Biometrics:Step 2.
Submit digital fingerprints and a 2×2 passport-style photograph. Many buyers use automated digital kiosks at local gun shops to instantly log this data.
3.File eForm 4:Step 3.
Fill out and digitally certify the ATF eForm 4 application. Thanks to recent ATF modernization efforts, the historical requirement to notify your local Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) has been eliminated.
4.Await Approval & Pick Up:Step 4.
Wait for the ATF to process the background check. While wait times historically took months, the current median processing time for digital eForm 4s filed by individuals is incredibly fast, often clearing in under a week. Once you receive the electronic approval email, you can pick up the device.
A Note on Traveling: Under the ATF’s updated rules, you can transport your legally registered suppressor across state lines for short-term travel without needing advance written approval from the agency, provided your destination state permits suppressor ownership.