U.S. Department of Justice

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Office of Enforcement Programs and Services

ATF Publication 3317.2

(Revised February 2010)

For Theft/Loss Reporting Procedures,

See Back Cover

Safety and Security Information

for Federal Firearms Licensees
Working for a 

Safer and More 

Secure America

through 

Innovation and

Partnerships

to Prevent

Firearms Thefts.
Safety and Security Information

for Federal Firearms Licensees

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT: If a crime has occurred or if inventory cannot be located, 

turn this booklet over and follow the directions on the back.

Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees 

i

ATF OFFICE/HOTLINE TELEPHONE NUMBERS..............................................................ii

ATF OFFICE ADDRESSES........................................................................................................ii

ATF STOLEN FIREARMS PROGRAM.....................................................................................1

History...................................................................................................................................1

Statutory and Regulatory Provisions....................................................................................1

The Three Program Areas....................................................................................................2

 THEFT: Firearms Stolen from Inventory......................................................................2

 LOSS: Firearms Missing from Inventory......................................................................3

 INTERSTATE THEFT/LOSS: Firearms Lost or Stolen from Interstate Shipments..........3

Licensee Responsibility.........................................................................................................4

Trends..................................................................................................................................4

Definitions..............................................................................................................................6

Federal Stolen Firearms Laws................................................................................................7

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Steps for Reducing Your Vulnerability

to Theft/Loss and Personal Injury..............................................8

Structural Security.................................................................................................................8

Inventory Security...................................................................................................................10

Employee Screening............................................................................................................11

Safe Business Practices.......................................................................................................12

Customer Safety.................................................................................................................14

Disaster Preparedness.........................................................................................................15

Your Local ATF Office........................................................................................................15

PROPERLY IDENTIFYING AND RECORDING FIREARMS.............................................16

Firearms Inventory Diagram...............................................................................................17

Basic Firearms Safety.........................................................................................................19

Non-Licensed Firearms Sales............................................................................................20

Personal Firearms Record...................................................................................................21

FFL Theft Warning..............................................................................................................23

GUIDE TO RECORDING SUSPICIOUS PERSON DESCRIPTION...................................25

HOW TO REPORT A THEFT/LOSS........................................................................Back Cover

Burglary, Larceny or Robbery..........................................................................................A1

Missing Inventory.............................................................................................................A2

Interstatement Shipment Theft.........................................................................................A3

ATF F 3310.11, Federal Firearms Licensee Theft/Loss Report.......................................A4

ATF F 3310.6, Interstate Firearms Shipment Theft/Loss Report.....................................A6
ii

STOLEN FIREARMS HOTLINE.....................................................TOLL FREE 888-930-9275

STOLEN FIREARMS PROGRAM FAX..............................................................304-260-3676

ATF 24-HOUR HOTLINE...............................................................TOLL FREE 800-800-3855

LOCAL ATF OFFICE TELEPHONE NUMBER

ATF WEB SITE (FOR UPDATES AND TO DOWNLOAD FORMS):

www.atf.gov

ATF DISTRIBUTION CENTER (FOR FORMS AND PUBLICATIONS)...................301-583-4696

ATF DISTRIBUTION CENTER

1519 CABIN BRANCH DRIVE

LANDOVER, MD 20785

STOLEN FIREARMS PROGRAM MAILING ADDRESS:

ATF STOLEN FIREARMS PROGRAM MANAGER

244 NEEDY ROAD

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA 25405

ATF HEADQUARTERS MAILING ADDRESS:

BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS and EXPLOSIVES

99 NEW YORK AVENUE, NE

WASHINGTON, DC 20226

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

ATF OFFICE/HOTLINE TELEPHONE NUMBERS

CONTACT TELEPHONE FAX

U.S. Department of Justice . Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . Office of Enforcement Programs and Services
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Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees

ATF STOLEN FIREARMS PROGRAM

HISTORY

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Stolen Firearms Program was formally 

established on September 13, 1994, with the passage of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement 

Act of 1994. For more than 20 years before this Act, ATF had been accepting voluntary reports of 

firearms lost/stolen from interstate shipments. This law created a statutory requirement for Federal 

firearms licensees (FFLs) to report the theft/loss of firearms from their inventories or collections.

Pursuant to the 1994 legislation, federally-licensed firearms dealers are required to report the theft/loss 

of a firearm(s) from inventory or collection within 48 hours of the discovery of the theft or loss. In 

order to manage this new reporting, to support law enforcement efforts to recover these firearms, and to 

develop strategies to prevent future thefts/losses, the Stolen Firearms Program was created. ATF staff, 

utilizing innovative databases, manage thousands of reports of theft/loss containing the records of more 

than 200,000 firearms reported lost/stolen since 1994.

Although the 1994 law did not address firearms lost/stolen from interstate shipments, ATF continues to 

maintain a program for the voluntary reporting of these thefts/losses. Under the ATF Stolen Firearms 

Program, a new database was also created specifically to manage the information from these incidents.

In the years following the Act, ATF has used the information generated by the program to identify, 

apprehend, and convict hundreds of firearms thieves. Thousands of stolen firearms have been 

taken from the hands of criminals and returned to their lawful owners. In addition, the program has 

highlighted the vital role that dealer security and sound inventory practices play in protecting licensed 

dealers and in keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals. Licensed firearms dealers are the first line 

in maintaining the security and lawful transfer of firearms.

The ATF Stolen Firearms Program is one of the means that licensees and law enforcement agencies use 

to protect our communities. ATF has developed individual programs to focus on three distinct problem 

areas: the criminal taking of firearms from Federal firearms licensees (theft); firearms in the inventories 

of Federal firearms licensees whose disposition cannot be determined (loss); and, firearms lost/stolen 

from interstate shipments. The operations of each of these programs, and the unique issues they address, 

are explained in detail in this document.

STATUTORY AND REGULATORY PROGRAM PROVISIONS

The statutory requirement for reporting theft or loss of a firearm from inventory or collection can be 

found in 18 U.S.C. 923(g)(6) and states: “Each licensee shall report the theft or loss of a firearm from 

the licensee’s inventory or collection, within 48 hours after the theft or loss is discovered, to the Attorney 

General and to the appropriate local authorities.”

The procedures for reporting are set forth in ATF Regulations, Part 478-Commerce in Firearms and 

Ammunition, 478.39a, Reporting Theft or Loss of Firearms. An expansive source of information 

on Federal firearms laws and regulations is the Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide, ATF 

Publication No. 5300.4, which can be obtained from your local ATF office or by calling the ATF 

Distribution Center at 301-583-4696. This publication and many ATF forms are also available on ATF’s 

web site www.atf.gov.
2

U.S. Department of Justice . Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . Office of Enforcement Programs and Services

The ATF Stolen Firearms Program is limited to firearms as defined by 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3). Although 

property other than firearms (i.e., pellet and BB guns, black powder rifles, etc.) may be lost or stolen 

from an FFL, the reporting requirements apply only to firearms as defined in the above-cited law.

THE THREE PROGRAM AREAS

The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 did not provide specific definitions for 

the terms “theft” and “loss” as applied to firearms in the inventories and collections of Federal firearms 

licensees. In order to administer the law and regulations, ATF recognizes a clear distinction between 

firearms taken in a crime and firearms whose dispositions are unknown due to administrative/record 

keeping errors. The actions taken by ATF and by other law enforcement agencies are also distinctly 

different when there is evidence or lack of evidence of a crime.

For this reason, ATF has recognized the Act’s distinction between theft and loss as the distinction 

between the presence or absence of criminal taking of firearms. In the following paragraphs, the 

meanings of “theft” and “loss” under the Stolen Firearms Program are clearly set forth in two distinct 

program areas.

The third program area has no enabling regulation. The interstate theft program addresses the many 

difficulties faced when firearms that are being shipped fail to arrive at their intended destination. 

Because the circumstances of their disappearance are so often unknown, it is not immediately clear 

whether they were stolen or misplaced. For this reason, this program area addresses both theft and loss 

under a uniform procedure, which is described in detail in the ensuing paragraphs. 

THEFT (FROM A LICENSEE): Firearms Stolen from Inventory

Under the program, a “theft” of firearms occurs when one or more firearms are stolen from the inventory 

of a Federal firearms licensee (FFL). The term “stolen firearm” is used to refer to a firearm, or firearms, 

taken in a theft from a licensee. Under ATF’s program, theft is divided into three distinct categories: 

burglary, larceny, and robbery. 

The legal definitions of these three categories of crime can vary from State to State. They do have a 

common tie in that they all generally refer to the criminal taking of another’s property. For program 

purposes, ATF recognizes each State’s respective legal definitions for these terms. Reporting licensees 

should follow the State or local law enforcement authority’s guidance in selecting which term applies. 

The theft of firearms is a critical event and must be reported to the local enforcement authorities. 

Although the law allows the FFL 48 hours to make the report, ATF recommends that FFLs contact ATF 

and local law enforcement immediately upon the discovery that a crime has occurred. Expeditious 

reporting can make the difference in law enforcement’s ability to catch the criminals and recover the 

firearms.

When submitting a report of stolen firearms to ATF, both the local police department that was notified 

and the resulting police report number must be identified on the ATF report. Remember that it is 

important to ensure individual safety and to preserve the crime scene for investigators. 

(For reporting procedures turn to page A1)
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Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees

LOSS (BY A LICENSEE): Firearms Missing from Inventory

A “loss” of a firearm occurs when a licensee cannot determine the disposition of a firearm and cannot 

locate it. The licensee’s records will generally reflect an acquisition but no disposition. These 

“lost” firearms are distinctly different from stolen firearms because, although they are “missing from 

inventory,” there is no indication that they were stolen. The Stolen Firearms Program includes the 

statutory requirement that licensees must report any firearms missing from inventory to ATF.

Licensees must make the notification of firearms missing from inventory to ATF and to local law 

enforcement within 48 hours of becoming reasonably certain that the firearms are missing. In many 

instances, the licensee may be able to determine the disposition of firearms by conducting a thorough 

inventory. If a complete inventory has been conducted, the FFL will be directed to conduct an 

exhaustive review of all acquisition and disposition records, shipping records, and if applicable, all ATF 

Forms 4473.

When all means available are exhausted, the licensee will be directed to submit a loss report to the 

Stolen Firearms Program Manager. 

(For reporting procedures turn to page A2)

INTERSTATE THEFT/LOSS: Firearms Lost or Stolen from Interstate Shipments

An interstate “theft/loss” occurs when a firearm that was shipped through a common carrier, including 

shipping and moving companies and the U.S. Postal Service, is lost or stolen while in transit. The 

reporting of these incidents is not required by regulation but is strongly recommended as a best business 

practice. ATF accepts voluntary reporting of the theft or loss of firearms from interstate shipments 

completed by a licensee or non-licensee. ATF provides ATF Form 3310.6, Interstate Firearms Shipment 

Theft/Loss Report, to assist in reporting. Under the program, ATF receives reports on hundreds of 

firearms “lost” or “stolen” from interstate shipments each year. 

Licensees are reminded that when shipments of firearms are received, it is a best practice to review the 

shipment to ensure that it contains all of the expected firearms documented. It is also a best practice, upon 

receipt of firearms, that their acquisition be recorded immediately. The acquisition of firearm(s) must 

be recorded not later than the close of the next business day following the date of acquisition. Limited 

exceptions to this requirement can be found at 27 CFR, Part 478.125 Record of receipt and disposition.

ATF provides this program to protect the public and to assist law enforcement in locating and recovering 

stolen firearms and in prosecuting thieves. Since its inception in 1975, the program has proven to be 

effective and successful in helping to solve numerous crimes and recover thousands of firearms. ATF’s 

Interstate Theft Program fills a gap in law enforcement jurisdiction that is created by the interstate nature 

of these shipments.

That gap is created because the movements of these shipments make the point of theft/loss difficult 

to determine. State and local law enforcement agencies often lack the jurisdiction or authority to 

investigate these interstate movements, particularly when the point of loss has not been determined. 

Most commercial carriers have established procedures under which they conduct a search for missing 

items, including firearms. These internal searches are often extensive, and in many instances the 

firearms are located and delivered to their intended destinations. When a firearm cannot be located, it is 

considered stolen.
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U.S. Department of Justice . Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . Office of Enforcement Programs and Services

A smaller number of firearms fall into the “interstate loss” classification. If a cargo ship carrying 

firearms sinks or a truck carrying firearms is destroyed, the firearms are considered “lost.” Although 

there is no indication of theft, an accident has occurred and as a result the firearms cannot be located.

Interstate Theft/Loss Reports may be filed by the shipper, by the carrier, and/or by the intended recipient 

(consignee). It is not uncommon for an individual theft or loss to be reported by more than one party. 

Reporting is not limited to licensed dealers. There are several scenarios under which non-licensed 

persons may lawfully ship firearms in interstate commerce. A report may be filed by any person who 

lawfully ships a firearm and experiences a theft or loss. For example, this would include the theft/loss of 

a firearm during a change in residence wherein the firearm was being carried by a moving company.

The most active participants in the program are the carriers themselves. Commercial carriers do not 

require a Federal firearms license to ship firearms, and many carriers actively participate in the program. 

This close working relationship between ATF and the carriers has resulted in the recoveries of thousands 

of firearms over the years.

Licensees who ship firearms are encouraged to amend their disposition record upon learning of a nonreceipt of a firearm by the receiving entity or consignee. (For reporting procedures turn to page A3)

LICENSEE RESPONSIBILITY

Lost or Stolen Firearms Pose a Threat to Public Safety

Report Theft/Loss within 48 Hours

Federal firearms licensees who discover the theft or loss of a firearm or firearms are required by law to 

report the incident to the local law enforcement authority and to ATF within 48 hours. The distinction 

between theft and loss is explained in depth in the preceding chapters, and the procedures to report a 

theft or loss can be found by following the directions on the back of this brochure.

Protect Inventory

ATF recommends that Federal firearms licensees take every precaution available to protect their 

firearms from theft or loss. This includes conducting periodic and thorough, physical inventories, then 

reconciling the count to the book inventory. At a minimum, an annual inventory or its equivalent is 

highly recommended. Physical security including alarm systems and safe business practices are also 

highly recommended and in some cases may be required by State or local law. The following chapter 

contains many tips and ideas that the licensee can utilize to enhance the safety of their inventory.

Report Firearms Violations

Federal firearms licensees may not knowingly transport, ship, or receive firearms with serial numbers 

that have been altered, removed, or obliterated. Licensees also may not knowingly receive or sell stolen 

firearms. Firearms taken on pawn or for resale that are determined to be stolen must also be surrendered 

to the appropriate law enforcement authority. In all circumstances, licensees should immediately report 

violations to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

TRENDS

Thefts of firearms from federally licensed firearms manufacturers, importers, dealers, and collectors 

continue to be a significant concern for law enforcement and for the general public. The ATF Stolen 

Firearms Program is at the center of efforts by licensees to protect their inventories and by law 

enforcement to capture and prosecute firearms thieves. These initiatives are greatly assisted when 
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Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees

licensees maintain accurate inventories and records and fulfill their legal responsibility to provide timely 

and accurate notifications regarding any thefts or losses of firearms. 

At the center of any effort to protect firearms from theft is the process of accurate and reliable 

inventories. When a firearm theft occurs, the records maintained by the owner are pivotal to the 

recovery of those firearms and the prosecution of the thieves. Failure to conduct periodic inventories 

and maintain accurate records leads to confusion regarding the true dispositions of firearms and can 

result in false arrests and/or seizures of firearms mistakenly reported stolen. Law enforcement is greatly 

assisted when Federal firearms licensees maintain accurate records of firearms inventories. 

However, an accurate determination of the full extent of all firearm thefts and losses in America is not 

possible. One of the leading factors is that there is no requirement that non-licensees report stolen 

firearms. A second is that among those non-licensees that want to report firearms thefts and losses, 

there is frequently an inability to accurately identify the firearms. Because of factors like these, there is 

no law enforcement database or statistical collection protocol that was designed to track, or which can 

accurately track, the numbers and types of firearms stolen outside of the regulated firearms industry.

Without accurate identification of these firearms, law enforcement officials face considerable obstacles 

in investigating these firearms thefts. In contrast, firearms that are under the control of federally 

licensed firearms importers, manufacturers, dealers, and collectors must be carefully inventoried and 

identified. In 1968, Congress established specific marking requirements for firearms, so that they could 

be identified and distinguished by law enforcement (see Properly Identifying Firearms, page 15).

Specifically, firearms manufactured after 1968 must be identified by make, model, caliber, serial 

number, and other features that generally allow each individual firearm to be definitively identified and 

uniquely distinguished from all other firearms (more information on required markings is available in 

ATF Publication 5300.4, Federal Firearms Regulations Guide). Because the firearms industry utilizes 

and records these required markings, if they experience a theft or loss, it can be accurately reported to 

law enforcement and the firearms readily identified when recovered. Firearms taken in residential and 

industrial burglaries, stolen from shipments, and otherwise taken illegally or simply lost, frequently go 

unreported or cannot be fully documented because the firearms’ individual descriptions were not fully 

documented by their owners.

ATF has reintroduced ATF Publication 3312.8, Personal Firearms Record (see page 21), to assist 

firearms owners and law enforcement in correctly documenting and identifying lost or stolen firearms. 

These pamphlets are available at no cost from the ATF Distribution Center (301-583-4696). Whenever 

a firearm is sold to a non-licensee, we recommend that the FFL provide the buyer with a copy of 

this publication. If a copy of the publication is not available, we recommend that the purchaser be 

encouraged to keep a record in some form, including a full description of the firearm, separate from the 

firearm’s storage location.

ATF also works closely with the interstate carriers who ship and transport firearms, including the 

U.S. Postal Service, to ensure that lost or stolen firearms can be identified and reported. A number of 

these carriers have developed sophisticated protocols to ensure the safety of firearms shipments and to 

accurately report any thefts or losses. 

Although only Federal firearms licensees are required to report firearms thefts, the information being 

received makes it clear that thefts are not declining. This trend underscores the need for licensees and 

non-licensees to continue efforts to properly record firearm inventory and identification information,and 

to safeguard firearms from theft or loss.
6

U.S. Department of Justice . Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . Office of Enforcement Programs and Services

DEFINITIONS USED IN THIS PUBLICATION

NOTE: Although the following terms may have many definitions, their

meanings within the Stolen Firearms Program are provided here.

Appropriate local authorities. These authorities are either the local police department, sheriff’s office 

or the State police agency having primary law enforcement responsibility for the licensee’s business 

premises.

Collection. Curio and relic firearms acquired by and in the inventory of a federally licensed collector 

of firearms. For more information on curio and relic firearms, see ATF Publication 5300.11, Firearms 

Curios and Relics List and ATF Regulation 27 CFR 478.93.

Common or contract carrier. The term “common or contract carrier” refers to any individual or 

organization engaged in the business of transporting passengers or goods.

Consignee. The term “consignee” means the business or individual to whom the firearm(s) was 

shipped, even if the firearm(s) is lost or stolen and never delivered to such business or individual.

Federal Firearms Licensee. A Federal firearms licensee (FFL) is any person, partnership, or business 

entity holding a valid license issued under the authority of 18 U.S.C. 923, which allows them to “engage 

in the business” of dealing (manufacturing, importing, selling retail or wholesale, repairing, or pawn 

brokering) firearms. It also refers to collectors licensed under 18 U.S.C. 923. By law, all FFLs must 

keep records of their firearms transactions. (See 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(21) for a definition of “engaged in the 

business.”)

Firearm. As defined under Federal law, 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3), the term “firearm” refers to (A) any 

weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a 

projectile by the action of an explosive; (B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; (C) any firearm 

muffler or firearm silencer; or (D) any destructive device. Such term does not include an antique 

firearm. 

Licensee. The term “licensee” refers to a Federal firearms licensee, also abbreviated “FFL.”

Loss. The term “loss” refers to firearms whose disposition is unknown but for which there is no 

evidence of theft.

Shipper. The term “shipper” refers to the business or individual who delivers the firearm(s) to the 

common or contract carrier.

Stolen firearm. A firearm that has been taken from its lawful owner by the act of burglary, larceny, or 

robbery.

Theft. The term “theft” refers to a specific criminal act or event in which a firearm, or firearms, are 

stolen.
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Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees

FEDERAL STOLEN FIREARMS LAWS

Individual States, and localities, often have laws and ordinances that apply to the theft of firearms, 

possession of stolen firearms, and the sale of stolen firearms. Be sure to familiarize yourself and your 

employees with those laws that apply to your business.

Federal law also addresses stolen firearms and prescribes penalties for violations of those laws. The 

following briefly sets forth some of the laws that apply specifically to federally licensed firearms dealers:

Unlawful to transport or ship stolen firearms. “It shall be unlawful for any person to transport or 

ship in interstate or foreign commerce, any stolen firearm or stolen ammunition, knowing or having 

reasonable cause to believe that the firearm or ammunition was stolen.” 18 U.S.C. 922(i).

Unlawful to possess, store, sell or pawn stolen firearm. “It shall be unlawful for any person to 

receive, possess, conceal, store, barter, sell, or dispose of any stolen firearm or stolen ammunition, or 

pledge or accept as security for a loan any stolen firearm or stolen ammunition, which is moving as, 

which is a part of, which constitutes, or which has been shipped or transported in, interstate or foreign 

commerce, either before or after it was stolen, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the 

firearm or ammunition was stolen.” 18 U.S.C. 922(j).

Unlawful to steal a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer. “It shall be unlawful for 

a person to steal or unlawfully take or carry away from the person or premises of a person who is 

licensed to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing or dealing in firearms, any firearm in the 

licensee’s business inventory that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.”

18 U.S.C. 922(u).

Fines and imprisonment up to 10 years for stealing a firearm. “A person who steals any firearm 

which is moving as, or is a part of, or which has moved in, interstate or foreign commerce shall be 

imprisoned for not more than 10 years, fined under this title, or both.” 18 U.S.C. 924(l).

Fines and imprisonment for stealing a firearm from a licensed dealer. “A person who steals any 

firearm from a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector shall be 

fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.” 18 U.S.C. 924(m).

Contact your local ATF Field Office for more information on these and other laws and regulations that 

apply to the theft of firearms.
8

U.S. Department of Justice . Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . Office of Enforcement Programs and Services

SAFETY AND SECURITY

STEPS FOR REDUCING YOUR VULNERABLILITY

TO THEFT/LOSS AND PERSONAL INJURY

Each year ATF receives thousands of reports of theft/loss from federally licensed firearms dealers. 

These reports document more than 25,000 firearms that are stolen or whose disposition is unknown to 

these businesses. It is clear that criminals target businesses that sell firearms. Experience has shown 

that in many instances, the thieves spend a considerable amount of time evaluating these businesses to 

determine and capitalize on their vulnerabilities.

Although it may be impossible to balance an impenetrable security system with the requirements of 

a business that receives and transfers property openly to the public, there are many steps that can be 

taken to diminish risk. The following text sets forth six areas available to the licensed firearm dealer for 

guidance and assistance in avoiding theft/loss and preventing personal injury. Some of these ideas can 

be implemented at no cost while others may involve considerable investment. If circumstances warrant 

it, obtaining sufficient security may cause you to consider moving to a more secure building or location. 

Read through the following text, think about how each point may apply to your business, and determine 

which steps are right for you.

STRUCTURAL SECURITY

o Structural security is a combination of the physical characteristics of your business facility and 

its location. A thorough evaluation of your structural security should be done on a regular basis. 

Look at the physical structure of your building and consider the position your business occupies 

within the context of adjoining businesses. Can the roof of your establishment withstand 

an attempted break in? Does poor or absent structural security make your establishment an 

attractive target, and consequently, the most likely victim of criminals or criminal opportunity? 

o Evaluate your business location. Have property crimes been recurring or increasing in your 

area? Is your business in a rural area in which a crime is unlikely to be witnessed and in which 

police response time may be slow? Have you already been a victim of theft/loss? If so, your 

business location may require you to increase your security measures by following some of the 

ideas below:

o Evaluate your door and window locks. Can any door or window be opened from the outside 

without keys? Do any former or non-employees have access to keys? Are keys stored or kept 

near the container or door for which they are used? Have any of your business keys been lost or 

stolen? If so, it is time to replace, re-key, improve locks, and improve procedures for storing and 

tracking keys. 

o Evaluate your windows and doorjambs. Can any of these be opened or broken through from 

the outside with minimal force? Is it time to reinforce or replace windows and/or doors? It 

may be important to invest in burglar bars or roll-down security gates on windows, doors, and 

vents. Barriers such as concrete filled posts or large cement planters may deter thieves who 

would consider using a vehicle to smash into the building to gain access. Consider replacing any 

exterior hollow core doors with solid metal or sheet metal faced solid wood doors. Also consider 
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Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees

steel doorframes, long throw dead bolts, and welding or preening any hinge pins to prevent their 

easy removal.

o Evaluate other unsecured openings. Does your premises have air conditioning units in open 

windows or a hole in an exterior wall? These units are easily removed, and many theft entries 

are made in this way. Are chimneys and other vents blocked or narrowed sufficiently to prevent 

entry?

o Evaluate the walls and ceilings. In many instances of theft, criminals have ignored doors and 

windows and cut through adjoining walls or the ceiling to gain access. In some cases, the wall 

next to the doorway was simply pushed through. Poorly protected adjoining businesses also 

provide an easy entry point for criminals who choose to go through unreinforced walls. This 

form of entry may have a second unintended negative effect in that it may avoid triggering 

the alarm system. A common precaution is the installation of floor to ceiling steel mesh in the 

gun vault and in exterior walls. If circumstances warrant it, consider moving to a more secure 

building.

o Evaluate exterior lighting and surrounding structures, shrubs, and trees. Is your business 

and the surrounding area well lit at night? Are there areas in which criminals can conceal 

themselves to monitor your business and by which they could enter/leave the building unseen or 

under the cover of darkness? Are there structures or objects such as trash cans or dumpsters next 

to the building that may provide cover or easy access to the roof or windows?

o Evaluate the front windows and entrance. Can employees see persons approaching the 

store or vehicles parked outside? Can passersby see into the store or are persons inside the 

store concealed from public view so that a robbery would be undetected while it was being 

committed?

o Obtain an alarm system. There is no logical justification for a firearms business to be 

unalarmed. Most alarm companies will evaluate your needs and make recommendations at no 

cost. A simple system is far less expensive than the cost of replacing inventory. Many States 

require an alarm system on specific types of businesses, particularly firearms dealers. Are you in 

compliance with State and local law on your alarm system and other security requirements?

o Evaluate your existing alarm system. Is it sufficient for the nature and size of your business? 

Are all points of entry protected? Do you have, or need, a panic button? Tamper alarm? 

Cellular backup (cellular backup is considered an industry standard to protect during power 

failures and/or if power/phone lines are cut)? Have you tested the system on a regular basis? 

Who is on the call list and are the phone numbers correct and current? Have you met with the 

local authorities to agree on protocols when the alarm is tripped? Have you had a series of 

apparent false alarms? If so, is the problem in the system, or is your response procedure being 

studied by a savvy criminal?

o Protect your alarm codes. Have you limited the number of people who know the codes? 

Are your codes unrelated to family names, numbers, and other easily recognizable names and 

number sequences? Do you change the codes on a regular basis and whenever there is employee 

turnover? Have you written the codes where they are easily accessible to thieves or unauthorized 

employees? 
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U.S. Department of Justice . Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . Office of Enforcement Programs and Services

o Evaluate the need for or condition of your video camera system. Having video cameras can 

have a significant deterrent effect on crime. They can also be instrumental in solving thefts. Do 

your cameras face in a direction that will capture people’s faces and features? Are you recording 

at all times? If your recorder is a VCR, do you have fresh videotapes, or have they been used 

hundreds of times? VCR tapes lose their integrity with repeated recording. It may be time to 

switch to a digital recorder whose picture quality is far superior and will not degrade over time. 

In some instances, insurance savings may offset updating obsolete or inferior equipment. Is your 

recording system in plain view or protected from view, tamper and/or theft?

o Evaluate the installation of a remotely activated electronic security entrance. Would there 

be value in screening customers to prevent access to suspicious persons? Businesses in or near 

high crime areas and those who have already been a victim of a crime may want to give this 

some serious consideration.

o Evaluate the business-hours store layout. Are unsecured firearms displayed within reach of 

customers? Does your business have blind spots in which customers can access inventory? Are 

display cases kept locked unless an employee is displaying a firearm or other item from that 

case? Are there times/situations wherein all employees have their backs to customers? Do any 

business activities require that employees enter the rear of the store/storage locations, leaving 

customers unattended?

o Evaluate after-hours business layout. Have firearms and ammunition been secured? If 

thieves break into the store, are firearms readily accessible or are secondary measures in place 

(i.e. firearms secured by locking cable, etc.)? The best business practice is to remove all 

firearms from display cases and racks and place them in a gun vault at night. As an alternative, 

some businesses utilize reinforced display cases with shatterproof glass. 

o Evaluate the level of security provided by an answering machine. Avoid using the answering 

machine to announce weekends and other times when you will be out of town. When the 

message says you are closed so that you can attend a show, the underlying message is that your 

business is unprotected.

INVENTORY SECURITY

Inventory security is the way in which business merchandise and equipment is accounted for from the 

date it is received (acquired) by the business to the date of its disposition (sale, trade, etc.). At the core 

of inventory security is the practice of complete and consistent documentation. For firearms inventory, 

accurately completed ATF Form 4473 forms and an up-to-date and accurately completed Acquisition 

and Disposition Record are required by law. The following additional steps are recommended practices 

to help protect inventory:

o Conduct periodic physical inventories and reconcile to book inventory. Complete physical 

inventory counts and reconciliation to book inventory enable an FFL to know which firearms 

have been transferred legally and which firearms may have been lost/stolen. This includes 

ensuring that all firearms in inventory are recorded in the Acquisition and Disposition book and 

that for all open entries in the book, there is a firearm. The frequency of inventories may be 

dictated by the nature of the business, but at a minimum, an annual “floor to ceiling” inventory 

is recommended. Without reliable records, it is impossible to determine if firearms have been 

transferred or are still in inventory. If this cannot be established and a crime occurs, the licensee 

will not be able to provide ATF and/or the local law enforcement authorities with an accurate list 
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Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees

of stolen firearms. An inaccurate report could result in the arrest of an honest citizen or freedom 

from prosecution for a criminal. Without reliable records, you may not even become aware that 

a crime has occurred.

o Accurately record your physical inventory in your records. Remove firearms from 

containers/boxes when recording acquisition. An accurate inventory must include physical 

comparison of firearms with the acquisition description. Many times firearms are shipped that 

do not match firearms listed in shipping manifests. The markings on firearms boxes can bear 

markings that are different than those which appear on the firearms. Do not rely on packaging 

or labeling to record firearms acquisition.

o Require two-party inventories. Never allow one person to have singular oversight of any part 

of your business, including sales transactions, handling monies and particularly the inventory 

process. Many internal thefts stem from situations in which a single person was in control of 

the physical firearms inventory and/or records. In addition to incorporating a second party in a 

regular review of the acquisition and disposition records, physical inventories should always be 

conducted by at least two persons. 

o Protect your inventory records. Thefts of firearms often include the theft of records. Some 

criminals are aware that the records may be the only way to determine which firearms were 

stolen. Secure records after hours in a location separate from the firearms inventory.

o Keep timely acquisition and disposition records. Federal regulations generally require that 

acquisitions be recorded by the close of the next business day, and that dispositions be recorded 

within 7 days. However, it would be safer to record them at the time the firearms transaction 

occurs. If you are a victim of theft, having current records is essential.

o Examine each shipment of firearms that you receive. Federal law requires that common and 

contract carriers who deliver firearms in interstate commerce obtain written acknowledgement 

of receipt from the actual recipient. Before you sign, examine the shipment. Determine, at a 

minimum, that the number of firearms indicated on the carrier’s documents is the number you 

received. A best practice would be to open each package to verify that the shipment matches the 

order exactly.

o Keep display cases locked at all times. This is a standard practice in the jewelry trade, another 

industry that is prone to shoplifting and internal theft.

EMPLOYEE SCREENING

The same care that is given to the safe handling and storage of firearms should be given to the selection 

of the people whom the licensee authorizes to do that work. Reluctance to embarrass or offend strangers 

or acquaintances must be set aside to ensure the security of the business. It is neither lawful nor in 

the licensee’s interest to knowingly allow a prohibited person to possess firearms or engage in firearms 

sales. The importance of conscientiousness and trustworthiness is underscored by the high level of 

responsibility placed upon persons who are in a position to transfer firearms.

o Institute an employee screening process. ATF recommends conducting background checks on 

all employees and applicants (even relatives). Many private companies are available to perform 

these checks on a fee basis. Background checks should be repeated after an established period 

of time has elapsed. Applicants/employees should also provide references. These references 
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U.S. Department of Justice . Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . Office of Enforcement Programs and Services

should be contacted, interviewed, and asked to provide the names of other potential references, 

not listed by the applicant/employee.

o Require proof of identity. Require that each applicant/employee produce a government-issued 

identification card – a driver’s license, for example – and a social security card.

o Discuss questions with the local police or ATF. If it appears that an applicant or employee 

may not be eligible to possess or transfer firearms, the local police or local ATF office should be 

contacted for guidance. (For assistance in locating the nearest ATF office, visit the Web site at 

http://www.atf.gov/field)

SAFE BUSINESS PRACTICES

Safe business practices are the least expensive and perhaps the most immediately beneficial steps 

that the licensee can take to limit the risks of becoming a victim of crime. As with all of the 

recommendations in this pamphlet, the following methods and ideas have proven to be effective for 

many licensees. A structured training program is also recommended to implement and encourage safe 

business practices and procedures among employees.

o Familiarize yourself with State and local ordinances. Many jurisdictions have established 

security requirements for businesses, some specifically for businesses that sell firearms. Many 

jurisdictions require by law that a working alarm system be installed in your business. 

o Show only one firearm at a time to a customer. If the customer requests to handle another 

firearm, secure the first firearm before displaying another. If the firearms are kept in a locking 

display case or other security device, ensure that only one firearm is unlocked or unsecured at a 

time.

o Disable display firearms. Use trigger locks or plastic ties to ensure that the firearms cannot be 

loaded or fired while being examined. In some situations, the best practice may be the removal 

of the firing pin. Another best practice to consider is placing display firearms in a safe at night, a 

protocol followed by most jewelry stores.

o Do not leave a customer who is handling a firearm unattended. If an employee leaves 

a customer who is handling a firearm, control of that firearm has been relinquished to the 

customer. To prevent this, instruct your staff to return a firearm to its storage location before 

leaving the customer unattended.

o Keep ammunition stored separately from the firearms and out of the reach of customers. 

This practice can help eliminate shoplifting of ammunition and help ensure that firearms remain 

unloaded while on display.

o Do not meet with customers after hours or off site. This is particularly important if the 

customer asks that some firearms be brought to the meeting. Advise your local ATF office of any 

such requests and provide them with the identity of the requestor.

o Wipe down all countertops and doors each night. A clean surface makes it easier to capture 

and preserve fingerprints. Those fingerprints could be the difference between an unsolved crime 

and capturing the criminals.
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Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees

o Do not keep large sums of cash on hand. Keeping large sums of cash during business hours or 

at night creates an opportunity for your business to experience a substantial financial loss. Limit 

the amount of cash on hand by making regular deposits. You may want to consider recording the 

serial numbers on paper money left in the cash register at night. Store this record away from the 

cash so that if the money is taken, it can be more easily tracked.

o Do not leave counter and safe keys in the cash register at night. Many burglaries have been 

made worse by ready access to keys left in the cash register. The cash register is logically one of 

the first targets in a burglary.

o Ship firearms in a way that requires signatures or recording of transfers. In many cases, the 

most inexpensive means of shipping provide little accountability. Using a shipping method that 

includes some form of tracking is strongly encouraged. Ask the carrier if and how each point of 

transfer will be documented. Detailed documentation makes it easier to track a lost or damaged 

shipment. When shipping a firearm, using a method that is most reliable is suggested.

o Provide safety and security training for your employees. Ensure that they know what to do 

if a crime is committed or discovered. Prepare a specific procedure for them to follow. Post 

important telephone numbers and keep procedures where they can be readily utilized (this 

booklet, if opened from back to front, contains a recommended series of steps in the event of 

a theft or loss). Explain the importance of protecting keys, combinations, codes, alarm system 

features, and any other security plans or procedures you have. Advise your employees not to 

reveal this information to non-employees, including family members.

o Familiarize your employees with firearms laws. Sales personnel must be shown, understand, 

and be able to explain the firearms laws that apply to them and to your customers. Ensure that 

they understand how to make a lawful transfer and what transactions to avoid. For assistance 

with this type of training, you can request a “Don’t Lie for the Other Guy” package from your 

local ATF office and visit the Internet learning theatre on the ATF Web site www.atf.gov . You 

can also contact your local ATF field office to inquire about FFL seminars (http://www.atf.gov/

field).

o Record the description of suspicious persons and their vehicles. If an individual, or 

individuals, raise your suspicions or specifically ask you to assist them in subverting the law, 

record their identification, their physical description and the vehicle description and license 

plate, if you can safely do this (a suspicious person guide can be found on page 25). Criminals 

frequently visit the stores they intend to victimize before the crime in an effort to assess their 

target. Many crimes have been solved through physical and vehicle descriptions recorded by 

employees and witnesses who grew suspicious of a person or a customer’s actions, questions, or 

activity. 

o Post the Theft Warning Notice in a conspicuous location. This publication contains, on page 

23, a theft warning notice that can be removed and placed in a window or other conspicuous 

location. A lunchroom or other area frequented by business staff should also be considered as a 

beneficial location for this warning. 

o Request the assistance of the local law enforcement authorities. Contact your local police 

department and request a visit for safety and security advice. Ask if there have been any thefts in 

the area or patterns of theft to which you may be vulnerable. Develop a relationship with the law 
14

U.S. Department of Justice . Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . Office of Enforcement Programs and Services

enforcement officers who work in the area that includes your business. Offer your parking lot to them 

at night. Obtain the best telephone numbers to use in emergency and non-emergency situations.

o Strictly control firearms at gun shows. Prepare an inventory of all firearms removed from 

the store for display or sale at a gun show and store the list separately. ATF recommends that 

you not take your acquisition/disposition record to the gun show if you will be returning to 

your premises in time to record your transactions as required by law. Thoroughly record all 

transfers and make those entries as soon as you return from the show (see 27 CFR 478.125(e) for 

guidance).

o Do Not advertise that your business is unprotected. Avoid leaving a sign in the window or 

a message on your answering machine announcing that you will be closed or are out of town. 

This only puts every friend and stranger who reads or hears it on notice that your store may be 

unattended for several days.

CUSTOMER SAFETY

Purchasers of firearms inherit the significant responsibility of protecting themselves and the public from 

theft or loss of their firearms. Federal firearms licensees have an opportunity to provide information and 

products that can help purchasers with this responsibility. Please review the following suggestions:

o Insist on complete firearms safety. By demonstrating safe firearms handling, including clearing 

and unloading procedures, customers have the opportunity to learn and repeat these firearms 

safety procedures after they leave your store. This is the highest form of customer service. 

Include a copy of the Disposition of Firearms flier shown on page 20 to assist purchasers in 

complying with Federal laws relating to firearms ownership and transfer.

o Recommend safe storage methods. Federal law requires that firearms safety or locking devices 

be available for purchase and provided to anyone purchasing a firearm. We recommend that 

you advertise these to your customers for storing their firearms. Advise customers to take their 

firearms directly home rather than leave the firearms in their vehicle while taking care of other 

errands. Remind your customers that firearms should always be unloaded when being stored. 

o Personal Firearms Record. Provide customers with a free copy of ATF Publication 3312.8, 

Personal Firearms Record. This pamphlet was developed to provide firearms owners an easy 

and complete way to maintain a record of their firearms. In the event of theft or loss, the 

firearm(s) can be fully identified for law enforcement and for insurance purposes. (A sample of 

this pamphlet can be found on page 21.)
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Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Every business should have a disaster plan. Federal firearms licensees have a double interest in having a 

plan in place because they need to safeguard their business to facilitate a quick recovery, and they need 

to protect the public from the risk of theft/loss of firearms and ammunition in the event of a disaster. 

The following suggestions can form a guide for developing a plan to follow in the event of impending 

disaster:

○ Create and maintain a current set of records (and consider a second set maintained at a second, 

secure location) that includes: insurance policies; supplier and contact list; computer records 

backup; and a second set of business records.

○ Create a list of employee phone numbers and establish a plan under which, in the event of a 

disaster, they have a phone number to call to report that they are OK.

○ Secure your inventory. Utilize safes and cable locks that can retain and protect inventory.

○ Perform a full inventory and take Acquisition and Disposition records to a safe location until the 

threat has passed.

○ Make your disaster plan “multi-hazard” by taking into account each possibility: fire; tornado; 

hurricane; flooding; looting; etc.

○ ATF can approve variances to move business operations (including NFA firearms) in special 

circumstances, which can include impending natural disasters.

○ For more information on disaster preparedness, request a copy of ATF Publication 3317.7, 

Disaster Preparedness for Federal Firearms Licensees from the ATF Distribution Center by 

calling 301-583-4696.

YOUR LOCAL ATF OFFICE

The local ATF office can be an invaluable resource for information and assistance in the safe and 

compliant operation of your business. This office should be your first point of contact with questions 

regarding anything associated with your Federal firearms license. The local office can also assist you in 

the preparation of the theft/loss reports that must be submitted to the Stolen Firearms Program Manager. 

(For assistance in locating the nearest ATF office, visit the Web site at

http://www.atf.gov/field).
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U.S. Department of Justice . Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . Office of Enforcement Programs and Services

PROPERLY IDENTIFYING AND

RECORDING FIREARMS

In order to conduct business, the FFL relies on the accurate description of firearms and the timely 

recording of acquisition and disposition. Without this, law enforcement agencies are forced to rely 

on inaccurate information when they endeavor to investigate firearms thefts. Inaccurate and missing 

records also impact the ability to determine ownership of recovered firearms and their return to the 

lawful owners.

In 1968, Congress established unique marking requirements for all firearms imported into or 

manufactured within the United States (see 27 CFR 478.92(a)(1) and 27 CFR 478.102). Unfortunately, 

marking requirements that existed before 1968 did not apply to all firearms and, in particular, allowed 

for duplication of serial numbers. Many thousands of firearms manufactured and imported prior to 

1968 bear no serial numbers, product codes, patent numbers, or other markings that appear to be serial 

numbers. Some of these pre-1968 firearms bear virtually no markings at all. Licensees who receive 

these firearms should note in each descriptive column in the acquisition record the physical marking that 

appear on the firearms. If no serial number was placed on the firearm, it should be specifically noted that 

“Firearm has no serial number.” Remember, however, it is illegal to remove a firearm’s serial number, 

and a licensee should report such a firearm to the nearest ATF office.

Under the 1968 law, manufacturers and importers may not duplicate serial numbers. Both must utilize 

or place a serial number that they have not used before, and may not issue again, on the firearm’s frame 

or receiver. The serial numbers themselves are generated by the licensee, and many are so unique that 

their appearance can readily identify the manufacturer or importer.

To accurately identify a firearm, FFLs receiving firearms must record the Serial Number in their A&D 

book. Be careful to use the number on the frame or receiver. Parts of the firearm, such as the slide or 

barrel, may be marked with a part or model number, different from the serial number.

The following additional information must be marked on the frame, receiver, or barrel of post-1968 

firearms, and must be recorded in the A&D book: model (if such designation has been made); caliber

or gauge; name of the manufacturer (or recognized abbreviation); and importer (if applicable). 

Although not required to be recorded in the A&D record, for domestically produced firearms, the 

city and State (or recognized abbreviation) of the manufacturer’s place of business, and for imported 

firearms, the country of manufacture and the city and State (or recognized abbreviation) of the 

importer’s place of business must also be marked on the frame, receiver, or barrel.

This description of the marking requirements is brief and concise and may not guide you in the 

identification of each firearm you examine. Refer to the diagram on the following page for more 

guidance and contact your local ATF office for further assistance.
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Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees
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U.S. Department of Justice . Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . Office of Enforcement Programs and Services
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Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees

BASIC FIREARMS SAFETY

FIREARMS HANDLING AND STORAGE

1. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.

2. Always keep the muzzle of the firearm pointed in a safe direction.

3. Always keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard unless you intend to fire the 

weapon.

4. Wear appropriate ear and eye protection when discharging the firearm.

5. If you have children in your residence, use child safety locks or other commercially available 

locking mechanisms on your firearms and/or keep your firearms locked in a secure location 

accessible to adults only. Keep your ammunition locked in a secure location away from the 

firearms.

6. Become familiar with, and obey, all Federal, State, and local laws regarding the purchase, 

possession, carrying, use, storage, and disposition/sale of firearms.

CLEARING/UNLOADING A FIREARM

1. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction AND always keep your finger off the trigger 

and outside the trigger guard while cleaning or unloading a firearm. (Consider obtaining a 

commercially made firearm clearing barrel for safe clearing/unloading purposes.)

2. Remove the magazine or other source of ammunition.

3. Open the breech and visually as well as physically inspect the chamber to ensure the firearm is 

completely unloaded. Repeat this step twice to be sure the firearm is completely unloaded.
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U.S. Department of Justice . Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . Office of Enforcement Programs and Services

NON-LICENSED FIREARMS SALES

If you do not have a Federal firearms license and you later decide to sell, trade, transfer, or otherwise 

dispose of the firearm(s) you have purchased, keep in mind the following basic guidelines contained 

within the Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968 that may apply to such dispositions:

1. The GCA prohibits persons from engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a 

license issued by ATF (18 U.S.C. 921(a)(11)(A)). A sentence of up to 5 years imprisonment 

and/or a fine of up to $250,000 may be imposed on anyone found guilty of dealing in firearms 

without a license. The GCA defines the term “dealer” in firearms as “a person who devotes 

time, attention and labor to dealing in firearms as a regular course of trade or business with the 

principle objective of livelihood and profit through the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms” 

(18 U.S.C. 921(a)(21)(C)). The term “dealer” in firearms does not include a person who 

makes occasional sales, exchanges, or purchases of firearms for the enhancement of a personal 

collection or for a hobby, or who sells all or part of a personal collection of firearms. In general, 

the following applies to an unlicensed person:

	You may occasionally acquire or dispose of firearms to, and from, residents of your State 

as long as this activity does not fall under the definition of “dealer” in firearms and as 

long as the intended receiver of the firearm may legally possess the firearm.

	You may dispose of firearms to a licensed firearms dealer in any State.

	You may not acquire from or dispose of firearms to residents of any State other than your 

own.

	You may not engage in the business of dealing in firearms without being licensed.

2. In addition, the GCA prohibits any person from:

	Selling or disposing a firearm to any person the transferee knows or has reasonable cause 

to believe is under indictment for, or has been convicted of, a crime punishable by a term 

of imprisonment exceeding one year; is a fugitive from justice; is an unlawful user of 

or is addicted to any controlled substance; has been adjudicated as a mental defective or 

committed to any mental institution; is an alien unlawfully or illegally in the U.S. or is a 

nonimmigrant alien and no exception under 18 U.S.C. 922(y) applies; has a dishonorable 

discharge from the Armed Forces; has renounced their U.S. citizenship; is subject to a 

qualifying, court order for restraint; or has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of 

domestic violence (18 U.S.C. 922(d)).

 Transferring a firearm to any person who intends to use the firearm in a crime of violence 

or serious drug trafficking offense (18 U.S.C. 924(h)).

	Transferring handguns or handgun ammunition to juveniles (persons under 18 years of 

age) except for purposes of employment, military, hunting, or a safety course provided 

the juvenile has a parent or guardian’s prior written consent (18 U.S.C. 922(x)).

3. General Advice for non-licensed seller/purchaser: While it is not required by law, it is highly 

recommended that the purchaser provide some form of identification and that this information, 

along with the date, place of sale, and full firearms description be recorded. The purchaser 

should keep this information in a location separate from the firearm(s).
21

Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees

ever lost or stolen.event your firearms are to assist police in the from your firearms Keep this list separate 

“A stolen gun threatens everyone.”Remember:firearms out of the hands of criminals.effort to prevent thefts and to keep be taking an important first step in the separate from your firearms, you will maintaining it in a safe location, By completing this record and to correctly identify these firearms.firearms will also hinge on the ability claims and reacquisition of recovered these crimes and losses. Insurance enforcement’s ability to investigate these firearms is central to law owners’ ability to adequately identify are reported lost or stolen. The Each year, thousands of firearms 

National Tracing CenterBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and ExplosivesU.S. Department of Justice

P 3312.8 (12-03)
22

U.S. Department of Justice . Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . Office of Enforcement Programs and Services A complete description of each firearm is vitally important to law enforcement in the investigation and recovery of your firearms and to your ability to prove ownership. Immediately report any theft or loss of firearms to your local police. Firearm Description and Origin Manufacturer/ Importer Model Serial Number Type and Action Caliber or Gauge Date Acquired Cost Purchase Location (Name and Address)
23

Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees

Remove for Posting
24

U.S. Department of Justice . Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . Office of Enforcement Programs and Services
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Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Make additional copies of this page and keep them in areas that are readily available to employees.

PLEASE RECORD AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE

SEX RACE AGE HEIGHT WEIGHT WEAPON TYPE

GLASSES TYPE

HAIR

COMPLEXION

SCARS/MARKS*

TATTOOS*

AUTO LICENSE, MAKE, COLOR DIRECTION OF TRAVEL

JEWELRY

TIE

HAT (color, type)

SHIRT

COAT

TROUSERS

SHOES

GUIDE TO RECORDING SUSPICIOUS PERSON 

DESCRIPTION

*Be sure to describe appearance as well as location.
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U.S. Department of Justice . Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . Office of Enforcement Programs and Services
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Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees

End of Text

For Theft/Loss Reporting Procedures,

See Back Cover of Publication
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U.S. Department of Justice . Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . Office of Enforcement Programs and Services
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Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees
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Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees
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U.S. Department of Justice . Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . Office of Enforcement Programs and Services
VOLUNTARY PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW WHEN FIREARMS 

ARE

MISSING FROM AN INTERSTATE SHIPMENT

ALTHOUGH REPORTING THE INTERSTATE THEFT/

LOSS OF FIREARMS IS NOT REQUIRED BY LAW, IT IS 

RECOMMENDED AS A BEST PRACTICE. However, ATF 

maintains a program to investigate these thefts/losses and 

to attempt to locate theses firearms.

A3

U.S. Department of Justice Office of Enforcement Programs and Services . Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives .

CONTACT THE CARRIER 	

- ATF recommends that any shipment of firearms be done under a carrier’s tracking num

ber. Many carriers have web sites that allow you research your shipment and to verify if 

- your shipment is overdue. Often the carrier may not be aware that some or all of a ship

ment is missing until they are contacted by the shipper, consignee or a law enforcement 

agency.

CONTACT ATF STOLEN FIREARMS PROGRAM 	

Local ATF Office Telephone Number:____________________________

The local ATF office will work with the local law enforcement authorities investigating 

the theft. They can also assist in the preparation of the Theft/Loss Report for submission 

to the ATF Stolen Firearms Manager.

PREPARE ATF THEFT/LOSS REPORT 	

 form (see page Interstate Firearms Shipment Theft/Loss Report The ATF Form 3310.6, 

A5) was prepared to facilitate this voluntary reporting. The Stolen Firearms Program 

This can be Manager can be contacted for assistance with interstate theft/loss reporting. 

done by calling toll-free (888) 930-9275.

NOTIFY ATF OF ANY FIREARM RECOVERIES 	

It is not uncommon to find that a firearm initially thought to have been part of a group 

that was stolen or missing, has arrived or been located. It is extremely important that 

these be reported to the Stolen Firearms Program Manager. Stolen firearms are placed 

into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system so that law enforcement all 

over the country will know if a firearm they recover from someone is stolen. If a firearm 

is inaccurately reported as stolen, a law enforcement officer may arrest someone, or seize 

a firearm from someone based on the belief that the firearm he/she possesses is stolen, 

when in fact that firearm may have been lawfully purchased.

ENSURE ACCURACY OF ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION RECORDS 	

Ensure that Acquisitions and Disposition records accurately reflect the disposition of any 

firearm not received by the person to whom shipped.
Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees 

A2

PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW WHEN FIREARMS ARE

(E.G., DISPOSITION UNRECORDED/UNKNOWN) MISSING FROM INVENTORY 

PREPARE ATF THEFT/LOSS REPORT 	

Federal Firearms Licensee Firearms Inventory Theft An ATF Form 3310.11, 

 (see page A4), must be prepared when it is and Missing Inventory (Loss) Report

discovered that firearms are missing from inventory. Submit the original to the 

Stolen Firearms Program Manager and keep a copy for your records.

The Stolen Firearms Program Manager must be notified within 48 hours of the 

discovery, and should be notified as soon as possible. This can be done by calling 

toll-free (888) 930-9275. The Stolen Firearms Program Manager will issue an 

incident number that is to be placed in the disposition section. 

If not already done, a “floor to ceiling” inventory is highly recommended both 

to locate missing firearms and to prevent inventory losses in the future. Poor 

inventory procedures invite problems such as employee and customer thefts.

NOTIFY THE LOCAL POLICE 	

Local Police Telephone Number:_______________________________

Making this notification is a requirement for all federal firearms licensees. 

However, it should be made clear to the authorities that there is no evidence of 

a crime and that the disposition of these firearms is unknown/unrecorded. No 

local police report number is required to be placed in the disposition records 

because many departments will not issue a police report if no crime has occurred. 

However, if the department does issue an incident or report number, this should 

be placed in the disposition section along with the ATF issued incident number for 

each firearm that is missing.

Firearms reported missing from inventory are not placed into the National Crime 

Information Center (NCIC) system by ATF because there is no evidence that they 

were taken in a crime (e.g. burglary, larceny or robbery). If these firearms were 

to be reported as stolen, a law enforcement officer might arrest someone, or seize 

a firearm from someone based on the belief that the firearm he/she possesses was 

stolen, when in fact that firearm may have been lawfully purchased.

NOTIFY ATF OF ANY FIREARM RECOVERIES 	

accounted for or It is not uncommon to find a firearm that initially could not be 

located. It is extremely important that these discoveries be reported to the Stolen 

Firearms Program Manager so that the list of firearms reported missing from 

inventory can be corrected.
CONTACT POLICE 	

Local Police Telephone Number:_______________________________

Swift notification may be the key in identifying and capturing thieves and in 

preserving evidence. Making this notification is also a requirement for all Federal 

firearms licensees.

CONTACT LOCAL ATF OFFICE 	

Local ATF Office Telephone Number:___________________________

The local ATF office will work with the local law enforcement authorities 

investigating the theft. They can also assist in the preparation of the Theft/Loss 

Report for submission to the ATF Stolen Firearms Manager.

ENSURE SAFETY AND PRESERVE EVIDENCE 	

If there is any possibility that criminals may be present, do not enter a crime scene 

until law enforcement authorities indicate that it is safe. Do not disturb the crime 

- scene until law enforcement authorities have completed evidence gathering. Un

less you are asked to assist, avoid the temptation to assess damage/losses until 

they are finished.

PREPARE ATF THEFT/LOSS REPORT 	

Federal Firearms Licensee Firearms Inventory Theft and An ATF Form 3310.11, 

 (see page A4 ), must be prepared when a theft Missing Inventory (Loss) Report

of firearms from a licensee’s inventory occurs. This includes firearms stolen from 

gun shows and in transit to and from those shows. Submit the original to the 

Stolen Firearms Program Manager and keep a copy for your records.

The Stolen Firearms Program Manager must be notified within 48 hours of the 

theft, and should be notified as soon as possible. This can be done by calling tollfree (888) 930-9275. The Program Manager will issue an incident number that is 

to be placed in the disposition section (along with the police report number) of the 

Acquisition/Disposition Records for every firearm that is stolen.

NOTIFY ATF OF ANY FIREARM RECOVERIES 	

It is not uncommon to find that a firearm initially thought to have been part 

. It of a group that was stolen, was in fact sold lawfully or is still in inventory

is extremely important that these be reported to the Stolen Firearms Program 

Manager. Stolen firearms are placed into the National Crime Information Center 

(NCIC) system so that law enforcement all over the country will know if a firearm 

they recover from someone is stolen. If a firearm is inaccurately reported as 

stolen, a law enforcement officer may arrest someone, or seize a firearm from 

someone based on the belief that the firearm he/she possesses is stolen, when in 

fact that firearm may have been lawfully purchased.

PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW WHEN FIREARMS ARE

(E.G., BURGLARY, LARCENY OR ROBBERY) TAKEN IN A CRIME 

A1

U.S. Department of Justice Office of Enforcement Programs and Services . Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives .
U.S. Department of Justice

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Office of Enforcement Programs and Services

HOW TO REPORT

A THEFT OR LOSS 

OF FIREARMS

HOW TO REPORT

A THEFT OR LOSS 

OF FIREARMS

IF A CRIME HAS OCCURRED:

NOTIFY THE POLICE AND TURN

TO PAGE A1 FOR REPORTING

INSTRUCTIONS

IF INVENTORY IS MISSING:

TURN TO PAGE A2 AND FOLLOW

REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

IF FIREARMS ARE MISSING

FROM A SHIPMENT:

TURN TO PAGE A3 FOR 

REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees

ATF Publication 3317.2 (Revised February 2010)