Firearms retailers across the nation are facing a common challenge: managing years’ worth of paper ATF Form 4473s and associated documents, which are stacked in rows of cardboard banker’s boxes, collecting dust and complicating ATF trace requests. Thousands of Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) share this burden, but there is a solution that promises to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

In August 2022, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) issued ATF Ruling 2022-1, allowing FFLs to store ATF Form 4473s and all required supplementary documentation digitally. Previously, an “approved variance” was required to store 4473s digitally, but this ruling permits any FFL to transition to digital storage, provided the software meets or exceeds the requirements outlined in the ruling. It's crucial to note that there are 18 specific requirements, and merely saving a PDF on your desktop is insufficient.

Why Go Digital?

Digitally storing forms offers significant benefits for FFLs, including saving time, money, and space, and increasing efficiency in completing ATF traces and conducting internal compliance audits. Moreover, ATF Ruling 2022-1 provides guidance for managing existing paper records:

“FFLs who have paper Forms 4473 completed prior to, or after this ruling, may elect to digitally scan Forms 4473 older than 3 years from the date the firearm transfer occurred, the date the transaction was denied or cancelled, or the last date of entry where no sale or delivery of the firearm occurs, including supplemental ATF forms or documents from a transaction (multiple sale forms or documentation showing the exception to the nonimmigrant alien prohibition). The Forms 4473 must be scanned in an expeditious manner, and retained in the same manner as required in conditions 3-5, 7-8, 13, and 15 set forth for FFLs retaining electronically completed Forms 4473 in an electronic format.”

This ruling allows FFLs to scan and store 4473s that are over 3 years old in a compliant digital format, offering a substantial win for retail FFLs by freeing up valuable space and resources.

The Future is Now

FFLs can now easily transition to digital storage, making ATF trace requests quicker and more efficient. Digital records can be accessed within seconds, ensuring compliance with the ATF’s 24-hour trace completion requirement, one of the critical compliance aspects to maintain an FFL.

If your operation is already using electronic 4473 and bound book software, transitioning to digital storage could be seamless with platforms like 4473 Cloud, which integrate with existing systems. Even without integration, you can start storing digital copies immediately while notifying the ATF 60 days prior to going fully digital.

Take Action Today

For those still using handwritten records, there has never been a better time to consider going digital. In today’s regulatory environment, where FFL revocations are on the rise, minimizing risk through digital records is imperative. Numerous options are available to meet your bound book and 4473 needs. Contact us today to schedule a demo and experience the transformative benefits of going digital.

Free your store from the burden of legacy paper records and embrace the future of digital storage. Start today and witness firsthand the benefits of modernizing your firearm records management.

About 443 Cloud:

4473 Cloud is the firearm industry’s leading ATF-compliant, attorney-backed, NSSF-endorsed digital storage solution. 4473 Cloud allows FFLs to electronically store 4473 documents, safely, securely, and simply. Meet all of the ATF’s storage requirements, make trace requests a breeze, and get rid of decades-worth of paperwork in your storage room. Save money, time, and space by storing your 4473s in the Cloud.