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9/17/2026 5:01:30 PM EDT
So, dad passed away at the beginning of the month and had a suppressor in his name. No will and the family has decided who the can should go to.

Despite 3+ calls to the ATF, no one has called back.

Any idea on the documentation needed to send in with a Form 5 to transfer it other than a death certificate?
9/17/2026 5:08:40 PM EDT
[#1]
Sorry about your father. It sucks.

This is what you need:

1. Death certificate
2. Letters Testamentary / Letters of Administration / equivalent court appointment
3. Court or estate document establishing the recipient as the heir entitled to the suppressor
4. Form 5
5. Recipient's FD-258 fingerprint cards
6. Recipient's 2×2 photo
7. Copy of any relevant probate/estate distribution paperwork

ATF's handbook says the executor can maintain custody during probate, but the heir shouldn't receive the NFA firearm until the Form 5 has been approved.

The current Form 5 says to contact the NFA Division regarding estate procedures, and ATF lists [email protected] / 304-616-4500. Don't know if that's the number you used.
9/17/2026 8:15:58 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote History
Originally Posted By MikeSearson:
Sorry about your father. It sucks.

This is what you need:

1. Death certificate
2. Letters Testamentary / Letters of Administration / equivalent court appointment
3. Court or estate document establishing the recipient as the heir entitled to the suppressor
4. Form 5
5. Recipient's FD-258 fingerprint cards
6. Recipient's 2×2 photo
7. Copy of any relevant probate/estate distribution paperwork

ATF's handbook says the executor can maintain custody during probate, but the heir shouldn't receive the NFA firearm until the Form 5 has been approved.

The current Form 5 says to contact the NFA Division regarding estate procedures, and ATF lists [email protected] / 304-616-4500. Don't know if that's the number you used.
View Quote


Thanks.

Yeah, I read as much from the Form 5 instructions. Since mom is still alive, there shouldn’t be probate and he didn’t have a will, so nothing to say exactly what to do.

Mom, my brother, and I decided it should go to my brother (who lives at the same house), so it’s really just administrative at this point. I’m wondering if a notarized letter from my mom saying what she wants done would suffice #2 above. Not sure there would be a #3 in this case.

Appreciate the help!

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