A close-up shot of a black metallic firearm suppressor placed diagonally over an official U.S. Department of Justice document. The paperwork is titled "Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm" (ATF Form 4), highlighting the legal registration process for firearm accessories.

How To Submit an ATF Form 1 and 4 For Your SBR in 2026

Byuncoiledfirdev

Livonia, Michigan, gun owners interested in owning a short-barreled rifle (SBR) need to know the state’s laws, as well as ATF rules and federal laws. While federal and Michigan SBR laws can feel daunting, the process is actually simpler than you might expect. 

First, you need to choose the right form. ATF Form 1 is for making your own SBR, and ATF Form 4 is for transferring ownership to you. Below, you’ll learn how to use ATF eForms to submit required documents and start your path to SBR ownership. 

Are you ready to buy a SBR? Uncoiled Firearms is Michigan’s #1 NFA dealer and makes the process frictionless. Explore our selection of NFA items today. 

Short-Barreled Rifle Basics and Legal Checklist

Before learning how to register a SBR, it’s important to know what counts as a short-barreled rifle so you can determine whether you even need to navigate the ATF process. 

According to the National Firearms Act, a weapon is a SBR if it has a barrel under 16” and a buttstock. Rifles with a total length of less than 26” are also considered a SBR under federal law. 

There is a subtle difference between Michigan and federal law. Michigan law permits SBRs with barrels under 16”, but it prohibits SBRs with a total length under 26”. With ATF approval, you can build or buy a SBR with a barrel under 16” in Michigan, but the weapon must have a total overall length of 26” or more. 

You will need to confirm all of the following before submitting an ATF Form 1 or ATF Form 4 online:

  • You are not a prohibited person.
  • The rifle meets both Michigan and ATF length requirements.
  • Whether you choose individual or NFA trust registration.

You will also need to decide whether you want to build or buy your SBR. 

Decide: Make and Register (Form 1) vs. Transfer (Form 4) 

ATF Form 1 is required if you want to make and register your own SBR. ATF Form 4 is required when you are transferring a SBR from a dealer or another owner to yourself. 

Imagine you already own a rifle and want to install a barrel that is under 16”. In that case, you may decide to custom-build your weapon and fill out Form 1. However, if you don’t have a rifle, you’ll need to fill out Form 4 and buy a complete SBR. 

Typically, eForm 1 gets approved faster than eForm 4. However, either can take days to months. If you register the NFA item in a trust, the process will likely take longer compared to filing individually. 

Documents and ATF eForms Setup

When filling out your ATF eForms, make sure you have the following:

  • A valid government ID.
  • Make, model, serial number, and caliber of the firearm.
  • A passport-style photo.
  • Fingerprints.
  • NFA trust paperwork (if applicable).

To submit your forms electronically, you will need a digital passport-style photo and FD-258 fingerprint cards or an electronic fingerprint (.EFT) file. You will also need to create an eForms account on the ATF website. 

When filling out your profile, provide your legal name as it appears on your ID and your address. Simply select the appropriate form and fill out all required boxes. 

How To Complete ATF Form 1 To Make and Register a SBR

ATF Form 1 is available online in a downloadable PDF format. Simply download the form from the ATF database and start filling out the required information. 

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

  • Start a new Form 1.
  • Select individual or trust/entity.
  • Choose a firearm type (rifle).
  • Enter the make, model, serial number, and caliber.

The information you enter must match the serial number etched into the receiver. Errors in the serial number, barrel length, or overall length will delay your application. Therefore, carefully review everything before you submit your form. 

If you are truly building your own rifle and submitting a Form 1, you will need to engrave your name or the trust name, city, and state on the receiver. This information must match what you enter on the form. 

Submitting your Form 1 online through ATF eForms is the fastest option. While approval times can vary, it’s quicker than filing a paper form. You cannot assemble your SBR until the ATF approves your eForm 1 and issues your tax stamp. 

How To Complete ATF Form 4 for SBR Transfers

ATF Form 4, Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearms, is used when you are buying a factory SBR. Typically, you’ll be buying the weapon from an FFL/SOT dealer.

The dealer or current owner will fill out their sections, and you will complete the individual or trust information. Then, you’ll attach your photos, fingerprints, and responsible person forms (if creating a trust). 

Even though the NFA tax is now $0, Form 4 is still required in 2026. You will receive an electronic tax stamp and are responsible for retaining the records with the firearm. 

2026 SBR Tax Stamp and Payment Changes

As of January 1, 2026, the SBR tax stamp is now $0. Previously, you would have had to pay a separate $200 tax stamp on every NFA item you purchased or built. However, applying for a tax stamp and retaining the notice for your records are still mandatory under the National Firearms Act. 

Track ATF eForm Status and Fix Common Issues

Once you create an ATF eForms account and file your documents, you can track their status from the NFA dashboard. Before you submit your forms, double-check your documents for common problems, such as the wrong serial numbers, typos in your name or address, and missing fingerprints or photos.

If you’ve been waiting far longer than the current averages, use the “Ask the Experts” button or eForms help channels to follow up. Working with a local Livonia FFL/SOT or firearms attorney is another option for resolving any issues you encounter. 

As an experienced FFL and NFA dealer, Uncoiled Firearms can help make the SBR purchasing process go smoothly. Contact us to learn more about the eForm filing process or to shop for your SBR today.