You fill out ATF Form 5320.20 by submitting a written request, either through the ATF eForms portal or by mail, asking the ATF for permission to move a registered short‑barreled rifle (SBR), short‑barreled shotgun (SBS), machine gun, or destructive device (DD) across state lines. The form requires your identifying information, the firearm’s registration data, the reason for travel, the dates of the trip, and the addresses of every state you will enter, and it must be approved before the firearm crosses any state line under 27 CFR 478.28.
Roughly 741,146 NFA items were registered in 2023 alone, yet many owners still do not know that interstate travel with most Title II firearms requires written ATF approval. Skip this step and you risk a felony charge under the National Firearms Act, forfeiture of the firearm, and a permanent end to your ability to own NFA items.
In this guide, you will learn:
- 🧾 Exactly which NFA items trigger a 5320.20 filing and which ones do not
- ✈️ How to fill out every line of the form, with named examples and trust scenarios
- 🗺️ Federal rules and state‑by‑state landmines that can void your approval
- ⏱️ Realistic ATF processing times, fees, and eForms vs. paper trade‑offs
- ⚠️ The seven most common mistakes that get applications denied or owners prosecuted
What ATF Form 5320.20 Actually Is
ATF Form 5320.20, formally titled the “Application to Transport Interstate or to Temporarily Export Certain National Firearms Act (NFA) Firearms,” is the federal permission slip that lets a registered owner move a covered NFA firearm from one state to another. The legal authority comes from 27 CFR 478.28 and 27 CFR 479.105(b), which require prior written approval from the Director of the ATF before transporting certain Title II firearms in interstate commerce. The rule exists because Congress, through the Gun Control Act of 1968 and the National Firearms Act of 1934, wanted federal eyes on the movement of the most heavily regulated firearms.
The form is not a registration. Your firearm is already registered through a Form 1 or Form 4. The 5320.20 is purely a travel permit tied to a specific trip, with specific dates and specific destinations.
The consequence of skipping the form is severe. A violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(4) is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, plus mandatory forfeiture of the firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 924(d).
A common misconception is that a 5320.20 approval lets you travel anywhere, anytime. It does not. The approval is locked to the dates, destinations, and firearm listed on the form, and any deviation can void it.
Who Must File
Any person, trust, or entity that is the registered owner of a covered NFA firearm and who plans to physically take that firearm across a state line must file. This includes individual registrants on a Form 4, makers on a Form 1, gun trusts, corporations, and LLCs holding NFA items. If a trust owns the firearm, only a responsible person listed on the trust may transport it, and the trust itself is the applicant.
The reasoning is rooted in NFA recordkeeping. The ATF must know where every regulated firearm is at all times, and a trust traveling without approval breaks that chain of custody. The consequence is the same felony exposure as for an individual.
A real example: Maria, a trustee on the Hernandez Family Gun Trust, plans to drive her trust‑owned SBR from Phoenix, Arizona, to a class in Las Vegas, Nevada. The trust files the 5320.20, names Maria as the transporter, and lists the route.
Who Does Not Need to File
Owners of suppressors and any other weapons (AOWs) do not file Form 5320.20 for interstate travel under 27 CFR 478.28. Federal Firearms Licensees with Special Occupational Tax (SOT) status also do not need 5320.20 approval for business travel because they file under different sections of the regulations.
The reason is statutory. The interstate transport rule lists only SBRs, SBSs, machine guns, and DDs, leaving suppressors and AOWs out. The consequence of over‑filing is wasted time, but the consequence of under‑filing is a felony.
A misconception worth killing: some owners believe a suppressor needs a 5320.20 to cross state lines. It does not, although you should still confirm the destination state allows possession.
Which NFA Items Require Form 5320.20
Form 5320.20 applies to four categories of NFA firearms. Each category has its own quirks, and understanding them prevents both wasted filings and accidental felonies.
Short‑Barreled Rifles (SBRs)
A short‑barreled rifle is a rifle with a barrel under 16 inches or an overall length under 26 inches, as defined in 26 U.S.C. § 5845(a). Every interstate trip with an SBR requires prior 5320.20 approval, even a one‑day drive across a border for a class.
The reason is that SBRs sit squarely inside the NFA’s “firearm” definition, and Congress flagged them as a tracked category. The consequence of skipping approval is a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(4).
Example: David, a competitive shooter in Dallas, plans to take his 10.5‑inch SBR to a match in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He files a 5320.20 listing both Texas and Oklahoma and waits for approval before loading the truck.
Short‑Barreled Shotguns (SBSs)
An SBS is a shotgun with a barrel under 18 inches or overall length under 26 inches. The same 5320.20 rule applies. Travel without approval is a felony, and the firearm can be seized at any traffic stop where the trooper recognizes it.
A misconception is that a “Shockwave” or similar non‑NFA firearm needs 5320.20. It does not, because the ATF classifies it as a “firearm” under the GCA, not the NFA.
Machine Guns
A machine gun is any weapon that fires more than one round per trigger pull, per 26 U.S.C. § 5845(b). All civilian transferable machine guns require 5320.20 approval for interstate travel. Post‑Hughes Amendment machine guns made after May 19, 1986, cannot be civilian‑owned at all, so 5320.20 only matters for pre‑86 registered machine guns.
Example: The Carter Family Trust owns a pre‑86 transferable M16 and plans to attend the Big Sandy Shoot in Arizona. The trust files a 5320.20 listing trustee Anna Carter as transporter and Arizona as the destination.
Destructive Devices (DDs)
DDs include grenades, certain large‑bore weapons, and explosive devices, defined in 26 U.S.C. § 5845(f). Interstate movement requires 5320.20 approval, and many states ban civilian DD possession outright.
The consequence of moving a DD without approval combines NFA, GCA, and often state explosives violations. A common misconception is that a 37mm flare launcher is a DD, when ATF generally classifies it as a non‑NFA signaling device unless loaded with anti‑personnel ammunition.
Items That Do Not Require 5320.20
Suppressors, AOWs, and Title I firearms (regular pistols, rifles, shotguns) do not need 5320.20 approval. The rule applies only to the four categories above. Filing for a suppressor wastes ATF resources and your time.
Federal Law Backbone
The federal framework rests on three pillars: the NFA, the GCA, and the Code of Federal Regulations. Each one creates a separate duty, and ignoring any of them creates separate criminal exposure.
The NFA and 27 CFR Part 479
The National Firearms Act imposes registration and tax duties. Its travel rule, 27 CFR 479.105(b), is the section directly cited on the 5320.20 form.
The GCA and 27 CFR Part 478
The Gun Control Act added 27 CFR 478.28, which is the broader interstate transport rule. The two regulations overlap, and a single trip can violate both.
18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(4)
The criminal statute is 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(4). It makes it unlawful for any person, other than a licensee, to transport in interstate or foreign commerce any destructive device, machine gun, SBR, or SBS without prior written approval.
A common misconception is that a personal vehicle traveling on a state highway is not “interstate commerce.” The Supreme Court rejected that view in cases like Scarborough v. United States, where the firearm’s prior interstate movement was enough.
Step‑by‑Step Walkthrough of Form 5320.20
The current version of Form 5320.20 is two pages with about a dozen line items. Each line has a purpose, and each mistake has a consequence.
Item 1 – Type of Application
Check either “Transportation of Firearm(s) in Interstate Commerce” or “Temporary Export.” Most owners check the first box. The export box is rare and usually involves Canadian hunting trips with additional State Department DSP‑5 paperwork.
A consequence of checking the wrong box is automatic rejection. A misconception is that a trip from Alaska through Canada to the Lower 48 is “domestic.” It is not, because the firearm leaves U.S. soil.
Item 2 – Applicant Information
Enter the registered owner’s full legal name, address, phone, and email. For a trust, enter the trust’s exact name as it appears on the Form 1 or Form 4. For an LLC, list the LLC name.
The reason for the legal name match is verification against the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR). If the names do not match, the application is denied. Example: John Smith Jr.’s trust is the “Smith Revocable Living Trust,” not “John Smith Trust.” He must use the exact registered name.
Item 3 – Reason for Transportation
Describe the purpose of the trip in plain language. Common entries include “hunting,” “competition,” “training class,” “relocation,” “gunsmithing,” and “demonstration.” Be specific without writing a novel.
The ATF uses this to confirm a lawful purpose. A vague answer like “personal” often triggers a follow‑up. A real example: Sarah writes “Three‑gun competition at Rockcastle Shooting Center, Park City, KY.”
Item 4 – Dates of Transportation
List the start and end dates of the trip. The window can cover a single day or up to one year. A one‑year window is the maximum the ATF will approve.
The consequence of traveling outside the window is that your approval is void, and you are now an unlicensed interstate transporter. Pad the window by a few days on each end to absorb delays.
Item 5 – Method of Transportation
Identify the method, such as private vehicle, common carrier (FedEx, UPS), or commercial airline. If flying, you must follow TSA firearm rules and airline policies, which require a hard‑sided locked case in checked baggage.
A misconception is that the ATF arranges the carrier. They do not. You handle logistics.
Item 6 – Departure and Destination Addresses
List every state you will enter, not just the start and end. A road trip from Florida to Montana might cross seven states, and every one of them must appear on the form.
The reason is that the approval covers a route, not a teleport. A consequence of omitting a state is that crossing it is unauthorized, even if the trip is otherwise legal. Example: Miguel drives from Miami to Bozeman and lists FL, GA, AL, TN, KY, IL, MO, IA, NE, SD, WY, MT.
Item 7 – Firearm Description
For each firearm, list the type, manufacturer, model, caliber, and serial number exactly as they appear on the registration. You may list multiple firearms on one application if they belong to the same owner.
The consequence of a serial number typo is denial or, if approved, an unenforceable approval. Always cross‑check against the stamped Form 1 or Form 4.
Item 8 – Certification and Signature
The applicant signs and dates. For a trust, a responsible person signs in their capacity as trustee. Electronic filers e‑sign through the eForms portal.
A common mistake is having a non‑trustee sign for a trust. The application is then void from the start.
Item 9 – ATF Approval Block
The ATF completes this block. Do not write in it.
How to File: eForms vs. Paper
You can file by mail to the NFA Division in Martinsburg, West Virginia, or electronically through the ATF eForms system.
The eForms Path
eForms is faster, free, and tracked. You log in, complete the digital 5320.20, and receive an emailed PDF approval. Many filers report approvals within a few business days, sometimes hours, although the ATF does not guarantee any timeframe.
The reason eForms works is automation. The system matches your firearm against the NFRTR instantly. The consequence of a mismatch is a fast denial, which is actually helpful because you can fix and resubmit.
The Paper Path
Paper filings still work but can take weeks. Mail two signed originals to the NFA Division. Keep a copy for your records and one to carry with the firearm.
A misconception is that paper is more “official.” It is not. The eForms approval is legally identical.
Fees
There is no fee for Form 5320.20. None. If a website charges you a “filing fee,” it is a service fee, not a government fee.
Real‑World Scenarios
The three scenarios below are the most common 5320.20 fact patterns. Each shows the trigger and the outcome.
| Travel Situation | What 5320.20 Requires |
|---|---|
| Hunter drives an SBR from Texas to a Wyoming elk hunt | File listing every state crossed, dates of the hunt, and the SBR’s serial; wait for approval before leaving Texas |
| Trustee flies with a pre‑86 machine gun to a competition in Kentucky | Trust files naming the trustee as transporter; trustee follows TSA rules and carries the approved 5320.20 in the gun case |
| Owner relocates from California to Idaho with an SBS | File 5320.20 covering the move; confirm Idaho allows SBS possession; arrive within the approved window |
| Mistake at the Border | Federal Outcome |
|---|---|
| Crossing a state line with an SBR before 5320.20 approval | Felony under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(4), forfeiture, prohibited‑person status |
| Listing wrong serial number on the form | Approval is void as to that firearm; transport is unlawful |
| Returning a day after the approval window closes | Last leg of the trip is unauthorized interstate transport |
| Item Type | 5320.20 Needed? |
|---|---|
| SBR, SBS, machine gun, destructive device | Yes, every interstate trip |
| Suppressor or AOW | No, never |
| Title I rifle, pistol, or shotgun | No, but follow FOPA 18 U.S.C. § 926A |
Named Examples
Example 1 – Sarah the Competitor. Sarah lives in Atlanta and shoots three‑gun. She owns a 12.5‑inch SBR registered to her individually. She plans to drive to a match in Talladega, Alabama. She files a 5320.20 listing Georgia and Alabama, dates of August 1–4, and “three‑gun match” as the reason. ATF approves in three business days through eForms.
Example 2 – The Lopez Family Trust. The trust owns a transferable Heckler & Koch MP5 machine gun. Trustee Carlos Lopez wants to attend a subgun match in Indiana. The trust files a 5320.20 with Carlos as the transporter, lists Illinois and Indiana, and confirms Illinois SBR/MG rules through the Illinois State Police FOID portal before leaving.
Example 3 – David the Mover. David is moving from Nevada to Tennessee with two SBRs and an SBS. He files one 5320.20 listing all three firearms, every state on his U‑Haul route, and a 14‑day window. He carries the printed approval in the cab.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Crossing a state line before approval, which converts the trip into a felony under federal law
- Forgetting to list a transit state, which voids the approval the moment your tires touch that state
- Using a nickname or DBA instead of the exact registered name, which causes an automatic denial
- Letting the travel window expire mid‑trip, which makes the return leg unlawful
- Mailing to the wrong ATF address, which delays processing by weeks
- Mixing trust‑owned and individually owned firearms on a single form, which the ATF will reject
- Assuming a suppressor needs a 5320.20, which wastes time and signals inexperience to the examiner
- Traveling to a state that bans the firearm, where federal approval gives no state law shield
- Failing to bring a printed copy of the approval, leaving you unable to prove lawful transport at a stop
- Ignoring TSA and airline rules, which can result in arrest at the airport even with valid 5320.20
Dos and Don’ts
- Do file through eForms whenever possible, because the speed and tracking outclass paper every time
- Do pad your travel window by several days on each end to absorb weather, breakdowns, and family emergencies
- Do carry a printed copy of the approval with the firearm, because law enforcement may ask for proof
- Do confirm destination state law before filing, because federal approval does not preempt state bans
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Do keep approvals in a permanent file, because the ATF expects records to match the NFRTR
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Don’t travel before you receive the signed approval, because pre‑filing does not equal permission
- Don’t lend the firearm to someone else mid‑trip, because the approval names a specific transporter
- Don’t add states verbally or by phone, because only a written, approved form is enforceable
- Don’t assume a renewal is automatic, because each trip needs its own application
- Don’t mix items belonging to different owners on one form, because each registrant files separately
Pros and Cons
- Pro: No filing fee, which makes the process accessible for any owner
- Pro: eForms can return approval in days, which makes short‑notice trips possible
- Pro: A single approval can cover up to a year, useful for hunters and competitors
- Pro: Multiple firearms on one form, which saves paperwork for collectors
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Pro: Protects you from a felony charge, which is the entire point
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Con: Approval is trip‑specific, so frequent travelers file constantly
- Con: State law preempts nothing, so federal approval does not legalize possession in a banning state
- Con: Errors cause silent denials, which can leave owners thinking approval is pending
- Con: Paper filings can take weeks, slowing time‑sensitive trips
- Con: Trust filings require careful trustee identification, which trips up new trust owners
State Law Nuances
Federal approval is the floor, not the ceiling. Several states ban civilian possession of one or more 5320.20 categories outright.
States That Ban SBRs or Machine Guns for Civilians
California Penal Code § 33215 bans SBRs and SBSs for non‑permit holders. New York Penal Law § 265.02 bans civilian machine guns and unregistered SBRs. New Jersey and Hawaii bar civilian machine gun possession. Illinois, Rhode Island, Washington, and Delaware impose various restrictions, with Washington recently changing its SBR rules.
The consequence of bringing a banned firearm into one of these states is a state felony, regardless of federal approval. A common misconception is that the 5320.20 acts as a passport. It does not.
Pass‑Through Issues
Some states do not allow even pass‑through transport of certain NFA items. New Jersey is famous for prosecuting travelers under N.J.S.A. 2C:39‑5 even when they are on layover. The federal FOPA safe passage rule under 18 U.S.C. § 926A does not extend to NFA items in the same way it covers Title I firearms.
A real example: James drives a registered SBR from Pennsylvania to Vermont with a valid 5320.20. He routes around New Jersey because possession there would be unlawful even with the federal stamp.
Key Entities and Their Roles
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the federal agency that approves the form. Inside ATF, the NFA Division processes 5320.20 applications. The Department of Justice prosecutes violations. The Transportation Security Administration governs airline carriage. State police agencies enforce state NFA bans. Gun trusts, drafted by NFA attorneys, hold many of the firearms involved.
Each entity has a separate role, and each can independently end your trip. A misconception is that ATF approval shields you from TSA or state police. It does not.
Recap of Relevant Rulings
In Scarborough v. United States, 431 U.S. 563 (1977), the Supreme Court held that the “interstate commerce” element of federal firearms statutes is satisfied by minimal nexus, meaning even short trips count. In United States v. Thompson/Center Arms, 504 U.S. 505 (1992), the Court applied the rule of lenity to NFA configuration questions but left the registration regime intact. In Staples v. United States, 511 U.S. 600 (1994), the Court required proof that an owner knew the weapon’s NFA features, a defense that does not help someone who knowingly transports an SBR without a 5320.20.
The reasoning across these cases is consistent: the NFA’s recordkeeping core stays strong, and 5320.20 sits inside that core. The consequence is that courts rarely excuse a missing approval.
FAQs
Do I need ATF Form 5320.20 to travel with a suppressor?
No. Suppressors are exempt from the 27 CFR 478.28 interstate transport rule, so you can move a registered suppressor across state lines without prior ATF approval.
Is there a fee to file Form 5320.20?
No. The ATF charges no filing fee, and any “fee” you see is from a third‑party service, not the federal government.
How long does ATF take to approve Form 5320.20?
Yes, times vary, but eForms approvals often arrive in days, while paper filings can take several weeks depending on NFA Division workload.
Can I file 5320.20 for a one‑year window?
Yes. The maximum approval window is one year from the start date, and you can list multiple trips inside that window if the firearm and route stay the same.
Does a 5320.20 override state law?
No. Federal approval does not legalize possession in states that ban SBRs, SBSs, machine guns, or DDs, so check state law first.
Can my friend transport my SBR with my approved 5320.20?
No. The approval names a specific transporter, and only that person, or a listed trustee for trust‑owned firearms, may move the firearm under the approval.
Do I need 5320.20 to fly with my SBR in checked baggage?
Yes. Air travel is interstate transport, so you need an approved 5320.20 plus compliance with TSA firearm rules and airline policy.
Can I list multiple firearms on one 5320.20?
Yes, as long as all firearms are owned by the same registrant and the trip details match, you can list every covered firearm on a single application.
Do SOT dealers need to file 5320.20?
No. Special Occupational Tax holders move inventory under different ATF authorities and do not file 5320.20 for business transport.
What happens if I travel before approval arrives?
No, do not do it. Traveling before approval is a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(4), with up to 10 years in prison and forfeiture of the firearm.