Buying and legally owning a suppressor/silencer, short-barreled rifle or shotgun (SBR and SBS, respectively) or even a machine gun is easy, contrary to what many say or claim. The biggest decision is partnering up with the right licensed dealer who understands the federal system & requirements and works diligently & efficiently to ensure any application of an ATF FORM 4 is accurate and filed properly. Lone Star Defense & Arms is that right dealer.
Our NFA Transfer fee is only $75.00 per NFA item, and we possess a Class 01 and 07 FFL, along with the necessary SOT, that will allow us to easily receive, process, and transfer any legal NFA item you wish to buy, legally own, and enjoy.
If you have purchased your NFA Item(s) from an online seller or auction site, you will need to complete the NFA Transfer process with a licensed SOT dealer so that you can legally own your NFA item. Our goal is to make that process as smooth and efficient as possible for you in a clean, safe, and secure environment, and with either traditional paper documentation or electronically via E-File. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you take the next step after you make any online line purchase of an NFA Item:
Step-by-Step Guide
Receiving an NFA Transfer through Lone Star Defense & Arms is fast, easy, and hassle-free! Please follow the easy step-by-step guide below:
First, after you complete your transaction with the seller, auction site or dealer; then send us an email to: info@defenseandarms.com or fax: (713) 465-1821 and include ALL of the following information below to ensure accuracy:
- BRIEF DESCRIPTION of the NFA Item(s) and please provide any ORDER, INVOICE or AUCTION numbers associated with NFA transaction. Be sure to clearly designate in the subject line and/or e-mail that this is an NFA Transfer.
- The SELLER’s (transferor) information – NAME of business/ dealer + E-MAIL ADDRESS or Fax Number. We MUST have an e-mail or fax for the seller so that we may have a reliable/traceable way to reach out to them on your behalf.
- The BUYER’s (transferee) information – your FULL NAME, a reliable PHONE NUMBER & E-MAIL. Let us know if you have a nickname you prefer to use.
Upon receiving all of requested of information above, we’ll contact the seller/dealer via e-mail or fax to initiate the NFA Transfer on your behalf. You will then receive a forwarded copy of that same correspondence (less our licenses) that will have PLEASE READ in the subject line showing proof of us providing our FFL & SOT to your seller/dealer and the e-mail will contain valuable information so that you can understand what to expect when you buy an NFA Item *Any missing or omitted information will delay the NFA Transfer process. We kindly ask to submit the information above even if we are “ON FILE” with your online seller to decrease the chance of any errors or missing information from the seller in the package.
Secondly, PLEASE BE PATIENT AND WAIT FOR US TO CONTACT YOU WHEN THE NFA TRANSFER IS READY FOR THE NEXT STEPS IN THE PROCESS. If you are tracking the package and see that we’ve signed for it, please be patient and know that you’re in good hands and we’ll get everything lined up properly for the ATF FORMS on your behalf.
Once your NFA item(s) arrives at our premises and after we process it properly and accurately into our ATF/NFA system, you’ll then get a set of two separate e-mails that will say THE NEXT STEPS in the subject line. 1 of 2 will be the QUESTIONNAIRE where we’ll collect ALL the pertinent information from you and/or all those in a trust, if applicable. 2 of 2 will be HOW TO SET UP E-FILE and that e-mail will provide instructions on setting up your own account with the ATF’s E-File site, how to obtain proper digital photos and finger prints (EFT) along with other steps that make the submission of the ATF FORM 4 efficient, easy and most importantly, error-free.
We offer both traditional paper documents for the ATF FORM 4 if you wish for us to file with that method and traditionally that does take a longer period of time, but the process is easy, streamlined and error-free with our system. We do offer in-house finger print services for paper FORM 4’s and we’ll soon be able to offer that same service for the digital needs of those who would like to file via E-File.
UPON THE APPROVAL OF YOUR FORM 4; WE WILL RECEIVE A TAX STAMP ON YOUR BEHALF. We’re receiving lightning-fast approvals either via paper documents or especially with the improved E-File system. Either method you choose, by choosing Lone Star Defense & Arms, you’re ensured of having your new NFA item(s) transferred by a dealer who has had over 12 years’ experience efficiently, safely and again, more importantly processing NFA forms error-free.
FFL Transfer: Frequently Asked Questions
The questions and answers below were written in October 2025.
That’s another great question, and it’s important to fully understand the difference! A regular FFL transfer, as we offer at Lone Star Defense & Arms for just $15, covers most standard firearms like pistols, rifles, and shotguns purchased online or from out-of-state sellers. A Class 3 NFA transfer, however, is required for items regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA). Lone Star Defense & Arms’ NFA Transfer fee is only $75 per NFA item and those regulated items include:
- Federal Registration: NFA items must be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE). This involves a much more extensive application process than a standard background check.
- ATF Form 4: Instead of the standard ATF Form 4473 (used for regular firearm transfers), a Class 3 NFA transfer requires ATF Form 4 (“Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm”). This form includes detailed and comprehensive information about the NFA item(s), the transferee (you), and the transferor (the dealer or seller).
- Tax Stamp Fee: A $200 tax stamp is required for most NFA items (AOWs have a $5 tax stamp). A tax stamp is required for EACH ITEM on any application and each $200 fee is the responsibility of the applicant and not include with our NFA Transfer fee.
- Longer Wait Times: The traditional ATF approval process for Form 4 applications often takes several months (sometimes 4-9 months or even longer, though wait times can fluctuate significantly). This is waiting period is much longer than the instant background check for regular firearm transfers. However, with recent upgrades & revisions to the BATFE site, we gladly offer filing your Form 4 electronically via E-File, which does drastically reduce the wait time down to a month to possibly even a few days; all of which is all relative to the applicant and how they wish us to file on their behalf.
- Fingerprints and Photographs: You’ll need to submit fingerprint cards and passport-style photographs with your NFA Form 4 application. We do offer in-house traditional finger printing services and we’ll be able to offer electronic prints in the very near future as well, that will further enhance and speed up the application wait time for our valued clients.
In summary, while both types of transfers involve an FFL dealer, a Class 3 NFA transfer is a much more involved federal registration process with significant wait times and additional requirements due to the nature of the regulated items. PLEASE VISIT OUR NFA TRANSFER PAGE FOR FURTHER DETAILS. Lone Star Defense & Arms is experienced in handling these transfers and will make the process as smooth as possible for your NFA Transfer process. We’ve been serving the Houston community for over 12 years and have built a reputation for accuracy, expertise and first-class customer service.
Besides our unbeatable $75 Transfer fee, Lone Star Defense & Arms offers a level of service and commitment that’s hard to find elsewhere. We’re a family-owned, woman-owned business that’s been serving the Houston area for over 12 years. We have thousands of 5-star reviews online which is a testament to our dedication to providing first-class customer service and satisfaction. We prioritize the customer experience, offering a safe, clean, friendly, welcoming environment where you can ask the important hard, difficult questions without feeling intimidated or shamed.
We’ll walk you through the entire process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transfer.
Pick up times are anytime from 10:00 am until 2:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday for your convenience. We don’t require appointments – so after getting the pick-up notice, just stop by our storefront anytime between 10:00am till 2:30pm Tuesday through Saturday. We also offer a nice selection of new, pre-owned and consignment firearms, ammunition, and accessories if you’re looking to add to your collection when at our storefront picking up your transfer. We’re confident that once you experience the Lone Star difference, you’ll see why people come in from all over the city and why we’re the highest-rated gun shop in all of Houston!