Silencer FAQs

Yes, if you live in a state that permits suppressor ownership under federal law. The basic requirements include: 

• Being at least 21 years old
• Living in a state where ownership is allowed
• Having no felony convictions

Buying a silencer online is simple with Guns.com. Just follow these four steps:

1. Purchase a suppressor on Guns.com.
2. The suppressor will ship to the NFA FFL you select. 
3. Complete necessary paperwork at the NFA FFL. 
4. Once approved, you can pick up the suppressor from the NFA FFL.  

This straightforward process applies to anyone living in the 42 states where silencers are legal.

To legally own a silencer, you must be at least 21 years old, reside in a state that allows suppressor ownership, and have no felony convictions. Starting January 1, 2026, the tax on NFA items is $0 when completing a Form 4 application for silencers. 

To check the status of your ATF transfer, call the NFA Branch at (304) 616-4500. You’ll need to provide your name (or the name of your trust or corporation), the suppressor’s serial number, and the name of the transferor (as listed in your confirmation email). The ATF can give an estimated approval time, but keep in mind that this timing can vary. If your application was submitted on paper, approval might take 2-4 weeks to be mailed to us. We’ll notify you as soon as we receive it so you can pick up your suppressor.

eForm 4 suppressor approvals are now taking just a few days for both individual and standardized trust submissions, marking historically fast approval times.

The following states permit private ownership of silencers: AL, AR, AK, AZ, CO, CT, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NV, NH, NM, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, and WY. Note that some restrictions may apply, such as in Vermont, where suppressors can only be used for hunting after July 1, 2020. In California, silencer ownership may be allowed for those with a valid FFL. Please note, Guns.com does not ship silencers to the following states, no matter the legality: CA, CT, DE, HI, IL, MA, NY, NJ, RI.

No, you don't need a "Class 3" license to own a silencer. However, you do need to pay for a one-time tax stamp when purchasing the suppressor, similar to a sales tax. There are no ongoing fees or licenses required after this initial tax.

No, owning a silencer does not cause you to lose any rights, nor does it mean the ATF will conduct random searches of your home. This concern often stems from a misunderstanding about needing a "Class 3" license, which only applies to dealers, not buyers.

Currently, suppressor approvals are taking only a few days for both trust and individual submissions. For the latest approval times, check out our ATF Wait Time Tracker. Contact us if you have specific questions about the purchasing or registration process for silencers.

The local NFA FFL you select during checkout will help you complete all the necessary regulatory paperwork to legally own your new suppressor. How to Buy a Suppressor Online

Yes, you can use one silencer with multiple firearms as long as each firearm has the appropriate threading to attach the silencer, and the firearm's caliber is compatible with the silencer.

Yes, a larger caliber silencer can be used with smaller caliber firearms if you have the correct adapters. While not as efficient as a silencer made specifically for the smaller caliber, it still provides significant sound reduction.

There is no difference; the terms are interchangeable. "Silencer" is the legal term, while "suppressor" or "sound suppressor" is more technically accurate since these devices don't completely silence a firearm but reduce the noise.

The noise level of a suppressed firearm varies based on the firearm and the suppressor used. Generally, it will be as quiet as using high-quality hearing protection. For the quietest experience, consider starting with .22 LR suppressors.

The attachment method depends on the firearm and the silencer. Common methods include:

• Threading directly onto a threaded barrel
• Using a quick-detach device, such as a flash hider, muzzle brake, or piston
• Integral suppressors built into the firearm