Answering your questions about the ATF, eForms, and the Holidays
December 9, 2025
By now, we should all know that the fee for the Tax Stamp required for suppressor ownership is going away, but the process and stamp remain. In preparation for the enactment of the $0 Tax Stamp on Jan. 1, the ATF has announced they will stop accepting eForm submissions through the eForms portal at midnight, Dec. 26, 2025. They are doing this so they can update their workflows and the eForms portal. These updates are expected to be complete and processing resumed beginning midnight Jan. 1, 2026.
Current ATF Approval Times
With an ATF blackout date looming, it is more important than ever to get your paperwork submitted before the cutoff date. Currently, the average time from submission to approval is five days.
Trust Submissions: 5.4 Business days
Individual Submissions: 3.8 Business days
To prepare our team for these changes and to meet the ATF stoppage of eForm processing, we will continue to certify customers up until 3 p.m. on Dec. 24, 2025. After that point, we will stop certifications during the ATF blackout. During the timeframe from 3 p.m., Dec. 24, 2025 to January 1,2026, we will continue to sell suppressors and accessories, but due to the ATF blackout, the eForm certifications will take place after the start of 2026.
Why is ATF doing this?
The ATF has informed us that they need to stop processing for a short time in order to get ready for the expected volume of submissions. As part of this process, the ATF needs to improve the eForms portal website performance and security and to handle expected high volumes. They are planning to implement changes during this small shutdown period.
The ATF also said they need to modify their internal workflow for the $0 Tax Stamp. The goal is to be able to handle the processing of eForms as quickly as possible, further decreasing delays in approval times.
What happens to eForms already certified and submitted to the ATF?
During this timeframe, no eForm drafts can be certified or submitted. Any eForms that are in “Draft” status as of Dec. 26 will be deleted.
What if the certified form was submitted before Dec. 26, 2025?
Any eForms that were certified and submitted prior to Dec. 26 will be reviewed by the ATF before Dec. 29.
What about eForms that were delayed or in denial review?
ATF officials have told us that any eForm with a delayed background check will be held until Dec. 30 to allow FBI clearance. If not cleared, they will be denied and returned without action (RWA). The ATF said denials will be processed last, and they expect to be done with those by Dec. 30.
What is Silencer Central doing?
We know it is an inconvenience for you during this time. We get it and we feel your pain. We’re going through it, too. During this time, eForms certification and submission will not be available. We are also expecting that the ATF eForms portal will not be accessible during this time. While it is frustrating, we see the light at the end of the tunnel.
By noon on Dec. 31, the ATF expects a clean system and will begin the switchover to the new workflows and site design. If all goes well, we expect full functionality, and processing will resume Jan. 1, 2026. The ATF assures us that the new process will be faster and better serving you. We are taking the same time to do the same with our processes.
Do I need to do anything?
If you have already made a purchase, the most important thing for you to do is to get your fingerprints and any other action items for your eForms done as soon as possible. Anything you can do to help us get you submitted BEFORE the ATF blackout time will help get your approval processed and completed before any of this takes place.
Be sure to log into your Silencer Central Customer Portal account now and make sure you have everything submitted. This will help get your approval processed before the ATF Blackout period begins.
Silencer Central continues to find every way possible to simplify the purchase process and get you the suppressor you want. We appreciate your business and look forward to continuing to serve you in 2026 and beyond. We anticipate more suppressors coming to market in 2026 and will do everything possible to bring you the biggest and best selection possible.
While many suppressors can be used on several different caliber firearms, we have some specific models that can make your shooting more enjoyable. Pick the caliber that you have in mind. If you don’t see your caliber, pick one close to it to see our recommendations.
