Step-By-Step Guide to UPIN: How It Can Help to Avoid ATF Approval Delays
August 7, 2025Posted by derrek.sigler
Being a National Firearms Act (NFA) regulated item, suppressors require additional registration and approval compared to a standard firearm purchase and transfer. They do require submission to the Nation Instant Criminal Background Check Service (NICS). It’s not unusual for a person to be delayed or even denied approval because of something as simple as having a common name. How can one get around this issue? The solution may be found with a Unique Personal Identification Number (UPIN).
Why a UPIN might help
A UPIN can resolve common issues when it comes to the background check process. Often, something as simple as a similarly named person, who happens to have a criminal record, can be the cause of a delay, or a denial, depending upon the severity of their record. Applying for a UPIN can resolve these issues and ensure proper identification with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It starts with a Voluntary Appeal File (VAF).
The VAF was established to provide a means for people to appeal background check delays or denials. It is a request made to the FBI to look more closely at your identity. It provides additional information, such as fingerprints, to help the FBI build a more comprehensive and verifiable personal record. The completion of a VAF will give the FBI what it needs to clarify the applicant’s personal identity and to prevent future delays or errors on any NICS applications.
What is needed to apply
Since you're essentially appealing the denial, it starts with a Voluntary Appeal File (VAF). Every new online VAF will need the following before getting started:
A valid email address
A fresh set of fingerprints
A completely filled-out application
The forms and fingerprints can be sent through the mail or submitted electronically. This is where the email address comes in. The applicant will need to log in to the system at least every 90 days to keep the VAF active.
The process may take months to go through, much like the old suppressor applications. VAFs still require an individual from the FBI to review and verify specific and related information.
When to apply
Applying for the VAF initiates a process in which FBI personnel will research the specific applicant’s identity and any reasons for NICS delays or denials. A VAF application can be submitted at any time. If an individual suspects that there is information that can cause a delay or denial in the system for whatever reason, filing the VAF and obtaining a UPIn may prevent an unjustified delay in approval.
Step-by-step guide to applying
The blue box that asks for an email address will get you started with the online VAF application.
There are two ways to go about filing the VAF application. You can file online, or by printing and sending a physical application.
For an online application, go to the web page and find the blue box at the bottom of the screen as seen in the image above. By entering your email, you will then receive an email from edo@services.fbi.gov with subject line Identity History Summary/Firearm-Related Challenge Request. That email will contain the link to complete your application and contain a personal identification number (PIN) for the application. You will need this information.
The next screen you will see after clicking the link in the email will be a menu and location to enter the PIN. This brings up another menu screen where you will want to select the VAF option. It should be the second option.
After making the VAF selection, you will be taken to an online form to fill out. Fill out every highlighted box to proceed. The last step in the VAF is to confirm your application.
What information you will need:
The VAF application can be done online, or printed and mailed in.
Last Name, First Name, Middle Name and suffix (if applicable)
Date of Birth - Month, Day, Year - Formatted numerically
Place of Birth (State only)
State of Residence
Country of Citizenship
Social Security Number
Miscellaneous Identification Number - for example: Driver's License, Military ID, etc.
Alien or Admissions Number (*mandatory if Country of Citizenship is other than US) Includes your AR, USCIS, or I-94A Number. If you are an alien, record your U.S.-Issued Alien or Admission Number
Race
Ethnicity
Sex
Applicant's Address - Best contact mailing address, phone number, and email address
Applicant's Statement - Sign and date this section – it is required. If the required signature is absent, the application cannot be processed and will be returned to the applicant.
"I give the information on this Voluntary Appeal File (VAF) application, and any supporting documentation provided therewith, voluntarily with the understanding that if my application is approved, I will be entered into the VAF maintained by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System Section of the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. I further voluntarily consent that the FBI may retain my application, any supporting documentation, and any research information relevant to the approval of my VAF application. I further understand if, at any time, I wish to be removed from the VAF, I can make such a request in writing to the FBI's CJIS Division, at the address below. I also understand if a disqualifying record is discovered after my entry into the VAF, the FBI's CJIS Division may remove my information from the VAF."
You’re also going to need to fill out the following forms:
Completed FD-258 Fingerprint Cards - Fingerprints can be taken with ink or via live scan are acceptable. If your fingerprints are taken via a live scan device, a printed copy must be generated and mailed to the FBI. - Silencer Central customers can contact customer service for a physical copy of their previously-submitted fingerprint card for this purpose.
FBI CJIS Division ATTN: Criminal History Analysis Team 1 BTC 3 1000 Custer Hollow Road Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306
Important tip: Make sure all required signatures are done in ink.
After VAF submission
After the VAF is completed, a UPIN is assigned, and the information resulting from the investigation is kept in a file. That file is activated by the use of the UPIN on future transactions and serves to as another way to verify one’s identity.
The good news is that once the VAF process is complete and the UPIN issued, you don’t need to do it again. Simply submit the UPIN with the application in the appropriate field, just like your name or social security number, and future background checks should be much smoother.
When to use the UPIN?
For future applications, including suppressor sales and firearms transactions, the UPIN is added in the appropriate field and referenced as part of the background check. The complete background check process is still taking place, it’s not a shortcut, but the UPIN will help to confirm identity and reduce the chances of getting the delayed or declined.
If you get a delay in your Nation Instant Criminal Background Check Service (NICS) report, you can file an appeal if it happens routinely. This appeals can give you a Unique Personal Identification Number (UPIN) that you can use on future transactions.
For most people, a delay or a decline on their NICS checks when they have no criminal history, is due to a similar name and location to someone who does. This is where a UPIN can give you an extra level of identification to clear things up quickly and get you approved.
To get a UPIN, you need to be delayed or declined. Then you file a Voluntary Appeal File (VAF). When the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) completes the check from the VAF, they issue you a UPIN that can be used on future transactions as a way to verify your identity.
No, you don't file for a UPIN until you have been declined or excessively delayed. There is no reason to create an issue where there isn't one.
Once your have been through the initial NICS system, you will need to fill out the appropriate form and submit it along with a fresh set of fingerprints. This will help secure your identity and create a file which is activated by the UPIN you are then issued. It helps clear up issues for future purchases.
No, you are not required to file online. You can print off the forms and submit through the mail. Just be aware that it will take longer to get your UPIN through transitional mail versus online.
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.
