How to File ATF Form 1 to Make an SBR

Troy Schneider   Jan 17, 2026

ATF Form Form SBR SBR registration Short barreled rifle Texas Guns Inc Federal firearms regulations Silencer Shop Form Make an SBR legally Firearms compliance guide NFA firearms

How to File ATF Form 1 to Make an SBR (DIY or Silencer Shop Guide)

Quick Answer:
To legally make a short-barreled rifle (SBR), an eligible firearm owner must submit ATF Form 1, receive approval from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and comply with federal marking and possession requirements before configuring the firearm as an SBR.

This guide explains the ATF Form 1 SBR registration process using two lawful methods:

1. Filing directly through ATF eForms
2. Filing through Silencer Shop for guided submission

This article covers documentation and compliance only. It does not explain physical firearm modification.

What Is ATF Form 1?

ATF Form 1 (Form 5320.1) is the application used to make and register an NFA firearm, including a short-barreled rifle (SBR).

Form 1 is used when the applicant is the maker of the firearm, rather than transferring an already-registered NFA item from a dealer.

Before Filing ATF Form 1 (Required Preparation)

Before starting the ATF Form 1 process, gather the following:

• Filing method:
  • Individual
  • Trust or legal entity
• Firearm information:
  • Original manufacturer
  • Model
  • Serial number
  • Intended caliber
  • Intended barrel length
  • Intended overall length
• Identification materials:
  • Fingerprints (EFT or FD-258)
  • Passport-style photo
• Trust documents (if applicable)

All information must be accurate and consistent to avoid delays.

Option 1: How to File ATF Form 1 Yourself (ATF eForms)

Step 1: Access ATF eForms

Log into the ATF eForms system and start Form 1 – Application to Make and Register a Firearm.

Step 2: Select Applicant Type

Choose:

• Individual, or
• Trust / Legal Entity

This selection determines whether Responsible Person documentation is required.

Step 3: Enter Applicant Information

• Individuals: full legal name and residential address
• Trusts/entities: exact legal name and address as shown on governing documents

Information must match supporting documentation exactly.

Step 4: CLEO Notification

Select the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) with jurisdiction over your address.
ATF eForms automatically generates the CLEO copy.

Step 5: Enter Firearm Information

Provide firearm details as the SBR will exist after approval:

• Manufacturer (original manufacturer)
• Model (as marked)
• Serial number (existing serial only)
• Intended caliber
• Intended barrel length
• Intended overall length

This is the most common source of application errors.

Step 6: Eligibility Questions

Answer all required yes/no questions truthfully regarding legal eligibility.

Step 7: Upload Required Documents

• Trusts upload the complete trust and amendments
• Upload any additional documents requested by the eForms system

Step 8: Upload Photograph

• Individuals upload a passport-style photo
• Trusts: each Responsible Person must upload a photo

Step 9: Responsible Persons (Trusts Only)

Each Responsible Person must submit ATF Form 23 (5320.23) with:

• Photograph
• Fingerprints

Incomplete Responsible Person submissions will delay processing.

Step 10: Submit Fingerprints

Applicants may:

• Upload an electronic EFT fingerprint file, or
• Mail FD-258 fingerprint cards with the ATF cover letter

Step 11: Review and Certify

Review all entries carefully and electronically certify the application.

Option 2: How to File ATF Form 1 Through Silencer Shop

Many applicants choose to file using Silencer Shop, which assists with documentation management and reduces common filing errors.

Step 1: Create a Silencer Shop Account

Create an account using your legal name and address.
Trust applicants must use the exact trust name.

Step 2: Complete Fingerprints

Applicants may:

• Visit a Silencer Shop fingerprint kiosk, or
• Upload an existing ATF-compliant EFT file

Step 3: Upload Documents

• Trust applicants upload trust documents and amendments
• Individuals typically require no additional documents

Step 4: Upload Photograph

Upload a compliant passport-style photo for:

• Individuals
• Each Responsible Person on a trust

Step 5: Complete Form 1 (SBR)

From the dashboard:

• Select Form 1
• Choose Short-Barreled Rifle

Enter firearm details describing the intended SBR configuration.

Step 6: Responsible Persons (Trusts Only)

Silencer Shop manages:

• ATF Form 23 generation
• Assignment of photos and fingerprints for each Responsible Person

Step 7: Review and Sign

Review the submission and electronically sign.
Silencer Shop submits the Form 1 through ATF eForms.

After ATF Form 1 Submission

• Confirmation emails are issued
• CLEO notification is handled automatically
• Processing times vary
• Approved Form 1 should be retained digitally and physically

An SBR may not be assembled or possessed until approval is granted.

After Approval: Compliance Requirements

• Required Markings:
  The maker’s name (individual or trust), city, and state must be engraved to ATF standards.
• Interstate Transport:
  SBRs generally require ATF approval before crossing state lines.
• Recordkeeping:
  Keep a copy of the approved Form 1 available when transporting the firearm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can ATF Form 1 be filed online?
Yes. ATF Form 1 can be submitted electronically through ATF eForms.

Do I need approval before assembling an SBR?
Yes. Approval must be received before configuring or possessing an SBR.

Can I file ATF Form 1 as a trust?
Yes. Trusts and legal entities may file, but Responsible Person documentation is required.

What information is required on Form 1?
Applicant details, firearm specifications, fingerprints, photographs, and any required trust documents.

Is Silencer Shop required to file Form 1?
No. Filing may be completed directly through ATF eForms or through a service provider.

Key Takeaways

• ATF Form 1 is required to make an SBR
• Approval must be received before configuration
• Filing may be completed directly or with a service provider
• Accurate documentation prevents delays
• Compliance does not end after approval

About This Guide

This article is provided for educational purposes by Texas Guns, Inc., an online firearms retailer committed to lawful, responsible firearm ownership and regulatory compliance.

Stay Armed, Stay Safe.