Important NFA Update — August 2026
A recent federal court ruling has changed the current legal landscape surrounding certain NFA registration and tax requirements. The ruling and resulting injunction are subject to ongoing legal proceedings and may not apply to every person or circumstance. Because requirements can change, customers should verify the current requirements that apply to their specific situation before proceeding. This page is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice.
What is Nfa Engraving?
The National Firearms Act (NFA) is a federal law that regulates certain types of firearms and firearm accessories. Depending on the type of firearm or how it is manufactured, federal law may require registration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). When an individual or legal entity manufactures an NFA firearm on an approved Form 1, federal regulations also require the firearm to be permanently identified with the maker’s information.
Why Is Engraving Required?
When you manufacture an NFA firearm on an approved ATF Form 1, you become the legal “maker” of that firearm. Federal regulations require the maker to permanently mark the firearm with identifying information. This engraving helps identify the firearm and its maker and must meet ATF requirements for permanence, minimum depth, and placement. If you’re unsure whether your firearm requires engraving, we’re happy to answer questions and explain the requirements before any work is performed.
Who Needs NFA Engraving?
NFA engraving is generally required for individuals, gun trusts, or other legal entities that manufacture an NFA firearm using an approved ATF Form 1.
This commonly includes:
- Individuals filing as themselves
- Gun trusts
- LLCs or other legal entities listed as the maker
Firearms transferred to you on an approved Form 4 are generally already marked by the original manufacturer and typically do not require additional maker engraving.
Which Firearms Are Affected?
NFA engraving most commonly applies to firearms manufactured on an approved ATF Form 1, including:
- Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs)
- Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBSs)
- Suppressors manufactured on a Form 1
- Other NFA firearms manufactured by the approved maker, when applicable
Every project is different. If you’re unsure whether your firearm requires engraving or what information must be engraved, contact The Gun Lab before your appointment. We’ll help you verify the required information so your engraving is completed accurately and professionally.
What Information Must Be Engraved on an NFA Firearm?
When completing an ATF Form 1 firearm build, certain identifying information must be engraved on the firearm receiver or frame to meet National Firearms Act (NFA) requirements. The required markings identify the registered maker of the firearm and must be engraved to the specifications outlined by the ATF.
Required NFA Engraving Information
Maker Name
The full legal name of the individual, trust, or legal entity listed as the maker on the approved ATF Form 1.
City
The city where the firearm was made must be engraved.
State
The state where the firearm was made must be engraved.
Example:
JOHN DOE
COLUMBUS, OHIO
(or the abbreviation format if applicable based on your engraving setup)
NFA Engraving Specifications
ATF-required markings must meet specific depth and size requirements:
Character Height:
The engraved markings must be at least 1/16 inch (0.0625″) in height.
Minimum Depth:
The engraving must be at least 0.003 inch deep and clearly visible and legible.
Marking Method:
Laser engraving is commonly used for NFA firearms because it provides precise, permanent markings while maintaining a clean professional appearance.
Where Does the Engraving Need to Be Placed?
NFA markings must be placed on a visible exterior surface of the firearm receiver, frame, or barrel where they can be easily examined without disassembly. The engraving location should not interfere with the firearm’s operation and must remain visible after assembly.
Examples of common engraving locations include:
- AR-15 lower receivers
- Suppressor tubes
- Firearm frames
- Other NFA-regulated receivers
What Information Does NOT Need to Be Engraved?
Not every marking on your ATF Form 1 needs to be engraved on the firearm. Typically, the manufacturer markings and serial number already present on the firearm remain unchanged.
You generally do not need to engrave:
❌ Serial number (if already present)
❌ Model designation
❌ Caliber designation
❌ Additional information not required by ATF regulations
Need NFA Engraving in Columbus, Ohio?
The Gun Lab Ohio provides ATF-compliant NFA engraving for Form 1 firearms, SBRs, suppressors, and other regulated firearms. Our precision laser engraving ensures your required markings are clean, accurate, and compliant.