In the United States, acquiring a suppressor, sometimes referred to as a silencer, involves a legal process that includes submitting an application to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and paying a $200 transfer tax. This tax payment is often referred to colloquially as purchasing a “tax stamp,” which serves as proof of registration and legal ownership. The process also requires a background check and fingerprints.
This mandatory registration process serves to regulate the ownership and transfer of these items, primarily due to their potential misuse in criminal activities. Historically, regulations surrounding suppressors were enacted as part of the National Firearms Act of 1934. While the cost might seem substantial, legal ownership allows responsible citizens to utilize suppressors for hearing protection during shooting activities, reducing noise pollution, and enhancing accuracy through reduced recoil.
