FAQ - ATF Bound Book
ATF Bound Book / Book of Acquisition and Disposition
How are FFLs required to track firearms manufactured, imported, purchased, sold, and transferred throughout the course of business?
FFLs are required to maintain records of Acquisition and Disposition of all firearms that flow through the licensee’s facility; this is variously referred to the A&D Book, Bound Book, or Acquisition and Disposition Book.
(Ref: 478.122 / 478.123 / 478.125)
What fields are required to maintain in the A&D Book?
An FFL should have the following fields in their A&D Book and populate each field for every transaction (if any item is unknown, “Unknown” may be entered): Serial Number, Manufacturer, Importer (if imported), Model, Type, Caliber or Gauge, Acquisition Date, Name from Whom the Firearm was Acquired, Address or FFL Number from Whom the Firearm was Acquired, Disposition Date, Disposition Name, Address of Whom the Firearm was Disposed to, or if an FFL the FFL Number of Whom the Firearm was Disposed to.
(Ref: 478.125 / 478.122 / 478.123)
May I use electronic software to maintain my A&D Book?
Yes. ATF will allow FFLs to utilize electronic software to maintain their A&D Books provided the requirements of ATF Ruling 2016-1 are met. (Ref: ATF Ruling 2016-1)
How long are manufacturers required to keep their records of Acquisition and Disposition?
Manufacturers must maintain permanent records of manufacture or other Acquisition of firearms. Manufacturers must maintain records of the Disposition of firearms for a period of 20 years – records older than 20 years may be surrendered to ATF. If the manufacturer combines their records of Acquisition and Disposition, the records must be maintained permanently.
(Ref: 478.129 / ATF Ruling 2016-3)
How long are importers required to keep their records of Acquisition and Disposition?
Importers must maintain permanent records of importation or other Acquisition of firearms. Importers must maintain records of the Disposition of firearms for a period of 20 years – records older than 20 years may be surrendered to ATF. If the importer combines their records of Acquisition and Disposition, the records must be maintained permanently.
(Ref: 478.129 / ATF Ruling 2011-1)
How long are dealers required to keep their records of Acquisition and Disposition?
Dealers must maintain their records of Acquisition and Disposition for a period of 20 years – records older than 20 years may be surrendered to ATF.
(Ref: 478.129)
How long must a dealer keep A&D Book records on the premises?
A&D Books of a dealer must be retained for at least 20 years, but they may be retained permanently.
(Ref: 478.129)
How long must a manufacturer keep A&D Book records on the premises?
If a manufacturer consolidates their Acquisition and Disposition records as permitted by ATF Ruling 2016-3, they must retain those records permanently. If the manufacturer retains separate records of Acquisition and Disposition, Acquisition records must be maintained permanently and Disposition records must be kept for at least 20 years but may be retained permanently.
Ref: 478.129
How long must an importer keep A&D Book records on the premises?
If an importer consolidates their Acquisition and Disposition records as permitted by ATF Ruling 2016-3, they must retain those records permanently. If the importer retains separate records of Acquisition and Disposition, Acquisition records must be maintained permanently and Disposition records must be kept for at least 20 years but may be retained permanently.
(Ref: 478.129)
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