Suppressor Wait Times in 2025: Shorter Than Ever
Kat Ainsworth Stevens
Now that you’ve decided to get a suppressor, , you might be wondering how long it’ll take. Suppressor wait times have been a common frustration in the gun community for decades, but 2025 is shaping up to be a very different year. We’re breaking it down in simple terms so you know what to expect and why it matters.
Don’t let the idea of waiting on the ATF stop you from getting your own suppressor: there’s really never been a better time to go for it.
Note: This isn’t legal advice. It’s for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a qualified attorney.
What Are Suppressor Wait Times?
You might’ve heard someone at a gun shop mention suppressor wait times and wondered what it meant. After all, the suppressors are right there on the shelf — so why the delay?
Suppressor wait times refer to how long it takes for the ATF to approve your Form 4 after you purchase a suppressor. You don’t get to walk out the door with it — you’re waiting for federal approval.
Once your paperwork is submitted, it has to be reviewed and approved (or denied) by the ATF. That’s what creates the delay — and that delay is what we mean when we talk about suppressor wait times.
How Long Does It Take?
Suppressor wait times can vary widely. Depending on the method of submission and the ATF’s workload, it can take anywhere from a few days to over six months to get your Form 4 approved.
The two biggest factors affecting suppressor wait times are:
How you file (eForm or paper form).
The number of applications the ATF is processing.
Suppressor Wait Times in 2025
Here’s the good news: suppressor wait times in 2025 are shorter than ever before.
Many people filing a Form 4 electronically (eForm) are getting approved in a matter of days. That’s a huge shift from the months — or even year-long — waits many buyers dealt with in the past.
The ATF has stated they expect faster suppressor wait times to continue, thanks in part to updated systems and more streamlined workflows. That means you could submit your paperwork on Monday and have your suppressor approved by Friday. If you’ve been holding off due to long wait times, this might be your sign.
Can You Check the Status of Your Paperwork?
Yes, you can check suppressor wait times two ways:
General ATF Wait Times: Visit the ATF’s Current Processing Times page for an overall estimate.
Your Specific Form 4 Status: Call the NFA Branch at 304-616-4500. You’ll need your name or trust name, the suppressor’s serial number, and the name of the transferor. They won’t give you an exact date, but you’ll get a rough idea of where your paperwork stands.
Many suppressor dealers also offer online portals to check the status of your transfer.
Why Do You Have to Wait for a Suppressor?
Suppressor wait times are a legacy of the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934. The NFA gives the federal government authority to regulate suppressors and similar items, requiring a formal approval process and tax stamp.
The NFA has been amended a few times — most notably in 1968 and 1986 — to add even more rules and definitions. As long as the NFA is in place, suppressor wait times will remain part of the process.
Does the ATF Come to Your House During the Wait?
No. The ATF does not come to your home during the suppressor wait time. They only visit private homes with a valid warrant or your consent. Your Fourth Amendment rights remain intact during the process.
This only applies to individual buyers — not FFL holders. If you’re a licensee, different rules apply, and you should consult a qualified attorney for specifics on ATF inspections.
How to Make Suppressor Wait Times Faster
There are two big ways to reduce suppressor wait times:
File an eForm Instead of Paper: The eForm process is dramatically faster than paper. In 2025, some eForm approvals are coming through in under a week.
Submit Perfect Paperwork: The ATF will reject a Form 4 with any error, and if that happens, you’ll have to resubmit and pay again. Double-check everything before you submit, whether you’re filing as an individual or with a trust.
How Will You Know When Your Form 4 Is Approved?
You’ll get notified by your dealer when your Form 4 is approved. They’ll receive the official approval from the ATF and will begin the process of releasing the suppressor to you. You’ll also receive your own notification, but you can’t complete the pickup until the dealer gets the go-ahead from the ATF.
The final step varies depending on the dealer, but once they get that approval notice, it usually doesn’t take long.
Suppressor wait times don’t have to be a dealbreaker. With eForms and faster ATF approvals, suppressor ownership is easier than it’s ever been. Take your time filling out the paperwork, file electronically if possible, and stay informed throughout the process.
If you’ve been putting off buying a suppressor because of the wait, now’s the time to reconsider. Suppressor wait times aren’t what they used to be—and that’s a good thing.
Kat Ainsworth Stevens
