Data / Federal rules / 2026-09157
Revising Non-Over-the-Counter Firearms Transaction Requirements
The Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau published this proposed rule in the Federal Register on May 8, 2026. Comments closed on August 6, 2026.
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What the agency says
Federal law permits federal firearms licensees ("FFLs") to transfer firearms to a person residing in the same state but who does not appear in person. These are "non-over-the-counter" ("NOTC") sales. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations on NOTC sales. These proposed changes would remove restrictions limiting this option to background check-exempt transfers. The proposed rule would permit FFLs to conduct NOTC transfers while complying with background check requirements and adds remote identity proofing and electronic notices to chief law enforcement officers. These changes would provide greater flexibility for individuals lawfully purchasing firearms.
Key facts
- Document number
- 2026-09157
- Type
- Proposed rule
- Action
- Notice of proposed rulemaking
- Agency
- Justice Department; Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau
- Published
- May 8, 2026
- Comments due
- August 6, 2026
- Dates
- Comments must be submitted in writing, and must be submitted on or before (or, if mailed, must be postmarked on or before) August 6, 2026. Commenters should be aware that the https://www/regulations.gov comment system will not accept comments after midnight Eastern Time on the last day of the comment period.
- Docket
- Docket No. ATF-2026-0266; ATF 2025R-26P
- Regulation ID (RIN)
- 1140-AB05
- Code of Federal Regulations
- 27 CFR 478
- Topics
- Administrative practice and procedure; Arms and munitions; Exports; Freight; Imports; Intergovernmental relations; Law enforcement officers; Military personnel; Penalties; Reporting and recordkeeping requirements; Research; Seizures and forfeitures; Transportation
- Pages
- 13
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|---|---|---|
| Annual Notices on Explosive Materials Storage Facilities to Local Fire Authority 2026-19694 · significant | Final rule | Sep 25 |
| Implementing the Safe Explosives Act 2026-19693 · significant | Final rule | Sep 25 |
| Revising Requirements and Exceptions for Storing Explosives 2026-19692 | Proposed rule | Sep 25 |
| Explosives Magazine Safety Requirements 2026-19691 | Proposed rule | Sep 25 |
| Application for Relief From Disabilities Imposed by Federal Laws With Respect to the Acquisition, Receipt, Transfer, Shipment, Transportation, or Possession of Firearms 2026-16981 · significant | Final rule | Aug 20 |
| Fingerprint and Photograph Requirements for Firearms Applications 2026-13587 | Proposed rule | Jul 6 |
| Registering NFA Firearms That Fall Out of Government Contract 2026-13586 | Proposed rule | Jul 6 |
| Licensee “eZ Check” Verification for Transfers; Withdrawing Direct Final Rule 2026-13585 | Final rule | Jul 6 |
Everything from the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau · Rules on administrative practice and procedure · Rules on arms and munitions · Rules on exports · Published in May 2026
Read from the Federal Register API, last updated 2026-10-23. The document on federalregister.gov is the official record; dates and dockets can change through later corrections. Free to reuse with credit to SpecStream under CC BY 4.0.