You treat 21 as the baseline suppressor ownership age to receive a suppressor from a federally licensed dealer, because federal law treats a suppressor as a “firearm” that is not a rifle or shotgun. Federal age 21 rules for dealer transfers apply.
In some in-state, person-to-person scenarios, 18–20 year-olds may lawfully acquire a suppressor on an ATF Form 4 after ATF approval, subject to state law. Industry education and ATF guidance on unlicensed, in-state transfers support that rule of thumb. Always confirm your state’s overlay first.
ZastavaArms supports safe, lawful ownership and works with dealers who follow these rules to the letter.
Why 21 From a Dealer?
Two legal facts drive the suppressor ownership age conversation at the counter:
- The Gun Control Act defines “firearm” to include any firearm muffler or silencer. A suppressor counts as a firearm.
- FFLs may transfer only rifles or shotguns to 18–20 year-olds. Everything else—which includes suppressors—requires the buyer to be 21+.
That is why your ZastavaArms-friendly dealer will treat 21 as the minimum age for counter pickup.
When 18–20 Can Qualify
Federal guidance notes that 18–20 year-olds may acquire certain firearms from unlicensed in-state sellers, and industry education extends that principle to suppressors on Form 4 with ATF approval, where state law allows it.
If your state allows suppressor possession at 18, you can explore an in-state private transfer with ATF approval. Many customers still use a dealer to keep the paperwork precise, but the age floor in those scenarios can be 18. Check your state first.
ID Requirements: What You Bring On Day One
ZastavaArms wants your first suppressor to feel simple, not cryptic. Walk in prepared:
- Government photo ID with current address. Your dealer uses it to validate identity and residency during the transfer. Federal forms capture full legal name, DOB, and other identifiers.
- Passport-style photo (2×2 inch) for each responsible person if you file as a trust or legal entity.
- Fingerprints (FD-258 cards or EFT file for eForms) for each responsible person, unless you apply as an individual.
- Tax: $200 transfer tax (the famous “tax stamp”) paid with your Form 4 submission.
Most ZastavaArms-friendly dealers can capture prints, take your photo, and submit the ATF eForm 4 on the spot. That keeps the process tidy and fast.
Individual vs. Trust: Age and Paperwork Differences
Choose Individual if you want the fewest moving parts. You submit one set of prints and one photo, and you carry full, direct control. Choose a Trust if you want to share lawful possession with family members or training partners.
Each responsible person in the trust submits a Responsible Person Questionnaire (ATF Form 23) with prints and a photo. Age rules still hinge on the transfer path and state law, not the trust alone.
Dealer Policies You Can Expect
ZastavaArms focuses on a clean, compliant experience through its dealer network. Good policy tends to look like this:
- 21+ for dealer transfers—no drama, no surprises. Staff will verify age at the counter before any Form 4 submission.
- Exact ID match—your ID data must match what the eForm shows. If you moved, bring proof of the new address so staff can update records before submission.
- Hands-on eForm help—dealers guide you through fingerprints, photos, barcode cover sheets, and submission steps so your file goes in clean.
- State law check—staff confirm your state allows suppressor ownership for your age group and scenario (dealer or in-state private transfer). You avoid preventable delays.
State Overlays: Know Before You Go
Federal law sets the baseline; state law can add layers. One state may mirror the federal dealer standard and keep the suppressor ownership age at 21 for all practical purposes. Others allow 18 under narrow, in-state scenarios after ATF signs off.
Court decisions and legislation can shift details. A quick pre-visit check with current state resources saves time, and your ZastavaArms-friendly dealer will double-check before filing.
Step-By-Step At The Counter
- Choose your ZastavaArms-compatible suppressor with the dealer.
- Confirm eligibility: age, residency, and state rules. Staff will point to the correct path (individual vs. trust).
- Capture biometrics: fingerprints and photo, plus Form 23 packets if you use a trust.
- Submit eForm 4 and pay the $200 tax. You receive a cover sheet and submission confirmation.
- Wait for approval, then complete the final handoff per dealer procedure with your valid photo ID. Learn more about the suppressor wait times.
FAQs ZastavaArms Buyers Ask
- Does federal law actually call a suppressor a “firearm”? Yes. The U.S. Code definition of “firearm” expressly includes any firearm muffler or silencer.
- Why does the counter insist on 21 if I’m 20? FFLs cannot transfer “firearms other than rifles or shotguns” to under-21 buyers. A suppressor falls in that category.
- Can I do a private, in-state Form 4 at 18? Federal resources allow 18–20 acquisition from unlicensed, in-state individuals for certain firearms, and industry education reflects the same principle for suppressors with ATF approval, subject to state law. Verify your state first, then plan the file.
- Do I need prints if I file as an individual? Yes, for the Form 4—prints and a 2×2 photo identify you in the NFA process. Trusts add Form 23 packets for every responsible person.
The Bottom line
Treat 21 as the universal suppressor ownership age for a dealer transfer. If you fall in the 18–20 group, talk with your ZastavaArms-friendly dealer about an in-state, Form 4 path that fits your state’s law and your timeline.
Bring the right ID, knock out prints and photos, and let the eForm do the heavy lifting.
