National Possible changes to 4473 (2026)

Hotdog 7 · May 12, 2026

The ATF has published a draft of a revised Form 4473. Apparently it has some language changes surrounding sex/gender and straw purchases. It seems to make a distinction between medical and recreation marijuana users (the latter being prohibited from purchasing), and some remarks for non over the counter purchasing. Here's an explanation of non-OTC purchasing courtesy of USACarry.

The most significant change in the draft is on page three. The new form includes an option for "Non-over-the-counter transactions," which corresponds to the ATF's separately published Non-Over-the-Counter Transfer rule. That rule allows FFLs to ship firearms directly to a buyer's door rather than requiring the buyer to physically pick up the firearm at a gun shop, provided the FFL and buyer are in the same state.

This is the change the Second Amendment community has been talking about most. For buyers in rural areas or in states where the nearest FFL is not particularly close, direct shipping eliminates a meaningful logistical hurdle. It also brings firearms transactions in line with how nearly every other consumer good is purchased and delivered in 2026.

The Non-Over-the-Counter rule was published in the Federal Register earlier this week, and the Form 4473 draft adds the corresponding section to make compliance straightforward for FFLs participating in direct shipping transactions.

If you want to read the proposed changes to the Federal Register regarding non-OTC gun purchases - click here.

If you want to see the new proposed 4473 in full - click here. I've included a screenshot of the first page for reference. The design changes are immediately apparent as it seems to moving away from the old design that was used for the last 20+ years.