Cracking Down on Straw Buys: ATF Targets Proxy Gun Purchases
Published Date: 5/6/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The ATF is proposing clearer rules to stop 'straw purchases,' where someone buys a gun for another person who can’t legally buy one. This affects gun buyers, sellers, and the whole firearms community by tightening the law to prevent illegal gun sales. You’ve got until August 4, 2026, to share your thoughts before these changes could roll out.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
No exceptions for prohibited-person purchases
The rule makes clear that the exceptions in the rule (gifts, parental purchases, spouse purchases, pawn redemption, repair pickup, raffles, inheritance) do not apply when the purchase is made for a person who is prohibited from receiving a firearm under federal law or when the purchaser knows or has reasonable cause to believe the firearm will be used in a felony, terrorism, or drug trafficking. In particular, a spouse buying for a prohibited spouse is prohibited.
Clear ban on straw purchases
The rule says you may not obtain a firearm from a licensed seller by acting as a "straw purchaser," and a licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector may not sell a firearm if they know or have reasonable cause to believe the buyer is a straw purchaser. This restates and clarifies existing law and would apply to people who buy guns and to federal firearms licensees (FFLs).
Exceptions defined (gifts, parents, spouses)
The rule lists specific situations that are not straw purchases: bona fide gifts (unless the purchaser accepts money or other value), purchases by a parent or guardian for a minor (a "minor" is defined as under age 21), purchases where one spouse pays and both spouses live at the same address, pawn/consignment redemption, repaired firearm retrieval, raffle winners, bona fide gifted firearms, and lawful inheritance or bequest. A purchase is not a "bona fide gift" if the purchaser accepts money, services, or other consideration in exchange for the firearm.
FFL duty to refuse suspected straw buyers
The rule explicitly requires licensed importers, manufacturers, dealers, and collectors to not sell or deliver a firearm when they know or have reasonable cause to believe the buyer is a straw purchaser. This places a clear onus on FFLs to refuse transfers in those circumstances.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16981, Application for Relief From Disabilities Imposed by Federal Laws With Respect to the Acquisition, Receipt, Transfer, Shipment, Transportation, or Possession of Firearms
The Department of Justice ("the Department") is implementing criteria to guide determinations for granting relief from disabilities imposed by federal laws with respect to the acquisition, receipt, transfer, shipment, transportation, or possession of firearms. The criteria are designed to ensure that the fundamental right of the people to keep and bear arms is not unduly infringed, that those people granted relief are not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety, and that granting such relief would not be contrary to the public interest.
2026-13586, Registering NFA Firearms That Fall Out of Government Contract
If you make special firearms for the U.S. Government and your contract ends, you’ll now have a new way to register those guns even if you missed the usual deadline. This change helps manufacturers avoid penalties and keeps everything clear and fair. Comments on this proposal are open until September 4, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-09155, Changes to National Firearms Act Tax Remittance Provisions
Starting June 10, 2026, the ATF is updating its rules to match new laws that lower the tax rates on certain National Firearms Act (NFA) guns. This means folks who deal with these firearms will pay less tax when registering or transferring them. The changes keep the rules clear, fair, and up-to-date with the latest law.
2026-09160, Implementing PATRIOT Act Improvements: Contraband Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco
Starting June 8, 2026, new rules crack down harder on illegal cigarette and smokeless tobacco sales. The government lowered the amount that counts as smuggling from 60,000 to just 10,000 cigarettes and now includes smokeless tobacco in the crackdown. Sellers and distributors must keep better records and report more info, making it tougher to dodge the law and protect honest businesses.
2026-09154, Joint Registration for Spouses Under the National Firearms Act
The ATF wants to let married couples register certain firearms together under the National Firearms Act. This means spouses can share ownership without needing extra paperwork when transferring guns between them. If you’re married and deal with these firearms, you can comment on this change by July 7, 2026, and it could save you time and hassle in the future.
2026-09157, Revising Non-Over-the-Counter Firearms Transaction Requirements
The ATF wants to make it easier for licensed gun sellers to sell firearms without the buyer being there in person, as long as background checks are done. This change lets sellers use remote ID checks and send electronic notices to local law enforcement. If you’re a licensed gun dealer or buyer, get ready for more flexible, tech-friendly rules starting after the comment period ends on August 6, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08921, Adding Component Definitions Under the Arms Export Control Act
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) wants to clarify what counts as a 'component,' 'accessory,' or 'part' when it comes to defense items under the Arms Export Control Act. This change helps everyone understand the rules better, especially businesses dealing with importing defense articles. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until July 6, 2026, to send in comments—no money changes yet, just clearer definitions!
Next: 2026-08923, Clarifying Special (Occupational) Tax Payments Per Business Activity
If you deal, import, or make firearms under the National Firearms Act, you’ll need to pay one special tax for each type of business you run at the same spot—not for every license you hold there. This change clears up confusion and helps you know exactly what to pay. Comments on this rule are open until July 6, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!