ATF reduces form processing times as application volume continues to grow

ATF reduces form processing times as application volume continues to grow

Processing times decline significantly despite nearly threefold increase in application volume

WASHINGTON - The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has significantly reduced processing times for its highest-volume forms while managing substantial growth in the number of applications received and processed.

Since fiscal year 2021, ATF's volume-weighted average processing time for its four highest-volume forms has declined from 73 days to approximately 18 days. The volume-weighted average accounts for differences in the number of applications received for each form and provides a broader measure of overall processing performance.

Processing times for ATF Form 4, the agency's highest volume form, have also declined substantially, from approximately 150 days in fiscal year 2021 to approximately 18 days today.

The reductions come as ATF continues to process a growing number of applications. Over the past five years, the volume of applications among ATF's four highest-volume forms has nearly tripled, significantly increasing the workload associated with application processing.

ATF has responded to this growth through continued modernization, process improvements and efforts to increase operational efficiency. These initiatives have enabled the agency to process a greater volume of applications while substantially reducing average processing times.

"I'm incredibly proud of the men and women of ATF. Their hard work made this possible," said ATF Director Rob Cekada. "We are not finished; we will keep improving and modernizing, earning the trust of the American people while staying focused on our core mission to reduce violent crime."

Individual processing times may vary based on the type of application, completeness of the submission and other factors associated with the review process. ATF remains focused on identifying additional opportunities to streamline processing while ensuring applications are handled in accordance with applicable federal laws and regulations.

Current ATF form processing times are available at: https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/current-processing-times

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ATF protects American communities from violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and acts of arson. Through crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis, and relentless investigation, we identify and arrest violent offenders and gang members, dismantle trafficking networks, and sever the supply chains arming cartels, prohibited persons, and terrorist organizations. We defend the rights of law-abiding citizens by safeguarding lawful commerce and upholding the Constitution of the United States. Learn more about what ATF is doing to reduce violent crime in your community by following us on X @ATFHQ, Instagram @ATFHQ, LinkedIn @ATF, and Facebook @HQATF, or on the web at