Buying a Suppressor in Texas After the $0 Tax Stamp: 2026 Rules, Process, and What to Expect
Texas has long been one of the most suppressor-friendly states in the country. With the federal $200 NFA tax stamp dropping to $0 as of January 1, 2026, suppressor ownership in Texas has become more accessible than ever. The financial barrier that kept many Texans from adding a suppressor to their collection is gone — but the regulatory process remains fully in effect.
This guide covers everything a Texas gun owner needs to know about purchasing a suppressor in 2026, from state-level requirements to the federal process, expected wait times, and common questions.
Texas State Law on Suppressors
Texas law is straightforward when it comes to suppressors. The state fully permits the ownership, possession, and use of suppressors by individuals who comply with applicable federal law. There is no state-level registration requirement, no additional state permit needed, and no state waiting period beyond what the federal NFA process requires.
Texas went further than most states with the passage of HB 957 in 2021, the Texas Firearm Suppressor Act, which attempted to exempt Texas-made suppressors from federal NFA regulation entirely. While the law remains on the books, federal courts have generally held that NFA requirements apply regardless of state-level exemption statutes. As a practical matter, Texas residents should continue to follow the full federal NFA process for all suppressor acquisitions — the state law does not provide a viable legal alternative to federal registration.
Texas Age Requirements
To purchase a suppressor in Texas, you must meet the federal age requirement for NFA items. If purchasing from a licensed dealer (which is required for most suppressor transactions), you must be at least 21 years old. This age requirement applies regardless of whether the transfer involves a trust or individual application.
Texas state law also recently updated its handgun age requirements, which may affect certain combined purchases but does not change the NFA age threshold for suppressors specifically.
Where You Can Use a Suppressor in Texas
Texas permits the use of suppressors for all legal shooting activities, including recreational shooting and range use, hunting (suppressors are legal for all game in Texas), home defense, and any other lawful purpose. Many Texas shooting ranges actively encourage or require suppressor use for noise reduction, making them popular among range members and regular shooters.
Texas Parks and Wildlife does not restrict suppressor use during hunting seasons. This makes Texas one of the most practical states for suppressor ownership — there are virtually no restrictions on when, where, or how you can use a legally owned suppressor.
The Federal Purchase Process in 2026
The $0 tax stamp changed one thing: you no longer pay $200. Every other element of the NFA transfer process remains identical to what it was before January 1, 2026. For the dealer-side view of this workflow, see our $0 NFA Tax Stamp: Complete FFL Dealer Guide.
Step 1: Find Your Suppressor
Visit a licensed dealer (FFL/SOT) that stocks NFA items. Texas has a large number of dealers who carry suppressors, and inventory has been expanding in response to increased demand following the tax change. Some dealers also offer ordering from distributors if they don't have your preferred model in stock.
Before purchasing, research the suppressor you want. Consider the caliber compatibility (many suppressors are rated for multiple calibers), mounting system (direct thread versus quick-detach), length and weight (particularly if you plan to use it on a hunting rifle you'll carry for extended periods), sound reduction ratings, and material (titanium versus stainless steel versus aluminum, which affects weight and durability).
Step 2: Complete the Paperwork
You'll need to decide how you want to register the suppressor: as an individual or through a legal entity like a gun trust.
Individual registration is simpler. You complete the ATF Form 4 in your name, submit fingerprint cards and a passport-style photo or photo ID copy, and the suppressor is registered to you personally. The downside is that only you can legally possess the suppressor — if your spouse, family member, or friend handles it without you present, that's technically a federal violation.
Trust registration requires establishing an NFA gun trust (which can be done through an attorney or online legal service) and listing the trust as the transferee on the Form 4. All trustees named on the trust can legally possess the suppressor. Each responsible person on the trust must submit fingerprint cards and photos. The upside is shared legal access among trustees and simplified estate planning for NFA items.
With the 2026 form updates — part of the ATF's broader reform initiative — the CLEO (Chief Law Enforcement Officer) notification requirement has been removed from Form 1, though the Form 4 process for transfers from a dealer to an individual or trust is otherwise unchanged.
Step 3: Submit Through eForms
Your dealer will typically handle the Form 4 submission through the ATF's eForms system. Electronic submissions are strongly recommended over paper filings, as processing times are significantly shorter for eForms.
The dealer cannot release the suppressor to you at this point. The item remains in the dealer's possession and logged in their A&D book until the ATF approves the Form 4.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
This is the part that hasn't changed and that no amount of legislation can speed up. The ATF must process your Form 4 application, which includes running your background check through the FBI.
Processing times are variable. Before the tax change, eForms approvals were running roughly four to six months, with paper forms often taking significantly longer. Following the January 2026 surge in NFA submissions — driven by both the tax elimination and pent-up demand — processing times are expected to be extended during the first half of 2026. Exact current wait times are difficult to predict, but planning for a longer-than-historical wait during this transition period is reasonable.
There is no way to expedite the process. The ATF processes applications in the order they're received. Checking your eForms account periodically will show you when the status changes.
Step 5: Pick Up Your Suppressor
When your Form 4 is approved, the dealer will contact you to come in and complete the transfer. At that point, you'll fill out an ATF Form 4473 — the same form used for standard firearm purchases — and undergo a NICS background check (or present a qualifying state permit if applicable).
Once the 4473 is complete and the NICS check clears, the dealer will release the suppressor to you and update their records to reflect the disposition. You should receive a copy of your approved Form 4 — keep this document. It is your proof of legal registration and should be accessible whenever you transport or use the suppressor.
Common Questions from Texas Buyers
Do I need a tax stamp even though the tax is $0?
Technically, yes. The NFA registration process is unchanged — the tax has been reduced to $0, but the "stamp" (which is really the approved Form 4 registration) is still required. You cannot possess an NFA item without an approved Form 1 or Form 4, regardless of the tax amount.
Can I buy a suppressor online and have it shipped to me?
No. Suppressors must be transferred through a licensed dealer (FFL/SOT). If you purchase from an online retailer, they will ship the suppressor to a local dealer of your choice using an ATF Form 3 (dealer-to-dealer transfer). Your dealer will then initiate the Form 4 process with you. Both the Form 3 and Form 4 transfers must be approved by the ATF before you take possession.
Can I use my suppressor while the Form 4 is pending?
No. The suppressor must remain in the dealer's possession until the Form 4 is approved. You cannot take it home, use it at the range, or access it in any way until the transfer is complete.
Can I take my suppressor to another state?
Suppressors are portable — there is no Form 20 requirement for interstate transport of suppressors (unlike some other NFA items). However, you must ensure that suppressors are legal in any state you travel to. Not all states permit suppressor ownership, and possessing one in a prohibiting state is a federal offense regardless of your Texas registration.
What if I move out of Texas?
If you move to a state that permits suppressor ownership, you simply update your address with the ATF. If you move to a state that prohibits suppressors, you'll need to make arrangements — either transferring the suppressor to someone in a permitting state, storing it with a dealer, or surrendering it. Do not transport a suppressor to a state where possession is prohibited.
What happens if my suppressor is stolen?
Report the theft to local law enforcement and to the ATF within 48 hours of discovery. Maintain a record of the suppressor's serial number, make, model, and your Form 4 approval information so you can provide complete details in the report.
Can I build my own suppressor?
Under federal law, you can manufacture a suppressor for personal use if you first submit and receive approval on an ATF Form 1 (Application to Make and Register a Firearm). The $0 tax applies to Form 1 as well, so there's no federal tax cost. However, you must receive approval before you begin manufacturing — constructing an unregistered suppressor is a serious federal felony regardless of your intent. Texas state law does not provide an exception to this federal requirement.
The Cost Breakdown in 2026
Without the $200 tax stamp, the cost of suppressor ownership breaks down to the suppressor itself (retail prices range from roughly $300 for entry-level rimfire suppressors to $1,500 or more for premium centerfire models), the dealer transfer fee (typically $50 to $100, varies by dealer — some dealers waive or reduce transfer fees for items purchased through them), fingerprint cards ($15 to $30 if done at the dealer or through a third-party fingerprinting service), passport photos ($10 to $20 if not using a photo ID copy), and, if applicable, a gun trust ($50 to $300 depending on whether you use an online service or an attorney).
The total out-of-pocket cost for a mid-range suppressor purchase in Texas in 2026 is roughly $400 to $1,000 — about $200 less than the same purchase would have cost in 2025.
Why Texas FFLs Should Stock Suppressors Now
For Texas dealers reading this: if you're not already carrying suppressors, the demand landscape has shifted decisively. The $200 barrier that kept suppressor purchases as a niche category for your most dedicated customers is gone. The addressable market has expanded significantly, and Texas's permissive state laws mean there's no state-level friction to slow down transactions.
Dealers who can offer a selection of suppressors, guide customers through the NFA process efficiently, and provide a positive purchase experience will capture market share from competitors who treat NFA items as an afterthought. The dealers who invested in NFA inventory and workflow capacity before January 1 are already seeing the returns. The dealers who act now can still capture the sustained demand that will follow the initial surge.
Texas FFL looking to scale NFA? Bravo's POS handles the full NFA lifecycle — Form 3 receiving, Form 4 tracking, pending approval management, and 4473 completion at transfer. Built for the volume that's coming. Request a demo.
Compliance matters more with higher NFA volume — see our ATF Inspection Survival Guide for what inspectors look for. A digital 4473 and compliance system that handles NFA transactions cleanly — tracking Form 3 arrivals, Form 4 submissions, pending approvals, and final 4473 completion at transfer — makes the operational side manageable at scale.
What Comes Next
The $0 tax stamp is not the end of the legislative conversation around NFA items. Several additional proposals are in various stages of discussion at the federal level, including potential changes to processing timelines, further streamlining of the registration process, and ongoing court challenges to NFA regulation itself.
For Texas gun owners, the practical advice is the same regardless of what may change in the future: if you want a suppressor, the process is clear, the law is permissive, and the cost is lower than it's ever been. Follow the federal process, work with a knowledgeable dealer, and maintain your paperwork.
For Texas FFLs, the advice is equally clear: the market is here and growing. Build the inventory, train the staff, and make the NFA experience as smooth as possible for your customers. The dealers who do this well will own this category for years to come.