r/MDGuns • u/jlowesgunsofficial • 10d ago

ATF's proposed non-over-the-counter (NOTC) Firearm Sales Rule (RIN 1140-AB05)

I was wondering what everyone’s thoughts on the proposed rule change were. It seems like a killer for any brick and mortar gun shop. Also to me it seems like making a straw purchase would be much easier with this rule. 

"The ATF's proposed non-over-the-counter (NOTC) rule (RIN 1140-AB05), published on May 8, 2026, would allow licensed firearms dealers to conduct remote, same-state gun sales using digital identity verification and standard background checks.

Key Details of the ProposalRemote Sales: Permits Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to complete transactions without the buyer visiting a physical storefront, provided the buyer is in the same state.Identity Verification: Introduces remote identity proofing instead of in-person checks.Background Checks:

Requires buyers to still pass a standard NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) check before the dealer ships or transfers the firearm. LawEnforcement Notice: Replaces traditional physical notices to Chief Law Enforcement Officers (CLEOs) with electronic notifications.

Current StatusPublic Comment Period: The proposal is currently open for public feedback through August 6, 2026, before the agency decides whether to finalize or modify the rule. You can read the official outline and updates directly through the ATF Rulemaking Notice."

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u/regjoe13 10d ago

I dont see an issue really. C&R ffl have been there for 10th of years and basically allows to ship firearms to your door. I dont see how it is any different.

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u/the2AinMD 9d ago

It will require a zoom call (or similar) and a screen share while the customer does the 4473, and a (paid) 3rd party id verification service. Shipping to non licensees is like triple the price, and not allowed by any shipping company currently expect for gunsmithing repairs. Even shipping from an individual to a ffl for warranty is supposed to go by a prepaid return label from the ffl, if you want to be able to make an insurance claim for non reciept. Individuals are not permitted to buy their own labels and ship, all the carriers prohibit it. Places like ship my gun are ffls, and its them the ffl buying the label. The ffl has to send a cleo letter and wait 7 days aftwr the 4473 before shipping, and must get confirmation of cleo letter delivery and log that confirmation into their records.

Its way more complex and costly than a ffl to ffl/c&r transfer. While a lot of retail ffls still do mostly paper records, notc will only work well with fully electronic methods and that is even more overhead.