Your 4473 eStorage Checklist

As an FFL Dealer, you most likely already know how much space storing paperwork can take up. You may have even started looking for an alternative storing method. While papers begin to stack up in your office, you’ve got a better alternative with 4473 Cloud.

But what does it take to digitize your 4473’s? We’ve created this checklist for you to ensure your business is eligible for digital storage. We should note that by using 4473 Cloud, you’re checking off most of these boxes.

Already know you’re eligible and you’re ready to start. So, Let’s get started. Otherwise, read below so we can get you squared away with your 4473 eStorage solution.

FFL Dealer 4473 Cloud Storage Checklist

ATF Variance Approval NO LONGER Required. ATF will issue new guidance in the form of a new ATF Ruling on August 24th, 2022 that will remove the requirement to receive an approved variance to store your 4473s digitally. The 60-day notification of your intent to store your 4473s digitally will remain and we can help you send that notification.
Legacy paper 4473s can be uploaded into digital storage. As of the final ruling being active on August 24th, 2022, ATF will also be authorizing FFLs to scan or otherwise digitally upload legacy records into digital cloud storage. There will be parameters to do so and we don’t have the final ruling as of yet, but this will 100% be part of the new ruling and have the potential to be a significant advantage for FFL dealers.
Cloud-based Server (or local server). In order to use a server to store 4473’s digitally instead of using filing cabinets, your server has to have multiple backups. This feature is already built into 4473 Cloud’s system.
Server backed up physically in the U.S. Your server being in the U.S. is not only patriotic, it’s also an ATF requirement in order to get your variance approved. With 4473 Cloud, your servers are always located here in the U.S.
Ability to share credentials with ATF. The ATF needs access to your system when conducting compliance inspections in your store. Providing the ATF access to your ATF Form 4473s using a specific ATF secure log-in is a must. If your solution is on an on-site server, you will need to provide ATF with laptops to conduct an inspection.
Wifi. Depending on your volume, inspections could last a while. It’s important to have enough bandwidth to accommodate the ATF during their inspections. But also, you can’t connect to the Cloud without wifi! So a good connection throughout your facility is needed in order to store your ATF Form 4473’s digitally.
Access to a printer. During inspections, the ATF might ask you to print specific ATF Form 4473’s. While most of the inspection will be conducted using 4473 Cloud, it’s always a good idea to have a printer on hand. Since you’re converting to 4473 Cloud, just keep the printer** you’ve already got; you’ll just be using it A LOT less. **Don’t be the one who doesn’t have enough paper or printer ink on hand when ATF requests to print an ATF Form 4473!
Easily accessible 4473 recall. When the ATF reaches out to you with a Trace request, you have 24 hours to complete the request. Whatever system you’re using needs to be able to recall ATF Form 4473s pertaining to those serial numbers being traced in a timely manner. Using 4473 Cloud storage will check this box for you.
Storage of your current 4473’s. 4473 eStorage is only applicable to ATF Form 4473’s completed once the 60-days notification period is observed. Once the new ruling is published we will update this post to share the parameters for uploading your old paper ATF Form 4473’s.