ATF Inspections
Can the ATF inspect my licensed business without a warrant?
The ATF may visit your licensed premises without a warrant under the following circumstances:
- To perform a compliance inspection one time per calendar year. A compliance inspection consists of an examination any records required to be kept by ATF regulations and any inventory on the premises.
- In the course of a reasonable inquiry during the course of a criminal investigation of a person or persons other than the licensee.
- For insuring compliance with ATF’s recordkeeping requirements at any time with respect to records relating to a firearm involved in a criminal investigation that is traced to the licensee.
- When such inspection or examination may be required for determining the disposition of one or more particular firearms in the course of a bona fide criminal investigation.
(Ref: 478.23)