NFA Engraving

NFA engraving for trusts and individuals · Maker markings · Custom text

Clean, permanent laser engraving for NFA items, done in-house by Lightning Armory in Bastrop, Texas, near Austin. Your name or your trust’s name, maker markings, and custom text, engraved crisp and even.

• Trust or individual maker names, with city and state.
• Model, caliber or gauge, and serial number markings.
• Custom logos and text alongside your required markings.

• A serial number on the frame or receiver. It cannot duplicate a serial number you have put on any other firearm. If you start from a firearm that already has a serial number, the ATF NFA Handbook says to use that number. If you assign a new one, it must include at least one numeral, since a name alone is not accepted. Your initials followed by at least four digits is a common example.
• The model, if you give it one.
• The caliber or gauge.
• The maker’s name, or a recognized abbreviation, exactly as it appears on the Form 1: your own name if you filed as an individual, or the trust’s full name if your trust filed.
• The city and state where you made the firearm.

The model, caliber or gauge, name, and city and state can go on the frame, receiver, or barrel.

Size and depth

• Every required marking must be at least .003 inch deep, measured from the flat surface of the metal, not the peaks or ridges.
• Serial number characters must be at least 1/16 inch tall.
• Markings must be placed so they cannot be readily obliterated, altered, or removed.

These size and depth rules apply to firearms made on or after January 30, 2002.

What changed in 2026

• ATF enforcement policy, October 9, 2026. ATF says it will not enforce the NFA marking requirement, or the approval, registration, and tax stamp requirements, for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and “any other weapons.” These are the items whose making and transfer tax Congress cut to $0. This is a decision not to enforce, not a change to the law, and ATF warns that enforcement could resume. Machine guns and destructive devices are still fully covered.
• State and local law still applies. Many states require NFA items to be registered or otherwise lawful under federal law, and ATF still approves Form 1 applications from people who choose to register.
• Proposed rule, May 2026. ATF has proposed letting makers who convert an existing firearm keep the original manufacturer’s markings instead of adding their own. As of November 2026, this is a proposal, not a final rule.

Because the policy could change and state laws differ, we engrave NFA markings to the full 479.102 standard: .003 inch deep, with serial numbers at least 1/16 inch tall.

This summary is general information, not legal advice. You are responsible for the content of your markings. Confirm current requirements with the ATF or your attorney before ordering. Sources: 27 CFR 479.102 and ATF’s NFA guidance.

1. Tell us about your project. Contact us with your make and model, what needs to be engraved, and any photos or reference images.
2. Get your quote. We confirm the work, price, and turnaround by email or text. Quoted work is paid by invoice before work begins.
3. Ship it in. We send UPS shipping instructions and tell you exactly what to send. Service work is shipping only, with no in-person drop-offs or pickups.
4. It comes home. We do the work in our Bastrop, Texas shop and ship it back to you by insured UPS.

How much does NFA engraving cost?

NFA engraving is priced by quote, based on the item and the amount of text. Contact us with your item and the markings you need.

Can you engrave a trust name or my own name?

Yes. We engrave the maker name on your Form 1: your own name if you filed as an individual, or your trust’s full name if the trust filed. See the trust engraving example above.

Do you handle NFA transfers?

No. Our FFL transfers do not include NFA items.

Can you add a logo or design too?

Yes. Send your artwork with your quote request, and we lay it out with your required markings.

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