Question 26 on Form 4473 documents the buyer's government-issued photo ID. It seems straightforward — but it generates a surprising number of compliance errors, particularly when buyers present unusual documentation or out-of-state IDs.
What Qualifies as Acceptable ID
The ATF requires a government-issued photo ID that shows the buyer's name, date of birth, and residential address. The most common qualifying IDs are:
- State-issued driver's license
- State-issued non-driver ID
- U.S. passport (though it typically doesn't show an address)
- Military ID
- Alien Registration Card (for legal permanent residents)
A passport alone is generally not sufficient because it doesn't show a residential address. Supplemental documentation establishing residency is typically required alongside a passport.
Question 26a and 26b
Question 26a requires the type of ID, the issuing authority, the ID number, and the expiration date. All of these fields must be completed. Question 26b is for supplemental documentation when the primary ID doesn't establish residency — for example, when a buyer presents an out-of-state license for a long gun purchase.
Common error: Recording the ID type and number in 26a but leaving the expiration date blank. Expired IDs cannot be used for firearm transfers — recording the expiration date confirms you verified the ID was valid at the time of transfer.
Expired IDs
An expired ID does not qualify. If a buyer presents an expired driver's license, the transfer cannot proceed until they provide a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. Do not accept expired IDs and do not record an expired ID on the form.
Out-of-State IDs for Long Gun Transfers
A buyer presenting an out-of-state driver's license for a long gun transfer must provide supplemental documentation establishing their home state residency. Their home state's laws apply to the transfer, and you must verify compliance with those laws. The supplemental documentation — utility bill, lease, or other address documentation — goes in Question 26b.
ID Verification and NICS
The information on the Form 4473 must match the ID presented. If the buyer's address on the form doesn't match their ID, or the name is spelled differently, this needs to be resolved before the transfer. NICS runs on the information provided — discrepancies between the form and the ID can cause problems and are noted during audits.
Know Every Form Is Clean Before Your Next ATF Audit
4473 Pro audits every field on every Form 4473 — Sections A through E. Catch errors before an ATF auditor does..
Get Started ›