FFL & SOT, Explained
Buying a suppressor means working with specially licensed dealers — not your average gun counter. Two credentials matter: a Federal Firearms License (FFL) and a Special Occupational Tax registration (SOT). Here's what they are and why they're required.
What's an FFL?
A Federal Firearms License (FFL) is the license required to engage in the business of dealing in or manufacturing firearms in the United States. Any legitimate firearms dealer holds one. It's the baseline credential — but on its own, an FFL isn't enough to handle NFA items like suppressors.
What's an SOT?
A Special Occupational Taxpayer (SOT) is an FFL that has paid the federal Special Occupational Tax, which lets it deal in NFA-regulated items — suppressors, short-barreled rifles, machine guns, and the like. The class that handles suppressor sales is a Class 3 SOT, which is why these dealers are often just called "Class 3 dealers." In short: an FFL lets a dealer handle firearms; the SOT on top of it lets them handle NFA items.
Why suppressors require both
A suppressor is an NFA item, so it can only be transferred by a dealer who is both an FFL and an SOT — and that applies on both ends of a sale here. The selling dealer must be licensed to sell it, and the receiving dealer you choose near you must be licensed to receive it and transfer it to you on an ATF Form 4.
How we verify dealers
Every seller on Piece & Quiet is a licensed FFL/SOT, and we confirm that status before a dealer can list anything. Listings carry an "SOT Verified" marker so you know the seller is properly licensed.
Your receiving dealer
When you buy, you choose a local FFL/SOT to receive your suppressor. That dealer accepts the transfer from the seller, handles your Form 4 paperwork and the NICS background check, and releases the suppressor to you once the ATF approves the transfer. Most charge a modest transfer fee, paid to them at pickup. See our Form 4 guide for the full walkthrough.
Are you a dealer?
If you're a licensed FFL/SOT and want to list on Piece & Quiet, you can get started on our Sell page.