Do I have to register an inherited firearm in Missouri?

Missouri does not require registration of standard Title I firearms. NFA firearms such as suppressors or short-barreled rifles must be transferred using ATF Form 5.

What is the process for transferring an inherited gun in Missouri?

If both parties are Missouri residents and the recipient is legally eligible, private transfers are allowed. Estate firearms should be documented, appraised, and transferred in compliance with state and federal law.

How do I inherit an NFA firearm in Missouri?

NFA firearms require ATF approval using a tax-free Form 5 before the transfer. This process can take several months and must be completed before taking possession.

Inherited Firearms in Missouri – Complete Guide

Clear, Licensed Guidance for Families, Executors, and Professionals

When a firearm is inherited in Missouri, questions about ownership, legality, and value come fast: Can I keep it? Do I need paperwork? What’s it worth? Handling the process correctly is critical — both to protect the asset and to protect the person who now possesses it.

At MDRF Enterprises, a licensed Federal Firearms Dealer (FFL) serving Saint Louis since 2012, we help families, attorneys, and estate professionals navigate Missouri’s firearm inheritance process safely, legally, and efficiently. This guide explains the steps, the law, and your options, based on real Missouri cases.

1. Understanding Missouri’s Firearm Inheritance Rules

In Missouri, inheriting a firearm involves both state and federal law:

No firearm registration is required in Missouri for standard (Title I) firearms.
Federal law applies if the firearm is regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) (e.g., suppressors, short-barreled rifles).
Prohibited persons under 18 U.S.C. § 922 cannot take possession, even if named in a will.
Transfers between Missouri residents are generally legal without a background check, but executors should still verify compliance.

2. The Probate & Legal Process

If the estate is in probate, firearms should be:

Documented in the estate inventory.
Appraised for fair market value (often required for probate filings).
Transferred according to the will, trust, or Missouri’s intestate succession laws.

Pro Tip: Courts and attorneys prefer a certified appraisal meeting USPAP standards. MDRF Enterprises provides USPAP-compliant, PPGS-graded appraisals for legal and insurance purposes.

3. Special Considerations for NFA & Title II Firearms

Inherited NFA firearms — such as suppressors, SBRs, or machine guns — require:

Tax-free transfer on an ATF Form 5.
ATF approval before possession changes hands (6–9 month process).

We guide clients through Missouri NFA inheritance to avoid costly mistakes and potential federal violations.

4. What to Do Immediately After Inheriting a Firearm

Secure the firearm in a locked location.
Do not sell or transfer until confirming legal eligibility.
Get a professional appraisal if the value is unknown.
Check with a licensed dealer for out-of-state firearms (interstate transfers have extra requirements).