No, the process might seem complicated, but it’s actually simple. Our easy-to-follow instructions and documents make the process straightforward.

INSTANT! You should receive your documents in your inbox a few minutes after ordering! If you don’t, we are taking a second look and need a little more time to make sure you’re all set, but we are aware of your order! For our shrink and lamination service (after receiving back scan of completed Trust docs) please allow up to 5-10 business days for shipping and handling.

This is our FREE service that compresses your trust document to below 3MB so it can be uploaded to the ATF’s eForms system. The ATF has a strict 3MB file size limit, and many trust documents exceed this – we fix that problem instantly!

How does it work?

Simple! Visit our ATF eForm optimization form, enter your email address, upload your trust document (PDF or DOCX), and we’ll compress it below 3MB and email it back to you – usually within 30 seconds!

Is it really free?

Yes! This service is 100% FREE with no hidden fees. You can use it as many times as you need for all your ATF eForm submissions.

Will compressing my trust affect its quality or legality?

No! We use professional PDF compression techniques that reduce file size while maintaining readability. The ATF accepts compressed documents – they just need to be under 3MB and readable.

What file types do you accept?

We accept both PDF and DOCX (Microsoft Word) files. If you upload a DOCX file, we’ll convert it to PDF and compress it for you automatically.

How long does it take?

Most files are processed and emailed back to you within 30 seconds! Our system works 24/7, so you can optimize your trust any time, day or night.

What if my file is already under 3MB?

That’s fine! Our system will still optimize it for the best possible quality-to-size ratio. You can upload any size file and we’ll make sure it’s ATF eForm ready.

Can I use this for ATF Form 4 or 1 submissions?

Absolutely! This service works for any ATF eForm that requires your trust document – Form 1, Form 4, Form 5, etc. If the ATF eForm system needs your trust under 3MB, we’ve got you covered.

How do I get started?

Visit 199trust.com/eform-optimization and upload your trust document. You’ll receive your optimized file via email instantly!

Questions?

Need help? Chat with Clanka, our AI assistant – he knows all about the ATF eForm optimization process!

The Gun Bag Mini Trust is our FREE service that shrinks your signed trust document to 1/4 size (4 pages per sheet, front and back). This creates a compact version of your trust that’s perfect for carrying in your gun bag, range bag, wallet, glove compartment, or travel case.

How does it work?

It’s simple! Just go to our Gun Bag Mini Trust form, enter your email, upload your signed trust PDF, and we’ll instantly shrink it and email it back to you. The whole process takes less than a minute!

Is it really free?

Yes! The Gun Bag Mini Trust service is 100% FREE with no hidden fees. You can use it as many times as you need with any Trust (from us or not).

What size will my trust be after shrinking?

Your trust will be shrunk to 1/4 of the original page size, with 4 pages printed per sheet (2 on front, 2 on back). A typical 17-page trust becomes about 5 sheets of paper that you can easily fold and carry.

Can I get a more durable version?

Yes! We offer a professional lamination service for just $35. We’ll shrink your trust, laminate it on durable material, and attach it to a keyring for long-term everyday carry. Perfect for keeping with your NFA items at all times! Order lamination here.

Do I need to carry my trust with my NFA items?

While not legally required in most cases, many gun owners prefer to keep a copy of their trust with their NFA items for peace of mind. The Gun Bag Mini Trust makes this easy and convenient.

Can I print the mini trust at home?

Absolutely! The mini trust PDF is designed for easy double-sided printing on standard letter-size paper. Just make sure your printer is set to “double-sided” or “duplex” mode.

How do I get started?

Visit 199trust.com/carry-size-trust and upload your signed trust document. You’ll receive your mini trust via email instantly!

Questions?

Need help? Chat with Clanka, our AI assistant – he knows all about the Gun Bag Mini Trust service!

Our ‘Clanka’ runs on a powerful open-source AI model, NOT a “big AI” provider like ChatGPT or Google. This means your conversations stay private and are only visible to the 199Trust team (occasionally reviewed for accuracy). Clanka can contextually save information from your Trust form (like your name, Trust details, and Trustees) so it can provide personalized help throughout your journey – from Trust creation → ATF eForm submission → approval, and beyond. When you click a chat link in our emails, it includes a secure code that gives Clanka access to YOUR information only, creating a seamless experience where you never have to re-explain your situation. You can download your chat transcript as a PDF anytime (click the button in the chat), and your unique chat link lets you pick up conversations exactly where you left off anytime

We take privacy seriously! Clanka only stores Trust form information and your email correspondence with us – never sensitive data like social security numbers or credit cards. Your data is stored securely on our private server with restricted access, isolated from other customers, and never shared with third parties. All data transmitted between your browser and our server is encrypted via HTTPS. For complete details on how we protect your information, see our Privacy Policy. Want to see what Clanka can do? Chat with it about its capabilities!

Once you have the docs signed and notarized you may submit a copy of the trust paperwork along with the ATF form 4 or 1 and form 23 (with fingerprint records and photos for each responsible person/co-trustee) to the ATF when you’re ready to arrange for purchase of your NFA item. Otherwise there is no other submission of the Trust documents to the ATF. Your local Class 3 dealer will be helpful with the paperwork needed. 

It’s also worth making a call to your local county records office to see if they keep records of Trusts on hand for probate reasons. This will NOT affect ATF processing. 

Yes, they’re called Co-Trustees and must sign and notarize as responsible parties to the Trust. This is one of the major differences between an NFA specific Trust and other non specific Trusts. (Side note: If you see a Trust service or lawyer that is creating documents that allow people only listed as beneficiaries or anyone other than a Co-Trustee to possess the NFA items in the trust…. run far and fast because they likely don’t know what they’re doing.)

We started doing NFA Trusts in August of 2012. To date we’ve done tens of thousands of NFA Trusts (honestly we lost count years ago at around 25,000) and have never had one denied or delayed by the ATF.  Not convinced? Click HERE to see what a random sampling of our customers think our service.

A: Yes absolutely! Should you pass before they turn 18, the items will be held for them by a Co-Trustee (or the Successor Trustee) until they turn 18 and can take proper distribution of the item(s) that you wish to pass on to them.

A: Yes, the same Trust can be used purchase/hold an unlimited amount of items.

No limit, however, keep in mind that they need to sign and notarize the Trust initially. Also, an important consideration is Co-Trustees are required to submit fingerprint cards and photographs along with any form 1 or form 4. We include DIY amendment templates for you to amend your notarized Trust at your convenience to make these and other changes down the road. It’s simple to do so don’t feel like you need to include the extended family off the bat, remember our Trusts are flexible in the future as a rule.

A: Yes they can, no problem. If they are going to possess the items in that state however you will need to consult the laws in that state to make sure it’s legal. Also anytime you’re moving items to another state (temporarily or permanently) look into submitting a ATF form 5320.20 to notify them of the relocation of the items.

Negative, Co-Trustees must be able to legally possess firearms (not be a prohibited person) and be 18+. You can however use the included amendments templates to make them Co-Trustees when then become of age.

Simple, when you physically possess the serialized property. For example, if you are doing a form 1 and making an SBR, you already possess the lower receiver so you can assign it to the Trust before you submit the form 1 with a copy of the Trust.

Conversely, when you are doing a Form 4 (for something you are buying from a dealer or another individual) you will not possess the item until the form 4 comes back with the stamp approved and the item is released it to you, therefore you will not add the serial number of the item you are doing the form 4 for until it’s released to you and is in your possession.

Only Co-Trustees

No, they are living revocable Trusts. Multi-generational Trusts are gimmicky, especially when it comes to NFA Trusts. With 41F regulations and property able to be passed down tax free (via ATF form 5) to beneficiaries, Multi-Generational Gun Trusts are pointless and overly complicated.

No. In fact most people we talk to choose not to because they are using an NFA Trust to make life easier not add complication. However if you wish to open a bank account, the Trust documents you will receive are suited to do so. You’ll simply need to get an EIN (employer identification number) which you can get instantly online at irs.gov.

Yes, you can do that, and it “funds” the Trust thereby making the Trust bona fide. If you want to add a dollar bill you can format it like this on the the assignment sheet:

Make: US Federal Reserve

Model: $1 bill

Serial#: XXXXXXXX

We will do our best and are knowledgeable, however, the absolute best resource for up to date NFA information is to call the ATF’s NFA branch at (304) 616-4500. They can also be reached via email at nfafax@atf.gov. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them, they’re all cool cats up there and often go out of their way to make sure you’re taken care of and well informed.

A: Most states don’t require you to notify them of the creation of a Trust, however, some states do require that you register/notify them of a Trust. It likely will not have anything to do with the ATF’s approval process, but it can determine whether or not a Trust is considered bona fide and definitely worth a quick call. 

Lookup and call your county/parish/borough or state records office and see how (if need be) you can register your newly minted Trust. If needed, the process will be simple.

Only the unfilled copy sent out with your initial order, unless a scan was emailed to us for a shrink and lamination service in which case we retain a digital copy for a limited time only. It is highly recommended that you make additional hardcopies and save digital copies (online and offline) of your completed Trust to save yourself from any future worry as we claim no official duty to retain sent documentation.

Generally speaking, no, but if you have moved to a different address you’ll want to amend the trust to reflect that and notify the ATF via form 20. Any other changes to the trust can be done via the supplied amendment templates. If your Trust docs were emailed out to you before July 2016 you will want to make sure to add the amendment at this link per ATF 41F changes if you have not already done so.