Contact at ATF to check if estate gun registered?

[Lewisfan]

This comes up infrequently, but wondering if there's a "go to" contact at ATF who can run a serial + name to verify registration for an estate? I have no info on possible item(s) but the subject does come up every decade or 2.  Could an SOT ask the online NFA help line on behalf of an attorney? Seems that could secure client-attorney privacy? Just curious how that is handled these days?

[WJP]

(304) 616-4500

I've called this number and asked if a gun was registered. They won't give you any information other than yes it is registered. I even gave the name and address of the owner and they wouldn't tell me if it was in his name. 

[Lewisfan]

Thanks! 

[ChevTec]

On 4/1/2025 at 11:11 PM, WJP said:

(304) 616-4500

I've called this number and asked if a gun was registered. They won't give you any information other than yes it is registered. I even gave the name and address of the owner and they wouldn't tell me if it was in his name. 

This. I've done the same. 

If they ask why you want to know, just tell them that you only need to know the status of the gun in relation to the registry, not any names or anything. 

Even if they say no, still send in a FOIA request and look for amnesty or other registration paperwork as the NFATR is flawed and incomplete