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"Unknown Error" E-File Submission Hang-up


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Hello all,

I am working with a Class III Dealer in Maine on the transfer of my next purchase.  We are trying to use the E-File system this time around, but when he has everything ready to submit he keeps getting an "Unknown Error" message. This has been going on for over a week now. He owns an established shop and is familiar with the process, he reached out for help and was told that ATF/NFA was migrating to a new system, but that was supposed to be complete last week. He tried again yesterday, going so far as to start over from scratch with and still no luck. Is it possibly because we are transferring directly to my C&R FFL (the gun in question is confirmed C&R eligible)?

We are ready to throw in the towel and go the paper Form 4 route, but I would really like to get this gun ASAP. 

Any thoughts/suggestions on how to grease the skids and get the transfer application submitted would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks in advance,

Skip

 

 

 

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I’ve had those from time to time, always baffling until I finally discover what the issue is, and it can be the most mundane thing. First, go back to each train stop and look for red flags and errors. Then, if that doesn’t work, call the NFA number. I have gotten very courteous help and email support from the officials there. I’d give you a name but I’m in Europe and can’t access all my records.

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On 7/1/2026 at 9:20 AM, Skip Greenwade said:

Hello all,

I am working with a Class III Dealer in Maine on the transfer of my next purchase.  We are trying to use the E-File system this time around, but when he has everything ready to submit he keeps getting an "Unknown Error" message. This has been going on for over a week now. He owns an established shop and is familiar with the process, he reached out for help and was told that ATF/NFA was migrating to a new system, but that was supposed to be complete last week. He tried again yesterday, going so far as to start over from scratch with and still no luck. Is it possibly because we are transferring directly to my C&R FFL (the gun in question is confirmed C&R eligible)?

We are ready to throw in the towel and go the paper Form 4 route, but I would really like to get this gun ASAP. 

Any thoughts/suggestions on how to grease the skids and get the transfer application submitted would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks in advance,

Skip

 

 

 

Skip, you are assembling quite the collection lately! What pray tell is this gun?

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Posted (edited)

Update: The issue was actually associated with the Pay.Gov feature, which was in turn apparently tied to some update(s) being made to that site.

The Seller was finally able to get the Form 4 to "Submitted" status early Tuesday morning.

And now we wait...

Skip

Edited by Skip Greenwade
Submission day correction
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Color me shocked (and pleasantly surprised). Just got an e-mail from the ATF with the approved Form 4/stamp attached. By my count, three days from submission to approval. 

Made a believer out of me!

I'll post photos in the MP38/40 and 43/44 Forum when I have the gun in hand...

Skip

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On 7/8/2026 at 7:40 AM, Skip Greenwade said:

Update: The issue was actually associated with the Pay.Gov feature, which was in turn apparently tied to some update(s) being made to that site.

The Seller was finally able to get the Form 4 to "Submitted" status early Tuesday morning.

And now we wait...

Skip

I just moved two Thompsons from my business account eForm 3 to my personal account eForm 4. Submitted July 1 and approved July 8. 

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On 7/6/2026 at 6:10 AM, Rekraps said:

Skip, you are assembling quite the collection lately! What pray tell is this gun?

I just posted an update re: the latest addition to the collection here:

 

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