The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives proposal would define "sex" on ATF firearms and explosives forms as an individual's biological classification as male or female, rather than gender identity. Comments are due by midnight Eastern Time on August 4, 2026.

The proposal would amend 27 CFR 478.21, 479.21 and 555.21. Those sections govern forms used under the Gun Control Act, National Firearms Act and federal explosives laws. ATF identifies Form 4473 as one example of a form that asks for sex.

ATF also proposes adding or revising language stating that forms are executed under penalties of perjury when the form or regulation provides for it. The agency characterizes the change as a clarification and says it would not change ATF standards or compliance requirements.

This is a notice of proposed rulemaking, not a final rule. Comments can be filed under docket ATF-2026-0010 through the federal rulemaking portal.