Find your nearest
ATF field office

Understanding ATF office types

Not every ATF office does the same job or serves the same size territory. Knowing the type helps you figure out which office is actually right to contact.

Resident and group offices sit a level below field and satellite offices — smaller, local-territory posts, often staffed by a single resident agent in charge (RAC) or small group covering a specific city or county.

How ATF field divisions are organized

ATF organizes its national presence into field divisions, each covering multiple states or a major metro region. Every office in this directory — field, satellite, division, resident, or group — reports up through one of these divisions.

• Division office — the headquarters, led by a Special Agent in Charge (SAC), setting priorities for the whole territory.
• Field & satellite offices — cover the division's major and secondary metro areas.
• Resident & group offices — extend coverage into smaller cities and counties within the division's footprint.

A single state can span more than one field division depending on region — check each state page in this directory to see exactly which division(s) cover it.

Licensing, records & reporting

Not every ATF service is handled at a local office. Some of the most common requests actually route through national channels rather than an in-person visit:

• Federal Firearms Licenses (FFLs) — dealer, manufacturer, and importer license applications go through ATF's licensing process; field offices also conduct compliance inspections for existing licensees in their territory.
• NFA items — National Firearms Act registration and tax stamp processing is generally handled centrally rather than at a local field office.
• Public records requests — these go through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request at atf.gov, not through an individual field office.
• Tips & reporting — ATF provides national tip-reporting channels; a local office can also be a point of contact depending on the nature of the report.

Always confirm the current process at atf.gov before relying on any of the above — procedures can change.

Appointment vs. walk-in visits

Appointment visits

Most ATF offices are primarily investigative and administrative workspaces, not public-facing service counters, so scheduling ahead is the more reliable way to make sure the right person is available when you arrive.

Walk-in visits

Walk-in access varies by office and can change without notice. Some offices accommodate walk-ins for straightforward matters; others require an appointment for any in-person visit. Confirm current policy for the specific office before showing up unannounced.

Planning your visit

• Confirm the office's current hours and whether an appointment is required — this directory links out to directions, but not live hours.
• Bring a government-issued photo ID; ATF offices are federal facilities and typically require ID and security screening to enter.
• Know which office type you need — a field office for general matters, or the division office if your question is about the broader region.
• If your matter involves licensing, records, or a tip, check whether it's actually handled centrally at atf.gov before making the trip.
• Allow extra time for building security, especially at larger field and division offices located in federal buildings.

What to expect once you're there

• Federal buildings housing ATF offices typically require ID and security screening, similar to a courthouse or federal office building.
• Prohibited items (including weapons) are generally not allowed past security — check ahead if you're unsure about something you plan to bring.
• Follow front-desk or security staff instructions for checking in; most offices are not set up for unscheduled drop-in browsing.
• If you're unsure you have the right office, the division office or atf.gov's national contact channels can redirect you.