The process is quite easy and can be done on line with ATF E-File.
First, you need to decide if you want to register your SBR as an INDIVIDUAL, meaning you are the only one who will be in possession of it (others can posses it with you present) or register it under a TRUST.
Because of the new changes in the law that mean the local Chief Law Enforcement Officer's signature for INDIVIDUAL registrations is no longer required, Trust's really don't do much other than make it easy for others listed in the trust to possess the SBR. The downside, if any to a trust, is ALL persons listed have to submit photos and fingerprints.
Registering as an INDIVIDUAL means only you will need to submit a phot and fingerprints.
First- go to ATF's E-File website and register with a user name and password.
Second- get a lower that you wish to register.
Third- Log into E-File, select FORM 1 (which is what you file when making an NFA item, such as an SRB).
Forth- Fill out the form, it's fairly straight forward. Pay the $200 tax stamp fee using a Credit Card. Take a selfie and upload it to your Form 1 application, then hit submit.
Fifth- Within 24-48 hours you will receive an E-mail with a COVER LETTER attachment. It will have a CONTROL NUMBER... send that letter in with two Finger Print Cards (your local police department probably provides this service for a fee) and wait. Current wait times are about 20-30 days.
Your approved Form 1 will come in an E-mail as an attachment, it won't have an actual stamp like Paper Form 1 submissions, that's normal.
At first, you will need to state what caliber and barrel length... but once approved, you can slap any upper on it you like.
Last thing, the lower will need to be engraved with your name (or Trust name) and City/State where made. Technically... even if you SBR an existing rifle, it's considered manufacturing.
Hope this helps. ATF also has an "Ask the experts" tab which they will be glad to answer questions and help you in the process.
