Gun Trusts, State Lines, and Multiple Trustees: What You Need to Know
Owning NFA firearms requires more than just paperwork. If you’re using a gun trust, planning to travel across state lines, or want to add someone else to your trust, it’s important to understand the rules before making any moves.
At Spindler Law, we help clients across Michigan build gun trusts that follow both state and federal law—without the guesswork.
What Is a Gun Trust?
A gun trust is a legal tool used to hold and manage firearms. It’s commonly used for NFA-regulated items like:
Suppressors
Short-barreled rifles (SBRs)
Short-barreled shotguns (SBSs)
Machine guns
With a gun trust, you can name multiple trustees, which means others can legally use or possess the firearms—if they’re added properly and approved by the ATF.
Can a Trustee Live in Another State?
Yes. You can add a trustee who lives in another state, but it’s not as simple as just adding a name.
Each trustee must:
Be legally allowed to own firearms
Submit ATF Form 23, fingerprints, and a photo
Follow the firearm laws in their own state
Some states have stricter firearm laws than others. What’s legal in Michigan might not be legal where your trustee lives. Before adding anyone out of state, it’s smart to review local laws—or let an attorney do it for you.
Can You Cross State Lines With NFA Firearms?
Sometimes. It depends on the type of firearm.
You must file ATF Form 5320.20 and get approval before transporting these NFA items across state lines:
Machine guns
Short-barreled rifles (SBRs)
Short-barreled shotguns (SBSs)
This rule applies whether you’re moving permanently or just visiting another state.
On the other hand, suppressors and AOWs (Any Other Weapons) don’t require prior approval in most cases—but some states still ban them. Before you cross state lines, always check the local law.
What Happens When More Than One Person Uses the Firearms?
If multiple people want to legally use or transport NFA items, they need to be listed in the trust as responsible persons. That means:
They must be officially added
They need to go through the ATF background check
They can’t be prohibited from owning a gun
You can’t just hand off an SBR or suppressor to a friend or spouse unless they’re on the trust and cleared by the ATF.
Why You Should Work with an Attorney
A gun trust has to be done right the first time. Online templates often skip over key details—especially when it comes to crossing state lines or having out-of-state trustees.
At Spindler Law, we draft and review gun trusts that follow Michigan law and federal requirements. We also help with trust updates, adding trustees, and ensuring your paperwork is ready for ATF review.
Need Help with a Gun Trust in Michigan?
Whether you’re setting up your first trust or making changes to an existing one, Spindler Law can help you get it right. We work with clients in Milford and throughout Michigan to keep your firearms legal, secure, and properly managed.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step with confidence.
