Serialization and 80% lower services

Sale, transfer, manufacture and import of unserialized firearms and unfinished frames or receivers becomes unlawful. If you plan to sell or transfer an unserialized build, it must be serialized before this date.

Possession of an unserialized firearm or unfinished frame/receiver becomes a Class 1 misdemeanor — even at home, with no intent to transfer. Second offence is a Class 4 felony.

HB 40 was signed on April 10, 2026. Content slot — bill status and any amendment history is maintained in the CMS so this page never carries a stale legal claim.

Under HB 40 a valid serial number is one imprinted by a federal firearms licensee authorized to serialize firearms under federal law, or otherwise assigned pursuant to state law or 26 U.S.C. § 5801.

If you engraved your own number on an 80% build without going through an FFL or registering it on a Form 1, that number is not valid under HB 40. A serial assigned through the Form 1 NFA process — an SBR, for example — does appear to qualify.

A Polymer80, a finished home build or a printed lower is already a firearm and only needs a serial. ATF Final Rule 2021R-05F treats marking a serial on a privately made firearm as customization, so returning it to the same owner requires no Form 4473 and no background check (27 CFR 478.124(a)).

This is our serialization-only service. The same person who dropped it off picks it up.

An unfinished receiver is not yet a firearm, so there is nothing to serialize. We have to manufacture it first — which makes the finished lower an Ironcrest-manufactured firearm that transfers back to you on a Form 4473 with a background check at pickup.

This is our 80% lower milling service. If you are not sure what you have, call us before any work begins.

Drop-off only — we do not accept shipped unserialized firearms. Drop-offs and pickups are in person, by appointment, at our North Chesterfield facility.

What firearms need to be serialized?

Any firearm without a valid serial number as HB 40 defines it — completed 80% builds, Polymer80 frames, printed firearms and any other homemade or unserialized weapon. A serial you applied yourself without an FFL or the Form 1 process also needs re-serializing by a licensee.

I serialized my own home build. Am I compliant?

Probably not. HB 40 defines a valid serial number as one imprinted by a federal firearms licensee or assigned through the NFA. A self-applied serial on a standard rifle or pistol build is not valid. A Form 1 NFA serial does appear to qualify.

Can I just get my unfinished 80% lower serialized?

No. An unfinished lower is not legally a firearm, so there is nothing to serialize. We manufacture it first, which makes it an Ironcrest-manufactured firearm that transfers back to you on a Form 4473 with a background check.

Is there a background check for serialization only?

Not for serialization only of an already-completed firearm. Under ATF Final Rule 2021R-05F, marking a serial on a privately made firearm is customization, and returning it to the same person requires no Form 4473 or NICS check (27 CFR 478.124(a)). The person who dropped it off must be the person who picks it up.

What serial format does HB 40 require?

The serial must begin with the licensee's abbreviated license number — first three and last five digits — followed by a hyphen and a unique identification number. We handle the format, the engraving and the recordkeeping.

Can any FFL do this?

The bill allows any FFL to serialize a firearm. Most FFLs have no engraving equipment and have never performed the service. We are a Type 07 manufacturer with in-house CNC equipment built for this work.

What about SB 749?

SB 749 is a separate bill restricting sale and manufacture of certain semi-automatic firearms, and it is currently enjoined. Serializing a firearm does not change its status under SB 749. Consult a firearms attorney if both bills affect your situation.

I have several firearms.

We offer volume pricing at five or more. Call us and we will scope the batch and the appointment length.

Book a serialization appointment

Tell us what you have and whether you need serialization only or 80% milling. We will confirm which service applies before you drive over.