Reply #23: The Sheriff/CLEO does not grant "permission" on an ATF form 4.

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

The only thing the signature means is that the laws in your area do not prohibit the possession of the NFA device. It is not permission, it is certification of legality. Officials in power just like to relish the idea that it is "their permission"... it is not. Even if you can't obtain a signature, there is a process to take up with the ATF to certify the legality of the item in your area when no bone-headed official in your area will sign your form. It's generally just easier for the ATF (a federal entity) to ask for verification from a local official than to scour city, county, and state laws for certification of legality of hundreds of applications every day.

Several public officials with jurisdiction in your area can sign off too.
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