Rifle proof of ownership question

Gary C · Dec 26, 2014

Hi all, I will be hunting in South Africa this summer. I want to take my own rifles however the rifle I want to use I purchased over 12 years ago and I do not have the receipt. I believe I will need some form of proof to fill out the US customs form 4457. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can get proof of ownership? Thanks.

graybird · Dec 26, 2014

I've never been required to show proof of ownership for any of the firearms I've ever had listed on my 4457 forms.

KWALATA SAFARIS · Dec 26, 2014

The 4457 as far as my knowledge goes is a customs deceleration that proves or rather serves as proof of ownership.

My best.

Divernhunter · Dec 26, 2014

Just show up with the firearms and that is all you need for the form. Be sure to write down the model and serial # of the scope also.
Be sure to fill out the form for your laptop/Binos/cameras also----Just in case you are asked about them.

The 3 rifles we took I bought in the 1970's and I have no receipts etc for them anyway.

Since my daughter and I went we each filled out a 4457 for each item. That way if something happened to one of us the other would have proof of ownership. Just covering all bases.

JimP · Dec 26, 2014

Go to the US Customs web site and find out where the closest Customs office is located where you live at. Then give them a call and see when is a good time for you to come by and have them fill out the 4457 form. You can also wait to have it done when you fly out but it is better if you get it done in advance, less waiting and trying to hurry go get things done. As was mentioned also take your camera's, binoculars, laptop, scopes, and what ever else has a serial number on it that you plan on taking on the trip to have it recorded on the 4457.

I keep mine with my passport but making a copy would not be a bad idea, but be aware a copy is not a valid 4457. It has to have the stamp on it for it to be so.

I have never had to show proof of ownership on anything that I have had placed on the form, but the item needs to be verified by the agent filling out the forum.

gillettehunter · Dec 26, 2014

Some offices do not require you to physically show them the firearm. My nearest is in Casper about a 2hr drive away. The agent and I have spoken a number of times on the phone. All I have to do is E-mail him the information and he fills out the 4457 and mails it to me. I have had several of these done over the last 10 yrs and have never had to physically show up with the firearm. Bruce

Wheels · Dec 26, 2014

to AH.

You have been given good advise. No receipt needed.

In Oklahoma City you just walk into the customs office carrying firearms. Yes, just carry firearms into a government office. Probably wouldn't do that in NYC or DC without calling first. Fill out the forms. (Get one 4457 for each firearm, camera, scope, computer, etc is best.) They verify the serial number, stamp the 4457 and you are good to go.

If you get one form for each item then on the next trip you can just take the form for the firearms/computer/camera/etc. you want to take. I have never done a 4457 for anything other than firearms and have never had a problem but it wouldn't hurt if I did.

All the best.

Gary C · Dec 26, 2014

Thanks guys, just got it taken care of and you were all correct. No receipt needed, thanks again.

Mr. 16 gauge · Jan 10, 2015

Last spring when I went to U.S. customs to get my 4457, I took my rifles and I had receipts for the one, but the other I've had since I was 17 (i.e. a LONG frickken time!). They did ask me at the desk if I had receipts.....I told them that I had a receipt for the one I bought a couple of years ago, but that I've had my .30-06 (a gift from my mom) for quite I while. The guy behind the counter just shrugged and said "O.K.", gave me the paper work to fill out and then inspected my guns, stamped my 4457 and I was on my way.
BTW: While they did ask if I had receipts, they never bothered to check them.

Red Leg · Jan 10, 2015

Wheels said:
to AH.

You have been given good advise. No receipt needed.

In Oklahoma City you just walk into the customs office carrying firearms. Yes, just carry firearms into a government office. Probably wouldn't do that in NYC or DC without calling first. Fill out the forms. (Get one 4457 for each firearm, camera, scope, computer, etc is best.) They verify the serial number, stamp the 4457 and you are good to go.

If you get one form for each item then on the next trip you can just take the form for the firearms/computer/camera/etc. you want to take. I have never done a 4457 for anything other than firearms and have never had a problem but it wouldn't hurt if I did.

All the best.

Believe it or not, the customs office at Dulles is in the international arrivals part of the main terminal. And they require one to bring the rifle in.

JimP · Jan 10, 2015

I believe that each officer does it different. A couple of years ago I made a appointment with one and he checked everything out in the parking lot and then we went inside while he filled out the 4457 with everything on the same form. Camera, binoculars, and scope. This last fall I went to the same office and different officer came out to the parking lot and filled out the 4457 right there but he filled out one 4457 for the rifle alone and another for the scope that I have on that rifle along with a new camera.

You just never know but both times that I have had it done they wanted to see the item to verify the serial numbers.

Mr. 16 gauge · Jan 10, 2015

I would call first.....I was told NOT to bring the rifles in the station with me; they checked them later in my vehicle.
I was also told that someone came into the station with two rifles.....neither in a case!!!!

Guess it made for some tense moments, and the "pucker factor" was high!

brushmore · Jan 10, 2015

Anyone have any experience with the Pittsburgh customs office? They are located in the airport on the other side of the TSA screening so I am guessing there's an alternative place to have your 4457 filled out.

CAustin · Jan 10, 2015

As others have said all you need to do is fill out the form take it to US Customsand they will take care of the rest. There will be no problems. Take also your passport or drivers license.

JimP · Jan 10, 2015

brushmore said:
Anyone have any experience with the Pittsburgh customs office? They are located in the airport on the other side of the TSA screening so I am guessing there's an alternative place to have your 4457 filled out.

Call them first and they will tell you what you need to do.

brushmore · Feb 11, 2015

brushmore said:
Anyone have any experience with the Pittsburgh customs office? They are located in the airport on the other side of the TSA screening so I am guessing there's an alternative place to have your 4457 filled out.

In case someone finds this in a search someday, I'll answer it. Turns out US customs has a small satellite office at Atlantic Aviation which is right off of business 376 at the cargo side of the airport. They are open in the mornings during the weekdays and no appointment is needed. I went this morning and was in and out in less than 5 minutes.

Grady · Feb 11, 2015

JimP said:
I keep mine with my passport but making a copy would not be a bad idea, but be aware a copy is not a valid 4457. It has to have the stamp on it for it to be so.

I have multiple 4457's from various trips and the customs agent actually told me to make copies of the completed ones and keep the original at home. He recommended that I put a copy in my gun case and keep one with the rest of my paperwork.

Bullthrower338 · Feb 11, 2015

Last year after we hunted down in Sonora, Mexico one of the guys we were hunting with was detained to his surprise for having a stolen rifle. He had bought it from his Uncle that had bought it years before from a pawn shop in San Antonio. Luckily he got caught coming out of Mexico rather than in. His gun was on a 4457 and he had a bill of sale from his uncle. Scared the hell out of him for sure! Beware of the pedigree of a used rifle! I hope somebody got their rifle back but I never heard anything more about it.

ActionBob · Feb 11, 2015

Mr. 16 gauge said:
I would call first.....I was told NOT to bring the rifles in the station with me; they checked them later in my vehicle.
I was also told that someone came into the station with two rifles.....neither in a case!!!! Guess it made for some tense moments, and the "pucker factor" was high!

I've been to the Minneapolis office 3 or 4 times and walked right in with rifles in the hard case. Very friendly and helpful and they always seem to be thrilled I have the form filled out before coming in. Never have called ahead, just walk in. The part that takes the longest is BSing about big bores and African hunting with the officer who never shoots anything bigger than a whitetail and uses an AR10 in 308.

Minnesota nice!

archer36 · Feb 13, 2015

I was told to get my 4457 done in advance. I went to Newark Airport Customs a week before my departure and they refused to do it in advance. I was pissed. Had to do it the day of my departure. My advice. Call the office and see how they want you to handle it. It may save you a lot of wasted effort.

Rifle proof of ownership question

Gary C

graybird

KWALATA SAFARIS

Divernhunter

JimP

gillettehunter

Wheels

Gary C

Mr. 16 gauge

Red Leg

JimP

Mr. 16 gauge

brushmore

CAustin

JimP

brushmore

Grady

Bullthrower338

ActionBob

archer36

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