Silencer ownership is allowed in 42 of the 50 states.
In the United States, taxes and strict regulations affect the manufacture and sale of firearm sound suppressors under the National Firearms Act. They are legal for individuals to possess and use for lawful purposes in 42 of the 50 states. A prospective user must go through an application process administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE), which requires a federal tax payment of $200 and a thorough criminal background check. The tax payment buys a revenue stamp, which is the legal document allowing possession.