How to Serialize a P80 Pistol

When you fabricate a P80 frame, you're legally creating a firearm under federal law. Building a firearm at home, for personal use, is perfectly legal to do, and you don't need a Federal Firearm License to do it. In some cases, you may need to serialize your homemade firearm -- especially if you live in a state that imposes additional restrictions on private gun makers beyond what federal law requires. So, here's a guide on how to serialize your polymer80 pistol.

"Do I need to serialize my P80 pistol?"

Federal law does not require homemade firearms manufactured by unlicensed individuals for personal use to have unique serial numbers. It is only recommended by the ATF, who oversees federal gun laws. When asked specifically, this is what the ATF had to say:

"Additionally, although markings are not required on firearms manufactured for personal use (excluding NFA firearms), owners are recommended to conspicuously place or engrave a serial number and/ or other marks of identification to aid in investigation or recovery by State or local law enforcement officials in the event of a theft or loss of the privately owned firearm."

Some states require serialization

Regardless of federal law, some states require homemade firearms to have unique serial numbers engraved. That includes California, which maintains a digital database for requesting a unique serial number for all homemade firearms. We'll cover how California residents can get a serial number for their Polymer80 frames below.

How to Serialize a P80 Frame

There are two ways to engrave your P80 frame: Mechanical engraving and laser engraving. Mechanical engraving can generally be done at home with hand tools, while laser engraving typically requires sending your P80 frame off to a gunsmith or FFL.

All P80 frames include a blank steel serialization plate for placing your unique serial number.

Mechanically engraving your serial number

With the right tooling, engraving your Polymer80 frame's serial number can be done at home. It's perfectly acceptable to use a handheld engraver, engraving bit, and some small stencils. If you've fabricated your Polymer80 pistol's frame using a small CNC machine (like the Ghost Gunner), you can grab some mill engraving bits to get the job done, too.

Use the free custom engraving file generator from the Ghostwriter website to generate an engraving file for your Ghost Gunner machine. Just select the correct P80 frame model in the "Job" dropdown menu.

Laser engraving your serial number

Laser engraving is done with a commercial-grade machine, so it's not something you can easily complete at home. Many FFLs and gunsmiths have access to laser engravers, though, so it's a simple matter of finding a local smith or shop that can apply your serial number and other information.

Laser engraving is quick and cheap -- most shop only charge $25.00 to $50.00 for a simple serial number job that includes your name and locale, as exampled above.

Serialization requirements

Since federal law doesn't require homemade firearms made for private use to have serial numbers, there are no official requirements when it comes to engraving your serial number. You don't need to make your engraving a certain size or dept, and you don't need to include your name, city, or state -- unless you live in a state that requires this information to be engraved, like California.

Serializing Your P80 in California

In July, 2018, California began requiring serialization of all homemade firearms. California created an online system for submitting a request for a unique serial number, which is issued by the state. That system is called the California Firearms Application Reporting System, or "CFARS". Here's how to obtain a serial number and engrave your P80 firearm in California:

1. Create CFARS Account

Navigate to the CFARS website. Click on "Create a CFARS Account," and follow the steps to register on the site.

2. Submit Application for Serial Number

Once you're registered on CFARS, you'll need to submit an application for a unique serial number, called a "USNA" application. In addition to the application itself, you'll also need to submit:

• Right thumbprint on a fingerprint ID card
• Copy of California driver’s license
• A $20.00 check to pay the state DOJ's fees
• A notarization from a California public notary

Send all the above documentation to:

Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms – PFEC
P.O Box 820200
Sacramento, CA, 94203-0200

3. Engrave Your Approved Serial Number

Once you've submitted your USNA application and the required paperwork, you'll need to wait for the California Dept. of Justice to approve your request. Once approved, you will receive your state-assigned unique serial number. You must engrave your firearm and provide proof of serialization in CFARS within 10 days of receiving your serial number.

California provides the following engraving requirements:

• The serial number must be engraved on 3.7 ounces of 17-4 PH stainless steel.
• The serial number's text must measure at least 1/16" in height.