Sound suppressors, more commonly known as “silencers,” are legal in Alabama. Any person who is not prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law may purchase, possess, or use a silencer by state and federal law.
There are no specific laws prohibiting the purchase or possession of a silencer in Alabama. Federal law does place some restrictions on the manufacture, transfer, and possession of silencers. The National Firearms Act (NFA) regulates the manufacture, transfer, and possession of silencers and other NFA-regulated firearms. To lawfully purchase or possess a silencer, an individual must submit to a background check and pay a $200 tax stamp. There is no waiting period to purchase or possess a silencer in Alabama.
It is important to note that, although state law does not explicitly prohibit the use of silencers, the use of a silencer while hunting could result in the hunter being charged with violating state game laws. For example, Alabama Code Section 9-11-308 makes it unlawful to hunt deer with any device that could silence the discharge of a firearm.