4457 Time To Complete?

[Catahoula]

I need to get the 4457 completed (Two rifles) for my upcoming November hunt. Once I get to the CBP office, how much time does it typically take? I know there are a lot of variables, but I'm looking for a ballpark number. Should I expect an hour or less, or?? The reason I ask is that it is nearly two hours to the closest office and I'm trying to avoid burning additional vacation time to get this taken care of. Thanks!

 

[cpr0312]

Somewhere in the 10 -30 minute range depending on how busy they are

 

[Catahoula]

Somewhere in the 10 -30 minute range depending on how busy they are

Thanks for the quick reply! Should I have the form completed in advance, or do they fill it out?

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Thanks for the quick reply! Should I have the form completed in advance, or do they fill it out?

Yes you should complete the form in advance, have it filled in black ink but not sign it.

 

[BRICKBURN]

To that end, here is the link to the form online.

https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/CBP Form 4457_0.pdf

 

[JimP]

The first thing that I would do is to call the office that you plan on going to and ask them when the best time is for you to show up to fill out the form and what they want you to do.

Both times that I have done this I have had a paper copy with all the information on it for what I wanted on the 4457 so that when the officer checked the rifles, scopes, camera, computers, or what ever all they need to do was to verify the information from my copy with the object that I wanted on the form.

They then went into their office to fill out their own form and stamp and sign it. They have never used the form that I have printed off the internet.

One suggestion to you is to have each rifle listed on a different 4457. That way if you plan on taking just one rifle out of the US you won't have to ask questions about were the other rifle is at. Each of my hunting rifles have their own 4457 along with the scope that is on it listed on the 4457.

 

[Waterguy631]

I second the call first our customs office only does these on Tuesdays.

 

[BWH]

The hardest thing for me was to pin down the officer, when he would actually been in his office. Once I was able to confirm he would be where he said he was supposed to be.... 10 min.

 

[BWH]

Yes you should complete the form in advance, have it filled in black ink but not sign it.

I had mine completely filled out.... He through it in the garbage & did his own. Go figure.

 

[robertq]

The best is let the CBP fill it out and make an appointment......

 

[greyfox]

Depending on where you're located - 10 minutes.
Here you have to schedule an appointment.

 

[Catahoula]

Thanks for all of your replies. I'll give them a call this afternoon to find out if I need an appointment.

 

[Catahoula]

I just called. They were very helpful. No appointment needed and they said it would take about 10 minutes. Another question.....I will be taking two rifles. One a bolt action, the other a Ruger No. 1. The bolt action is easy, I'll remove the bolt when I put it in the case. Do I need to cut the foam so that the action on the number one is open as well?

 

[JimP]

For when? When you take it in to get the 4457 or when you you are checking in at the airline?

I didn't worry about the action, I just made sure that the firearms were unloaded and cased. I then let the officer open the case or instruct me to open it to get the 4457.

On the flight check in I left the bolt in the rifle and neither the TSA attendant or the airline check in person gave it a second thought.

 

[Catahoula]

For when? When you take it in to get the 4457 or when you you are checking in at the airline?

I didn't worry about the action, I just made sure that the firearms were unloaded and cased. I then let the officer open the case or instruct me to open it to get the 4457.

On the flight check in I left the bolt in the rifle and neither the TSA attendant or the airline check in person gave it a second thought.

When I called, the officer said to make the weapon safe when I brought it in. Unloaded and with the action open. I'll take the bolt out of the Remington, but won't worry about the No. 1.

 

[CAustin]

All they want is for the actions to be open! Fill out the firms in advance! Make three copies and the office will stamp all three fir you! Then you have one fir your temporary permit on to keep in the gun case behind the foam to prove they are yours when you come home. That leaves one extra! Never taken me more than ten minutes!

 

[JimP]

All they want is for the actions to be open! Fill out the firms in advance! Make three copies and the office will stamp all three fir you! Then you have one fir your temporary permit on to keep in the gun case behind the foam to prove they are yours when you come home. That leaves one extra! Never taken me more than ten minutes!

The first time that I went in I had the form off of the net and all they used it for was to verify serial numbers then gave it back to me. All the information was transferred over to one of their "official" forms in red ink and then stamped.

 

[greyfox]

I cut my foam so both rifles have the serial numbers up, no need to put their grubby mitts on my weapons.
Bolts are removed and stored separately.
For a single, I'd store it closed but if you lift it out of the case, then, of course, open the action.

 

[robertq]

Catapult, I recommend that you fill out two 4457s: one for each firearm. This will make it easier any time you travel because the rifles are registered individually.

 

[Buff-Buster]

Catapult, I recommend that you fill out two 4457s: one for each firearm. This will make it easier any time you travel because the rifles are registered individually.

+1 .... Make a few color copies and laminate them. They're good for as long as you have your firearms.