Guidelines for Applying for a Low Explosives User Permit - Part 1

NOTE: This information applies only to rocketeers who fly H motors and above.  If you are flying anything in the A through G range then you can ignore this information.

This page will guide you in filling out the new ATF form 5400.13/5400.16 for a LEUP.  There is a related page that shows you how to fill out the new ATF form 5400.28 that is required along with the 5400.13.  These pages are also available as a PDF file.  Filled out samples of 5400.13 and 5400.28 are also here as PDF's.  You can also obtain the blank form 5400.13 and 5400.28.

This tutorial will help you get a LEUP with contingency storage.  This means that any motors you don't burn that day will be stored by another LEUP holder who does have storage.

If you have secure building in which to store your magazine that is at least 75ft from the nearest inhabited building (including your residence), railroad, and highway, then you can fill out the Storage Magazine Worksheet and have approved storage at the same time as you receive your LEUP.  See the Orange Book on the ATF website for details on that type of storage.

We also have a separate tutorial if you are looking to get an attached garage storage variance.  Our advice is to get your LEUP with contingency storage first then apply for the variance.

Form 5400.13 Tutorial

Note: This tutorial is for the February 2003 revision of the 5400.13 form.  This version of the form requires a 2"x 2" passport type photograph and an FBI fingerprint card (in duplicate).  Good luck getting your LEUP.  I do not have any feedback from anyone using these new instructions.  If you use these instructions to apply for a LEUP, please send feedback to so that these instructions can be kept up to date.

This tutorial will guide you in filling out the new AFT Form 5400.13 for a Low Explosive User Permit (aka, LEUP). This tutorial assumes that you do not personally have an approved storage magazine, but instead will be using the magazine of another Permit holder that does have a storage magazine.  In addition this tutorial will cover filling out the Employee Possessor Questionnaire (EPQ) ATF Form 5400.28.  This form is required for all Explosive Permit Applications as of March 15, 2003 for new and renewal applications.

Contact your local ATFE agent about obtaining form 5400.13 for a new application, or you can use the copy at the back of this document or on the website.

Form 5400.13/5400.16

You'll notice that you now need to include a 2"x2" picture of yourself on the form.  That is a passport type picture and there are many places where you can get one made.  Hopefully you don't look like this guy.  I don't think he'll be getting his LEUP any time soon!  You will also need to visit your local police station to get fingerprinted.  I'd suggest using the form they ask for - FD-258.

Question 1: Enter your name.  Don't use a nickname, i.e. John Doe Smith rather than Johnny Smith.  Be consistant and enter it the same way on all questions asking for name.  Don't enter your middle name in one questions and then use an initial in another question.

Question 2: Leave it blank.  You are not operating a business.  You are applying for an individual LEUP.

Question 3: Even though it says that this is voluntary, please enter your SSN anyway.  Remember that we are trying to get this permit on the first try.  Don't give them a reason to reject your application.  It is the government.  They already have your number anyway.

Question 4:  Enter the county within your state where you reside.  'nuff said.

Question 5a: Enter a complete street address.  DO NOT ENTER P.O. NUMBERS.  If you give a PO number, you can just about bet that your form will be returned for changes.

Question 5b: If for some reason you can't receive mail at your premises then here is where you can give a PO number.  If you can receive mail at your premises then leave this blank.

Question 6: Since you gave them you complete address in Question 5, you can leave this one blank.

Question 7: Since you are an individual you do not have a business phone number.  Be sure you enter a valid phone number, including your area code.  If you can receive faxes then list that number as well.  Also give an e-mail address if you have one. The more ways they can contact you the better. Remember the goal, you want your LEUP on the first try.

Question 8: Check NO.  You are applying for an individual LEUP.

Question 9: Check individually owned.  This is a case of one form needing to fit a large number of different applicants.  The Individually Owned box is the one you need to use.

Question 10: Place a small X next to the $100 for type code 34.  This is what makes this an application for a LEUP.  Don't forget to mark either Check or Money Order, the number of the check or money order, and enter the total of $100.

Question 11: List all the below items to be safe:

Question 12: Mark NO.  Again, you are not a business, so you don't have operations.

Question 13:  This used to be question 17.  13(a) enter your name as you did in Question 1.  To play this as safe as possible you should enter your FULL NAME for all applicable questions.  13(b) enter "Owner". 13(c) give your SSN.  Make sure it matches Question 3.  13(d) enter your address as you did in Question 5.  13(e) enter your home and work phone numbers including  area code. 13(f) enter your date of birth with a four digit year, i.e. 1957 not 57.  13(g) enter the city and state of your birth.  13(h) enter USA (if you are not a US citizen be prepared for more questions.  13(i) enter male or female, not yes or no, (that was a joke. OK?) and your race.

Question 14-15:  Answer truthfully to each question.  If any are "YES", then you'd better contact your local ATFE and talk to an agent.

Question 16: List some hours, so the agent has some idea of when you contact you.  Don't list all evening hours.  The local agents work during the day which is when they are most likely to try to contact you.

Question 17: Mark a residence.  Again, you are not a business but you do have a residence.

Question 18: If you live in your own home then check Owned.  If you rent or lease your home or live in an apartment then check Leased/Rented and then give the name, address, and phone number of the owner.  I have no idea how much this may effect your application.  This is a new question.  Please relate your experience in this case by e-mailing .

Question 19: Mark "NO" since you are not a business.

Question 20: Mark "YES" and "Continental US".  You will be buying motors at LDRS, right?

Question 21: Leave it blank you are a type 34 not type 29.

Question 22a: You do not have storage of your own, therefore, check NO, fill out section J of the Explosives Storage Magazine Description Worksheet and attach a separate sheet that looks like the following:

In reference to Question 22a: If I am unable to use all materials, I will be using the storage of Joe Blowe, permit #9-XX-999-99-9X-99999.

Change Joe Blowe to the name of the LEUP holder that will be storing the material for you.  Change the permit # to the # of the named individual. Also have the named individual sign the sheet indicating your are authorized to use their storage.

Sign and date the form 5400.13 and for Title list "owner" and enter today's date.

Now make two copies of that form.  (The original and one copy will be sent with your check to the ATF. Be sure to include a picture with both copies sent to the ATF.  The last copy is for you to keep for your records.)  Don't forget your explanation page for question 22a.  Don't forget your fingerprint card.  Then fill out form 5400.28.

End of form 5400.13

Now you need to fill out ATF form 5400.28.

Copyright © 2003, Tulsa Rocketry
Page last modified Thursday, August 25, 2005