At A Glance: ATF fingerprints are typically required for Form 1, Form 4, and Form 5 submissions filed by individuals or by trusts/legal entities (for each responsible person). You can upload an .EFT file in eForms or mail FD-258 fingerprint cards in duplicate as required. Good prints and matching personal information help reduce delays in the approval process.
What “ATF fingerprints” means for NFA paperwork
Who has to submit fingerprints (individual vs trust/legal entity)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) fingerprinting shows up in the common public application process under the National Firearms Act. It applies to an individual filing an NFA application. It also applies to each responsible person tied to a legal entity, including a gun trust.
For a trust or legal entity, responsible persons must provide the required items. That includes the fingerprint requirement.
Which NFA forms trigger fingerprint collection
Fingerprint requirements most often appear in end-user workflows tied to:
- An ATF form to make an NFA item, such as a short-barreled rifle.
- An ATF form to transfer an NFA firearm, such as a suppressor.
- Other filings involving regulated NFA weapons, including some machine guns.
Have the serial number and item details ready before you start.
Two ways to submit ATF fingerprints (EFT vs FD-258)
Option 1: Upload an electronic .EFT file in eForms
An EFT fingerprint file is a fingerprint file used for electronic fingerprint transmission. A service provider captures digital fingerprints with a fingerprint scanner. The system packages the data into an electronic file called an EFT file.
Typical flow:
- You book an appointment with a fingerprinting service.
- The provider uses a scanner to capture digital fingerprinting data.
- You upload the electronic fingerprint file during the ATF eForm submission.
Option 2: Mail paper fingerprint cards (FD-258) after eForm submission
The paper route uses paper fingerprint cards. These are FD-258 cards. For this method, submit fingerprints in duplicate. That means two FD-258 fingerprint card copies for each responsible person.
Typical flow:
- You submit the atf eform.
- You receive a cover letter for any physical fingerprint cards still required.
- You mail the two cards per person with the cover letter within 10 days.
For the official ATF instructions on submitting an EFT file or mailing two FD-258 fingerprint cards within 10 days of eForm submission, see the ATF eForm 1 Fingerprint Options guide (Form 1, 2021R-08F).
Step-by-step: How the eForms fingerprint process works (Form 1 / Form 4)
Step 1: Collect fingerprints the right way
This is the first step. Get a clean fingerprint capture.
Common places include:
- A law enforcement agency or other law enforcement office.
- A sheriff’s office.
- A commercial fingerprinting services provider that offers Live Scan.
If you choose Live Scan and electronic fingerprinting:
- The provider captures digital fingerprints with a fingerprint scanner.
- You leave with an EFT file or access to the EFT fingerprint file.
If you choose physical fingerprint cards:
- You leave with completed FD-258 fingerprint card sets.
- Check the FD-258 card fields before you leave.
Bring what your provider asks for. A driver’s license is common. Some workflows also require a passport style photo. You may see it listed as a passport photo or passport picture.
Step 2: Submit your eForm and attach fingerprints
Start the ATF eForm and follow the screens for the atf application.
If you are uploading an EFT file:
- Upload the electronic fingerprint file for each responsible person.
- Verify you attached the correct file to the correct person.
If you are mailing FD-258 cards:
- Submit the atf eform first.
- Use the cover letter that eForms generates.
Confirm your NFA weapon details, including the serial number.
Step 3: After you submit your cover letter and the mailing window
If you are mailing physical fingerprint cards, the cover letter ties the print cards to your application.
Before you mail, confirm:
- The cover letter is included.
- Two FD-258 fingerprint card copies are included for each responsible person.
The prints are readable.
Mail the packet within 10 days of the eForms cover letter. Missing the window can slow the application process.
An FFL dealer may help coordinate these steps. Some shops charge an additional fee for fingerprint service help. A transfer fee may apply at pickup.
What happens after submission (ATF + FBI in plain English)
What eForms checks when you upload an EFT
When you upload an EFT file, the ATF form links the electronic fingerprint data to the correct person on the application. File issues and person mix-ups are common problems, especially when there are multiple responsible persons.
How prints support the background check process
After submission, the application moves into review at the ATF. Fingerprints support a background check that can include criminal history checks. This supports a thorough background check during the nfa application process. Once checks clear, the NFA branch continues the approval process.
Common issues that slow down ATF fingerprints
EFT upload issues (file problems and person mismatch)
Common issues include:
- Uploading the wrong EFT file for the wrong responsible person.
- Using the wrong file type instead of an EFT fingerprint file.
- Uploading a corrupted file.
Keep each electronic file labeled by person. Store the fingerprint file securely with other file services for the application.
FD-258 issues (smudges, missing fields, mailing mistakes)
Common issues include:
- Smudged prints.
- Missing fields on the fingerprint card.
- Mailing without the cover letter.
- Mailing only one card instead of the required duplicate set.
If you are using a law enforcement agency, ask them to review the cards before you leave.
For FFLs: A repeatable fingerprint workflow for NFA customers
One appointment flow (capture + photo + signatures)
Many shops aim for a single appointment.
A simple flow:
- Verify identity with a driver’s license.
- Capture fingerprints with a fingerprint scanner or complete paper cards.
- Take a passport picture if the workflow calls for it.
- Confirm entries match what the customer will submit in the atf eform.
Data handling basics (what to store, what not to store)
Fingerprints and personal information require careful handling.
Good habits:
- Limit access to fingerprint files.
- Use clear naming for each file.
- Store only what supports the application and required records.
FastBound + Cerberus LiveScan (Partner Spotlight)
What Cerberus LiveScan helps dealers do
Live Scan systems are designed for digital fingerprinting at the counter. Cerberus LiveScan supports electronic fingerprint capture that can produce an EFT file for ATF fingerprints.
In a shop workflow, it can support:
- Capturing digital fingerprints with a fingerprint scanner.
- Packaging the EFT file for upload to an atf eform.
- Collecting identity items in the same session.
This helps with common customer needs like a suppressor transfer or an sbr application.
Learn more about FastBound’s Cerberus LiveScan partnership
FastBound is committed to helping FFLs run a faster, safer NFA workflow with tools built for real shop use. That is why we partner with Cerberus LiveScan, a fingerprint system from Peterson Farms made for FFL dealers. It captures clean digital fingerprints, creates an EFT file quickly, and supports one-appointment completion with driver’s license barcode scanning and photo capture. Start your free trial with FastBound Today!
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