Running a Class III dealership means processing NFA transfers daily. Here's how fingerprints work for SOT dealers.
In This Guide
What is Class 3/Class III?
Class III (often called "Class 3") refers to a Special Occupational Taxpayer (SOT) classification:
- Class I: Importer of NFA firearms
- Class II: Manufacturer of NFA firearms
- Class III: Dealer of NFA firearms
Requirements to Become Class III
- Valid Type 01 (dealer) or Type 02 (pawnbroker) FFL
- Pay annual SOT tax ($500 for most dealers)
- Register on ATF Form 5630.7
Dealer Fingerprint Requirements
For Your FFL License
When obtaining your underlying FFL:
- Two FD-258 cards per responsible person
- Submitted with Form 7 application
- Paper format (mailed to ATF)
For eForms Operations
As an active dealer processing eForms:
- EFT digital fingerprint file
- Uploaded to your dealer eForms account
- Used for dealer certifications
Converting Paper to EFT
Most dealers already have FD-258 cards from their FFL. Convert them:
- Photograph or scan your existing cards
- Upload to SlapEFT
- Receive EFT file for eForms
- No new fingerprinting needed
Handling Customer Transfers
Form 4 Customer Purchases
When a customer buys an NFA item:
- Customer provides their fingerprints (EFT)
- Dealer initiates Form 4 on eForms
- Dealer certifies with their info
- Customer's fingerprints uploaded to form
- Both parties submit
Customer Fingerprint Options
Dealers can help customers get fingerprints:
- In-house kiosk: Digital capture systems
- DIY cards: Customer brings FD-258
- Partner services: Recommend SlapEFT for conversion
Trust Transfers
When customer uses an NFA trust:
- Each responsible person needs fingerprints
- Multiple EFT files may be needed
- Trust documents required
Dealer Sample Acquisitions
Pre-86 Transferables
Acquiring pre-86 machine guns for inventory:
- Form 3 (dealer to dealer): Tax-free, faster
- Form 4 (from individual): $200 tax, standard wait
- Dealer's fingerprints on file work for both
Post-86 Dealer Samples
Acquiring post-86 samples (demo letters required):
- Form 3 from manufacturer/importer
- Must have law enforcement demo letter
- Same fingerprint requirements as other Form 3s
Form 3 Processing
Tax-free dealer-to-dealer transfers:
- Both dealers on eForms
- Faster approval than Form 4
- Fingerprints already on dealer accounts
Dealer Pro Tips
Streamline Customer Experience
- Recommend SlapEFT to customers for quick EFT conversion
- Keep blank FD-258 cards in stock
- Partner with local fingerprinting services
- Consider in-house digital capture
Manage Multiple Responsible Persons
If your business has multiple owners/officers:
- Each needs their own EFT file
- Update when adding/removing persons
- Keep files organized by person
Renewal Preparation
Before FFL renewal:
- Get fresh FD-258 cards
- Update responsible person list if changed
- Convert new cards to EFT immediately
Common Dealer Questions
Can customers use my fingerprint kiosk?
If you have digital capture equipment, yes. Many dealers offer this as a service. Ensure equipment meets ATF specs.
What about out-of-state transfers?
For interstate NFA transfers, fingerprint requirements are the same. The Form 4 just takes longer due to additional processing.
Do I need fingerprints for Form 2?
Form 2 (Notice of Firearms Manufactured) doesn't require fingerprints. It's a notification form, not an application.
