EFT File vs LiveScan for NFA Applications: Complete Comparison

Introduction

When submitting an NFA application through ATF eForms, you need to provide fingerprints in digital EFT format. You have two main options:

1. DIY EFT creation: Use ink cards or existing fingerprints and convert them yourself
2. Professional LiveScan: Visit a fingerprinting service that produces digital output

Both methods produce ATF-compliant fingerprint files. The right choice depends on your priorities: cost, convenience, time, and personal preference.

This guide compares both options to help you decide.

What Is an EFT File?

EFT (Electronic Fingerprint Transmission) is the digital file format ATF requires for eForms submissions.

How DIY EFT Creation Works

1. Capture fingerprints: Use an ink pad and FD-258 card at home
2. Scan the card: Create a high-resolution digital image (600 DPI)
3. Convert to EFT: Use SlapEFT to process and format the file
4. Download and use: Upload to ATF eForms

DIY EFT Advantages

• Low cost: $10 total with SlapEFT
• Convenience: Do it at home on your schedule
• Reusability: Create once, use forever
• Speed: Complete in 15-20 minutes
• Privacy: No third-party handling of your biometrics

DIY EFT Considerations

• Requires basic supplies (ink pad, FD-258 card, scanner)
• Some technique needed for clean prints
• Must be comfortable with basic computer tasks

What Is LiveScan?

LiveScan is digital fingerprint capture technology used by professional fingerprinting services.

How LiveScan Works

1. Visit a provider: UPS Store, IdentoGO, police department, etc.
2. Get fingerprinted: Place fingers on glass scanner
3. Receive output: Printed FD-258 cards and/or digital file
4. Convert if needed: Some files may need format conversion

LiveScan Advantages

• Professional equipment: High-quality scanners
• No technique required: Technician handles capture
• Immediate results: Walk out with your file
• Multiple outputs: Can get both cards and digital file

LiveScan Considerations

• Higher cost ($30-75 typical)
• Requires appointment and travel
• May need to explain NFA requirements to technician
• Digital file may still need conversion

Side-by-Side Comparison

Cost Analysis

DIY EFT Costs

For additional NFA items: $0 (reuse your existing EFT file)

LiveScan Costs

Total LiveScan: $25-85 depending on provider and requirements

Cost for Multiple NFA Items

Once you have an EFT file (from either method), you can reuse it forever. If you plan to buy multiple suppressors or build multiple SBRs, the per-item cost drops significantly:

DIY is more cost-effective, especially for multiple applications.

Convenience Comparison

DIY EFT Convenience

Best for: People who prefer doing things at home on their own schedule.

DIY EFT process:

1. Order supplies online (one-time, 2-3 day delivery)
2. Roll fingerprints at home (10 minutes)
3. Scan with any flatbed scanner (5 minutes)
4. Upload to SlapEFT and process (5 minutes)
5. Download ATF-ready file

Total time: 15-20 minutes (excluding supply delivery)

LiveScan Convenience

Best for: People who prefer professional handling and do not want to deal with supplies.

LiveScan process:

1. Find a provider that offers NFA-compatible output
2. Schedule appointment (may be same-day)
3. Travel to location
4. Get fingerprinted (5-10 minutes)
5. Receive file or cards
6. Convert to ATF format if needed

Total time: 30-60 minutes (including travel)

Scheduling Flexibility

• DIY: Any time—evening, weekend, whenever you have 20 minutes
• LiveScan: Business hours only, may need appointment in advance

Quality Considerations

Does LiveScan Produce Better Quality?

LiveScan equipment is professional-grade, but for ATF purposes, properly done ink prints work equally well.

What ATF needs:

• Clear ridge detail on all 10 fingers
• Proper file format (EFT)
• File size under 12MB
• Basic personal information

Both methods easily meet these requirements when done correctly.

Common Quality Concerns

Rejection Rates

ATF fingerprint rejections are rare regardless of method. When rejections occur, it is usually due to:

• File format issues (solved by SlapEFT)
• Missing fingerprints (capture all 10)
• Extremely poor quality (rare with either method)

Which Should You Choose?

Choose DIY EFT If:

• You want to save money
• You prefer doing things at home
• You have a scanner available
• You plan to submit multiple NFA applications
• You value privacy (controlling your own biometrics)
• You have irregular schedule or live far from services
• You are comfortable with basic technology

Choose LiveScan If:

• You have no scanner or do not want to buy supplies
• You prefer professional handling
• You have difficult fingerprints and want expert capture
• Cost is not a primary concern
• You need fingerprints immediately and a location is nearby
• You want physical FD-258 cards as backup

The Hybrid Approach

Some people use LiveScan initially, then keep the digital file for future use. If you already have LiveScan fingerprints from another purpose (CCW, employment), you can convert them with SlapEFT for $10—getting the best of both worlds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will ATF know which method I used?

No. The EFT file contains fingerprint images and metadata—not information about how the prints were captured. ATF cannot distinguish DIY from LiveScan.

Are LiveScan prints more likely to be approved?

No. Approval is based on background check results, not fingerprint capture method. Both methods produce equally valid biometric data.

Can I do DIY if I have worn/faint fingerprints?

Yes, usually. Try using more ink and pressing firmly. If you have significantly damaged fingerprints (from manual labor, medical conditions), LiveScan might be slightly easier. But most people with "difficult" prints succeed with DIY.

I already have LiveScan fingerprints. Do I need new ones?

No. If you have a digital file from LiveScan, convert it with SlapEFT's NIST converter. If you only have physical cards, scan and convert them. Either way, you do not need new fingerprints.

Which is faster for my first NFA application?

If you have supplies on hand, DIY is faster (20 minutes vs. travel + appointment). If you need to order supplies, LiveScan might be faster if you can get a same-day appointment nearby.

Can I use gun store fingerprinting services?

Yes, if they provide digital output. Many gun stores offer fingerprinting that produces EFT files directly. Ask if their output is ATF-compatible. If not, you can convert with SlapEFT.

What if my DIY attempt does not work?

SlapEFT provides support and guidance. If your first card does not scan well, you can try again—FD-258 cards are cheap. In rare cases where DIY is not working, you can always fall back to LiveScan.

Conclusion

Both DIY EFT creation and professional LiveScan produce valid fingerprint files for ATF NFA applications. Your choice depends on priorities:

For most NFA enthusiasts, DIY EFT through SlapEFT offers the best combination of cost, convenience, and quality. Once you have your file, you are set for all future applications.

Ready to create your EFT file? Start DIY conversion →

Have existing fingerprints? Convert them for ATF →