Need your NFA fingerprints TODAY? Here's how to go from zero to EFT file in under 2 hours.
Absolute Fastest Method: DIY at Home
Total time: Under 30 minutes
What You Need
- FD-258 fingerprint cards (order on Amazon, arrives 1-2 days)
- Ink pad (included in most kits)
- Smartphone with decent camera
Process
- Roll your prints (10 min)
- Photograph the card (2 min)
- Upload to SlapEFT (1 min)
- Receive EFT file (minutes)
Pro Tip: Keep a fingerprint kit at home. When you're ready to buy a suppressor, you can have your EFT file ready in 30 minutes.
Same Day Options
Option 1: DIY (Fastest)
- Time: 30 minutes total
- Cost: ~$15 kit + $10 conversion
- Availability: Any time, any day
Option 2: UPS Store
- Time: 1-2 hours (drive + service)
- Cost: $30-50 fingerprinting + $10 conversion
- Availability: Business hours, some weekends
- Note: Call ahead to confirm they do FD-258
Option 3: Local Police/Sheriff
- Time: 1-2 hours (may need appointment)
- Cost: $5-20 fingerprinting + $10 conversion
- Availability: Business hours, limited weekends
- Note: Some require appointments
Option 4: Gun Store with Services
- Time: 30-60 minutes
- Cost: $20-40 fingerprinting + $10 conversion
- Availability: Store hours
- Bonus: Often buying suppressor at same time
Weekend & After Hours Options
Saturday
- ✓ DIY at home (any time)
- ✓ UPS Store (most open Saturday)
- ✓ Gun stores (most open Saturday)
- △ Police (some have Saturday hours)
Sunday
- ✓ DIY at home (any time)
- △ UPS Store (some open Sunday)
- △ Gun stores (many open Sunday)
- ✗ Police (typically closed)
After 5 PM
- ✓ DIY at home (any time)
- ✗ Most professional services closed
Realistic Timeline
Scenario 1: I Need Fingerprints TODAY
You just bought a suppressor and need EFT file now:
- 11:00 AM: Realize you need fingerprints
- 11:15 AM: Drive to UPS Store
- 11:45 AM: Get fingerprinted ($35)
- 12:00 PM: Photograph card in parking lot
- 12:05 PM: Upload to SlapEFT
- 12:30 PM: Receive EFT file
- Total: ~90 minutes, ~$45
Scenario 2: DIY Same Day
You have a kit at home:
- 7:00 PM: Decide to buy suppressor
- 7:10 PM: Roll fingerprints at home
- 7:20 PM: Photograph and upload
- 7:45 PM: Receive EFT file
- Total: ~45 minutes, ~$10
Scenario 3: Plan Ahead (Recommended)
Get fingerprints before you need them:
- Weekend: Do DIY fingerprints casually
- Same day: Convert to EFT
- Save file: Ready for whenever you buy
- Months later: Instant EFT upload when you purchase
