Using FBI Fingerprint Files for ATF eForms: Conversion Guide

How to convert FBI channeler and background check fingerprints to ATF-compliant format for NFA applications.

Introduction

If you have been fingerprinted for an FBI background check—whether for employment, security clearance, volunteer work, adoption, or immigration—you might wonder if those fingerprints can be reused for ATF NFA applications.

The answer is yes, if you can obtain the file. FBI fingerprints follow the EFTS (Electronic Fingerprint Transmission Specification) standard, which can be converted to ATF-compliant EFT format. The challenge is getting access to your fingerprint file in the first place.

This guide explains where FBI fingerprints come from, how to request copies, and how to convert them for use with ATF eForms.

Where FBI Fingerprint Files Come From

FBI fingerprints are collected through several channels:

FBI Channelers

FBI-approved channelers are private companies authorized to collect fingerprints and submit them to the FBI for background checks. They serve various industries:

Major channelers include Fieldprint, IdentoGO, Accurate Biometrics, and others.

Law Enforcement Agencies

State and local police can submit fingerprints to the FBI for criminal background checks. These may be associated with:

Federal Agencies

Various federal agencies submit fingerprints to the FBI:

FBI Systems

All these fingerprints ultimately go to one of the FBI's systems:

FBI File Format (EFTS)

FBI fingerprints are stored and transmitted using EFTS (Electronic Fingerprint Transmission Specification).

What Is EFTS?

EFTS is the FBI's implementation of the ANSI/NIST-ITL biometric standard. It defines:

EFTS vs ATF EFT

Both EFTS (FBI) and ATF's EFT requirements are based on ANSI/NIST-ITL. The core fingerprint data is compatible. Differences include:

Conversion involves reformatting the file to meet ATF-specific requirements while preserving the fingerprint images.

Can You Convert FBI Fingerprints for ATF?

Yes—if you can obtain the actual file.

The File Is What Matters

Having been fingerprinted for an FBI background check is not enough. You need the actual digital fingerprint file to convert. If you only went through the fingerprinting process but never received a file, you do not have anything to convert.

Accessing FBI Fingerprint Files

There are two potential sources:

  1. The FBI channeler who processed your fingerprints

    Some channelers retain copies of fingerprint files and can provide them upon request. This is your best option.

  2. The FBI directly

    You can request your own records from the FBI, but they typically provide identity history summaries (rap sheets), not fingerprint files. Getting the actual biometric file is difficult.

How to Obtain Your FBI Fingerprint File

Option 1: Contact the Original Channeler

If you remember which service fingerprinted you, contact them directly:

  1. Find the channeler's customer service contact
  2. Provide your identification information and approximate date of fingerprinting
  3. Ask if they retain fingerprint files and can provide a copy
  4. Be prepared to pay a fee (typically $10-30) and verify your identity

Success rate: Varies. Some channelers retain files for years, others delete after processing. It is worth trying.

Option 2: Contact Your Employer/Sponsor

If you were fingerprinted for employment or another organization:

  1. Contact HR or the department that arranged your background check
  2. Ask if they retained a copy of your fingerprint file
  3. Request a copy for personal use

Success rate: Low. Most organizations do not retain fingerprint files after background checks complete.

Option 3: FBI FOIA Request

You can request your own records from the FBI:

  1. Submit a Privacy Act request to FBI CJIS Division
  2. Provide fingerprints to verify your identity
  3. Request your "Identity History Summary" and any associated records

Important: The FBI typically provides text records (criminal history), not fingerprint image files. You may receive confirmation that fingerprints exist but not the actual files.

For more information: FBI Identity History Summary Checks

Reality Check

Getting FBI fingerprint files is often difficult. If your attempts fail, getting new fingerprints through SlapEFT ($10) is faster and easier than navigating bureaucratic processes.

Converting FBI Files to ATF Format

If you successfully obtain your FBI fingerprint file, conversion is straightforward:

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Verify your file format (should be .eft, .efts, .nst, or similar)
  2. Go to SlapEFT NIST to ATF Converter
  3. Upload your FBI fingerprint file
  4. System validates the file and extracts fingerprints
  5. Review your personal information (update if needed)
  6. Pay $10 and download your ATF-compliant EFT file

What SlapEFT Handles

What You Get

An ATF-compliant EFT file ready to upload to eForms for your Form 1, Form 4, or Form 5 application. The file can be reused for unlimited future NFA applications.

Common Issues and Solutions

Issue: Channeler Cannot Find Records

Many channelers purge fingerprint files after processing (30-90 days typical).

Solution: Get new fingerprints through SlapEFT or another service.

Issue: File Is Over 12MB

FBI files often include high-resolution images and extra data, exceeding ATF's limit.

Solution: SlapEFT automatically compresses during conversion.

Issue: File Contains Extra Biometrics

Some FBI files include facial photos, palm prints, or iris scans.

Solution: SlapEFT extracts only the fingerprint records needed by ATF.

Issue: FBI Provides Text Record, Not File

FBI FOIA requests often return identity summaries (text), not fingerprint images.

Solution: A text record cannot be converted. You need the actual biometric file or new fingerprints.

Issue: Name Has Changed Since FBI Fingerprinting

Your fingerprints are still valid, but metadata may not match your current name.

Solution: Update personal information during SlapEFT conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fingerprints from my security clearance for a suppressor?

If you can obtain the actual fingerprint file from the clearance process, yes. Contact the agency or contractor that processed your clearance. However, many agencies do not provide copies to individuals.

Are FBI fingerprints higher quality than other sources?

FBI channelers use professional equipment, so quality is generally good. However, for ATF purposes, quality only matters to the extent that prints are clear and complete. Properly done DIY fingerprints work just as well.

Can I get fingerprints from the FBI database directly?

Not practically. The FBI maintains fingerprint records but does not provide biometric files to individuals upon request. You might confirm records exist but not receive the actual images.

I was arrested years ago. Can I use those fingerprints?

Technically, if you could obtain the file, yes. Practically, law enforcement arrest fingerprints are not provided to subjects. Those records are for criminal justice purposes only.

Do FBI fingerprints expire?

Fingerprints themselves do not expire. However, some background checks require recent fingerprints. For ATF NFA purposes, there is no recency requirement—old fingerprints work fine.

Is it worth trying to get my FBI fingerprints?

If you have a relationship with the channeler or organization that might have retained files, it is worth a quick call. If not, getting new fingerprints ($10 via SlapEFT) is faster than navigating bureaucratic processes that may not yield results.

Conclusion

FBI fingerprints CAN be converted for ATF eForms use—the file formats are compatible. The challenge is obtaining the actual file:

If you do obtain your FBI fingerprint file, SlapEFT converts it to ATF-compliant format instantly. If you cannot obtain it, do not stress—new fingerprints are quick and affordable.

Have an FBI fingerprint file? Convert it now →