How many fingerprint cards do I need for an FFL application?

You need two FD-258 fingerprint cards per responsible person. One is submitted with your Form 7 application to ATF, and one is sent to the FBI for background check processing. If you have 2 responsible persons, you need 4 cards total.

Who needs to submit fingerprints on an FFL application?

Every responsible person listed on the FFL application must submit fingerprints. This includes sole proprietors, all partners in a partnership, corporate officers, LLC members with management authority, and anyone with power to direct firearms acquisition or disposition.

What causes FFL fingerprint rejection?

Common rejection causes include: smudged or unclear prints, incomplete impressions, wrong ink type, incorrect form version, missing signatures, and improper ORI number. ATF recommends having prints taken by someone experienced in fingerprinting.

What is the ORI number for FFL fingerprints?

The ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) for ATF FFL applications is WVATF1100. This must be entered in box ORI on the FD-258 card. Using the wrong ORI will delay your application.

ATF Form 7 Fingerprint Requirements: Complete FFL Application Guide

Q: Does a Type 03 C&R FFL require fingerprints?

No. Type 03 Collector of Curios and Relics (C&R) is the only FFL type that does NOT require fingerprints or photographs. All other FFL types (01, 02, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11) require fingerprints.

Updated January 2026 12 min read

Applying for a Federal Firearms License (FFL)? Fingerprints are one of the most common stumbling blocks. This guide covers everything you need to know about Form 7 fingerprint requirements—from how many cards you need to avoiding rejection.

Quick Answer: Most FFL applications require 2 FD-258 fingerprint cards per responsible person. Type 03 (C&R) is the only exception—no fingerprints required.

ATF Form 7 Overview

ATF Form 7 (Application for Federal Firearms License) is the gateway to becoming a licensed firearms dealer, manufacturer, or importer. The form has multiple parts:

Form 7 Part A: Business information
Form 7 Part B: Responsible Person Questionnaire (RPQ)
Supporting Materials: Fingerprints and photographs

Each responsible person must complete Part B and submit their own fingerprints and photo. This is where most applications get complicated—especially for businesses with multiple owners.

Who Needs to Submit Fingerprints?

Every "responsible person" on your FFL application must submit fingerprints. The ATF defines responsible person as:

"In the case of a corporation, partnership, or association, any individual possessing, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the corporation, partnership, or association."

By Business Structure

Business Type	Who Needs Fingerprints
Sole Proprietor	The owner only
Partnership	All general partners
LLC	All members with management authority
Corporation	Officers, directors with firearm authority
Trust	Trustees with management power

Important: Employees who simply work at your gun shop do NOT need fingerprints for the FFL application. Only those with power to direct the acquisition, receipt, or disposition of firearms qualify as responsible persons.

How Many Fingerprint Cards Do You Need?

The ATF requires two FD-258 fingerprint cards per responsible person:

One card submitted with your Form 7 to ATF
One card sent to FBI for background check

Quick Calculator

Responsible Persons	FD-258 Cards Needed
1 (sole proprietor)	2 cards
2 (partners or spouses)	4 cards
3 (small LLC)	6 cards
4 (corporation)	8 cards

Pro tip: Order a few extra blank cards in case of errors. It's easier to redo one card than restart your entire application.

FD-258 Fingerprint Card Requirements

The FBI Form FD-258 is the standard fingerprint card accepted by ATF. Here's what you need to know:

Card Specifications

Form: FBI FD-258 (standard blue card)
Size: 8" x 8"
Stock: Standard card stock (not paper printouts)
Ink: Black fingerprint ink only

Required Information on Card

Full legal name (as it appears on Form 7)
Date of birth
Place of birth
Social Security Number (optional but recommended)
Sex, race, height, weight, eye color, hair color
Current address
Reason fingerprinted: "FFL Application"
ORI number: WVATF1100
Signature of person fingerprinted
Date taken
Signature of official taking fingerprints

The ORI Number Explained

ORI stands for Originating Agency Identifier. For FFL applications, the ORI is:

FFL Application ORI: WVATF1100

This tells the FBI that your fingerprints are being submitted for an ATF Federal Firearms License application. Using the wrong ORI (or leaving it blank) will delay your application.

Where to Enter ORI

The ORI goes in the "ORI" box on the FD-258 card, typically in the upper right section. Make sure whoever takes your fingerprints enters this correctly.

Where to Get Fingerprinted

ATF recommends having fingerprints taken by "someone regularly accustomed to fingerprinting." Options include:

Option 1: Local Law Enforcement

Police departments often offer fingerprinting
Sheriff's offices
Cost: Usually $5-25 per card
Call ahead—not all locations offer this service

Option 2: Private Fingerprinting Services

UPS Stores (some locations)
Fingerprinting companies
Cost: $25-50+ per card
Often more convenient hours

Option 3: DIY Fingerprinting

Purchase an ink pad and blank FD-258 cards
Follow FBI fingerprinting guidelines carefully
Cost: ~$15-25 for supplies
Higher risk of rejection if inexperienced

Quality Matters: Smudged or unclear prints are the #1 cause of fingerprint rejection. If you're doing DIY, practice on plain paper first before using your actual FD-258 cards.

Common Fingerprint Mistakes to Avoid

1. Wrong ORI Number

Always use WVATF1100 for FFL applications. Some fingerprinting services auto-fill a different ORI—double-check before they finalize.

2. Smudged or Rolled Prints

Each fingerprint should be a single, clear impression. Rolling your finger during the impression creates unusable prints.

3. Too Much or Too Little Ink

Prints should be dark enough to show ridge detail but not so inked that ridges blur together.

4. Missing Information

Every field should be completed. Blank fields delay processing.

5. Name Mismatches

Name on fingerprint card must exactly match name on Form 7. Include suffixes (Jr., III, etc.) if used on the application.

6. Old Cards

Some locations have outdated FD-258 cards. Ensure you're using the current version.

7. Submitting Copies

ATF requires original fingerprint cards, not photocopies or scans. Each card must have actual ink impressions.

What Happens If Fingerprints Are Rejected?

If ATF or FBI cannot process your fingerprints, you'll receive a notice requesting new cards. This delays your application by 2-4 weeks typically.

Rejection Process

ATF/FBI notifies you of rejection reason
You have a specified time to submit new cards
Get re-fingerprinted (address the specific issue)
Submit new cards to ATF
Processing continues

Tips to Avoid Re-Submission

Have prints taken by a professional if possible
Review cards before leaving the fingerprinting location
Ensure all information is complete and legible
Submit cards flat (don't fold or bend)
Use protective cardboard when mailing

Fingerprint Requirements by FFL Type

FFL Type	Description	Fingerprints Required?
Type 01	Dealer in Firearms	Yes - 2 per RP
Type 02	Pawnbroker	Yes - 2 per RP
Type 03	Collector (C&R)	NO
Type 06	Manufacturer of Ammunition	Yes - 2 per RP
Type 07	Manufacturer of Firearms	Yes - 2 per RP
Type 08	Importer of Firearms	Yes - 2 per RP
Type 09	Dealer in Destructive Devices	Yes - 2 per RP
Type 10	Manufacturer of Destructive Devices	Yes - 2 per RP
Type 11	Importer of Destructive Devices	Yes - 2 per RP

Type 03 Exception: The Collector of Curios and Relics license is the only FFL that does NOT require fingerprints or photographs. This makes C&R the fastest and easiest FFL to obtain.

Timeline & Processing

Typical FFL Application Timeline

Submission: Mail Form 7 with fingerprints and photos
Initial Review (2-4 weeks): ATF reviews for completeness
Background Check (2-4 weeks): FBI processes fingerprints
Field Office Assignment (1-2 weeks): Assigned to local IOI
Interview Scheduling (varies): IOI contacts you
On-Site Interview: IOI visits your premises
Final Approval (1-4 weeks): License issued

Total Time: 60-120 days typical, but varies significantly by region and ATF workload.

Fingerprint-Related Delays

Fingerprint issues can add 2-6 weeks to your timeline:

Rejection for quality: 2-4 weeks
Missing ORI: 1-2 weeks
Name mismatch: 2-3 weeks

After Your FFL Is Approved

Once you have your FFL, you may need fingerprints again for:

SOT Registration: If adding NFA dealing capability
eForms Account: Converting to EFT format for digital submissions
Adding Responsible Persons: Form 7CR requires new RP fingerprints
Renewal: Some changes may require new prints

Already Have Your FFL?

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