Need to get fingerprinted for your Form 1 or Form 4 application? This guide covers all your options for getting FD-258 fingerprint cards completed, from local police to UPS Stores to doing it yourself at home.
In This Guide
Overview: Your Fingerprinting Options
| Option | Cost | Availability | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police/Sheriff | Free - $20 | Varies by location | Excellent |
| UPS Store | $15 - $30 | Widely available | Good |
| Private Services | $20 - $50 | Urban areas | Excellent |
| Gun Store/FFL | $10 - $30 | Some locations | Good to Excellent |
| DIY at Home | $10 - $25 (kit) | Always available | Varies |
Police Departments & Sheriff's Offices
Local law enforcement is often the most affordable option for fingerprinting. Many departments offer this as a community service.
What to Expect
- Cost: Free to $20 (varies by department)
- Wait time: Walk-in or appointment
- Quality: Generally excellent (trained technicians)
- FD-258 cards: You usually need to bring your own
How to Find
- Search "[your city] police fingerprinting"
- Call your local police non-emergency line
- Check your county sheriff's website
- Look for "Records" or "Community Services" sections
Tips
- Call ahead to confirm they do civilian fingerprinting
- Ask if they can use FD-258 cards (some only do digital live scan)
- Ask about appointment requirements
- Bring your own blank FD-258 cards
Note: Some departments only offer live scan (digital fingerprinting), which doesn't produce FD-258 cards. Confirm they can do ink-based fingerprinting on your cards.
UPS Store Fingerprinting
Many UPS Store locations offer fingerprinting services through their notary/business services. This is often the most convenient option.
Finding a UPS Store
- Go to The UPS Store locator
- Enter your zip code
- Filter by "Fingerprinting" service
- Call to confirm FD-258 card compatibility
What to Expect
- Cost: $15-30 typically
- Wait time: Usually walk-in friendly
- Hours: More flexible than police departments
- Cards: Some provide cards, others require you bring them
Tips for UPS Store
- Call ahead to confirm they have the service
- Ask if they're familiar with FD-258 cards
- Bring your own cards if possible
- Go during slower hours for better attention
Private Fingerprinting Services
Private fingerprinting companies specialize in professional fingerprint capture. They're often more experienced with ATF-specific requirements.
How to Find
- Search "fingerprinting service near me"
- Search "FD-258 fingerprinting [your city]"
- Check Google Maps for "fingerprinting"
- Look for services advertising "ATF" or "FBI" fingerprinting
What to Expect
- Cost: $20-50
- Quality: Usually excellent
- Convenience: Appointments readily available
- Knowledge: Often very familiar with ATF requirements
Popular National Services
- IdentoGO (offers mobile fingerprinting in some areas)
- Fieldprint (appointment-based locations)
- Local notary services with fingerprinting
Gun Stores & FFL Dealers
Some gun stores and Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealers offer fingerprinting, especially those that deal with NFA items regularly.
Benefits
- Staff understands ATF requirements
- Often have FD-258 cards available
- Can answer questions about your NFA application
- May offer bundle deals with other services
How to Find
- Call local gun stores that handle NFA transfers
- Ask suppressors dealers if they offer fingerprinting
- Check Class III dealers in your area
Pro Tip: If you're buying a suppressor, ask your dealer if they offer fingerprinting. Some include it as part of their service or offer discounts.
DIY Fingerprinting at Home
You can legally fingerprint yourself at home. Many NFA enthusiasts do this successfully, especially if they plan to submit multiple applications.
What You Need
- FD-258 cards: Order online ($1-3 each)
- Fingerprint ink pad: Lee brand recommended ($10-15)
- Clean, flat surface: Table or counter
- Patience: Practice makes perfect
DIY Fingerprinting Tips
- Clean hands thoroughly - remove oils and dirt
- Use minimal ink - too much causes smearing
- Roll slowly - edge to edge, nail to nail
- Relaxed fingers - tension causes poor prints
- Practice on scrap paper first
- Do multiple cards - pick the best ones
Where to Buy Supplies
- FD-258 cards: Amazon, eBay, or direct from ATF
- Ink pads: Amazon (search "Lee fingerprint ink")
- Complete kits: Various vendors on Amazon ($15-25)
For detailed DIY instructions, see our DIY Fingerprinting Guide.
State-by-State Tips
Texas
Many gun stores offer fingerprinting. UPS Stores widely available. DPS offices sometimes offer services.
Florida
Sheriff's offices commonly offer fingerprinting. Private services abundant in urban areas.
Georgia
County police departments usually offer services. Many gun stores in Atlanta area provide fingerprinting.
Ohio
Sheriff's offices vary by county. UPS Stores are reliable option.
Pennsylvania
State police barracks sometimes offer services. Private services available in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas.
California
Live scan is common but doesn't work for ATF. Find services that specifically offer FD-258 ink cards.
Rural Areas
DIY is often the best option in rural areas. Gun stores and sheriff's offices are secondary options.
After Getting Fingerprinted
Once you have your completed FD-258 card, you need to convert it to EFT format for electronic ATF filing:
- Photograph or scan your card at high resolution
- Upload to SlapEFT for conversion
- Receive your .eft file within minutes
- Upload to ATF eForms with your application
Have Your FD-258 Card?
Convert it to ATF-ready EFT format in minutes. Use your EFT file for unlimited applications.
Convert Now →