Planning an NFA project? Whether you're buying a suppressor (Form 4) or building an SBR (Form 1), here's how fingerprint requirements compare.
In This Guide
Quick Comparison
| Requirement | Form 1 | Form 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Making/building NFA item | Buying/transferring NFA item |
| Fingerprints | Required | Required |
| Format | EFT for eForms | EFT for eForms |
| Same EFT File? | Yes | Yes |
| Tax (2026) | $0 | $0 |
| Typical Wait | 30-60 days | 30-90 days |
Key point: Fingerprint requirements are IDENTICAL. Same format, same quality, same EFT file works for both.
ATF Form 4 (Transfer/Purchase)
What It's For
Buying an already-manufactured NFA item from a dealer:
- Purchasing a suppressor
- Buying a factory SBR
- Acquiring any manufactured NFA item
Fingerprint Requirements
- Submit fingerprints with Form 4
- EFT format for eForms (electronic)
- Physical FD-258 cards for paper filing
- Trust: All responsible persons
- Individual: Just you
Process
- Buy suppressor/SBR from dealer
- Complete Form 4 (dealer helps)
- Upload EFT fingerprints
- Pay tax and submit
- Wait for approval (30-90 days)
- Pick up item from dealer
ATF Form 1 (Make/Build)
What It's For
Building/making your own NFA item:
- Building an SBR from a pistol or rifle
- Converting a pistol to an SBR
- Making a short-barreled shotgun
- Building a suppressor (legal but complex)
Fingerprint Requirements
- Submit fingerprints with Form 1
- EFT format for eForms (electronic)
- Physical FD-258 cards for paper filing
- Trust: All responsible persons
- Individual: Just you
Process
- Have or acquire the host firearm (not yet NFA)
- Complete Form 1 yourself on eForms
- Upload EFT fingerprints
- Pay tax and submit
- Wait for approval (30-60 days)
- THEN make the item (add short barrel, etc.)
Important: With Form 1, you must wait for approval BEFORE making the item. Building an SBR before approval is a federal crime.
Using the Same EFT File
Great news: Your single EFT file works for:
- ✓ All Form 4 applications
- ✓ All Form 1 applications
- ✓ Any mix of both
- ✓ Unlimited uses
- ✓ Forever (no expiration)
Example: Typical NFA Collection
- Form 4: First suppressor (buy from dealer)
- Form 1: SBR build (convert AR pistol)
- Form 4: Second suppressor (different caliber)
- Form 1: Another SBR build
All four applications use the SAME EFT fingerprint file.
When to Use Each Form
Use Form 4 When:
- Buying a suppressor from a dealer
- Purchasing a factory-made SBR
- Acquiring any commercially manufactured NFA item
Use Form 1 When:
- Converting an AR pistol to SBR
- Putting a short barrel on a rifle receiver
- Building any NFA item yourself
- Making an SBS from a shotgun
Most Common Scenario
Most people start with a Form 4 (buying a suppressor), then later do a Form 1 (building an SBR). Having your EFT file ready makes both processes smooth.
