Converting LiveScan Fingerprint Exports to ATF EFT Format

What Is LiveScan?

LiveScan is digital fingerprinting technology that captures fingerprints electronically using a glass platen scanner, rather than traditional ink and paper. The fingerprints are immediately converted to digital format and can be transmitted electronically.

Where You Find LiveScan

LiveScan stations are available at:

• UPS Stores: Many locations offer fingerprinting services
• IdentoGO centers: Dedicated enrollment centers nationwide
• FedEx Office: Some locations
• Shipping/printing stores: Various local providers
• Private fingerprinting services: Standalone fingerprinting businesses
• Some police departments: For public fingerprinting

How LiveScan Works

1. You place your fingers on a glass scanner
2. The system captures a digital image of your fingerprints
3. Images are processed and can be printed on FD-258 cards or transmitted electronically
4. For background checks, files are typically sent directly to requesting agencies

Can You Use LiveScan for NFA Applications?

Yes—if you can get the digital file.

Two Scenarios

Scenario 1: Getting LiveScan specifically for NFA

If you are getting fingerprinted now for an NFA application:

• Ask the LiveScan provider for an EFT file output
• Some providers can generate ATF-compatible files directly
• If not, get any NIST-format export and convert with SlapEFT

Scenario 2: Reusing existing LiveScan fingerprints

If you were previously fingerprinted via LiveScan (for background check, CCW, etc.):

• Contact the provider to request a copy of your file
• Some retain records; others do not
• If you can get the file, convert it with SlapEFT

Getting Your LiveScan File

When Getting Fingerprinted (New)

If you are scheduling a LiveScan appointment specifically for NFA purposes:

1. Call ahead and ask if they can provide an EFT file
2. Explain the purpose: "I need an EFT file for an ATF eForms submission"
3. Ask about formats: Can they provide .eft, .nst, or other NIST formats?
4. Request delivery method: Email, USB drive, or download link

Tip: Not all LiveScan operators are familiar with NFA requirements. Be patient and specific about what you need.

When Requesting Previous Fingerprints

If you were fingerprinted at a LiveScan location before:

1. Find the provider's contact information
2. Explain that you were fingerprinted there previously
3. Ask if they retain fingerprint files and can provide a copy
4. Be prepared to verify your identity and possibly pay a fee

Reality check: Many providers delete files after transmission (30-90 days typical). If they do not have your file, you will need new fingerprints.

Common LiveScan Providers

UPS Store

Many UPS Store locations offer fingerprinting services. Capabilities vary by location:

• Most can print FD-258 cards
• Some can provide digital files upon request
• Call your local store to confirm services
• Typical cost: $30-50

IdentoGO (IDEMIA)

IdentoGO operates dedicated enrollment centers nationwide:

• Professional equipment and trained staff
• Can produce various output formats
• Primarily serves government/employment background checks
• May be able to provide NFA-compatible files—ask specifically

Fieldprint

Another major fingerprinting network:

• Serves employment, licensing, and volunteer screening
• Professional-grade equipment
• File availability varies—contact directly

Local Fingerprinting Services

Independent fingerprinting businesses vary widely:

• Some specialize in NFA/firearms fingerprinting
• May be more flexible about file formats and delivery
• Search "[your city] fingerprinting NFA" to find specialists

Police Departments

Some police departments offer public fingerprinting:

• Usually provide physical cards, not digital files
• Less likely to accommodate special format requests
• Often low cost or free

LiveScan File Formats

LiveScan systems can output fingerprints in various formats:

NIST/ANSI Formats (Convertible)

• .eft — Electronic Fingerprint Transmission
• .nst — NIST standard format
• .an2 — ANSI/NIST Type-2 record
• .ebts / .efts — Biometric transmission formats

All of these can be converted to ATF-compliant format with SlapEFT.

Proprietary Formats (May Require Export)

Some LiveScan systems use proprietary internal formats. The operator may need to export to a standard NIST format before providing the file.

Physical Cards

If the LiveScan provider can only give you printed FD-258 cards (not a digital file):

• Take the cards home
• Scan at 600 DPI
• Convert with SlapEFT card conversion

Converting to ATF Format

If You Have a Digital File

1. Go to SlapEFT NIST to ATF Converter
2. Upload your LiveScan export file
3. System validates format and extracts fingerprints
4. Review/update personal information
5. Pay $10 and download ATF-compliant EFT file

If You Have Physical Cards from LiveScan

1. Scan your FD-258 card at 600 DPI
2. Go to SlapEFT Card Conversion
3. Upload your scan
4. Follow the guided process
5. Pay $10 and download ATF-compliant EFT file

What SlapEFT Handles

• Format normalization: Converts various NIST formats to ATF requirements
• Compression optimization: Ensures file is under 12MB
• Metadata adjustment: Sets appropriate fields for ATF submission
• Quality validation: Verifies fingerprints are present and readable

Troubleshooting

Provider Says They Cannot Provide Digital Files

Options:

• Ask if they can export to any NIST format (they may not know ATF-specific terms)
• Request printed FD-258 cards instead, then scan and convert
• Try a different provider

Provider Does Not Retain Files

Many LiveScan locations delete files after transmission to the requesting agency.

Solution: Get new fingerprints and specifically request a copy of the file at time of capture.

File Format Not Recognized

If SlapEFT does not recognize your file:

• Check file extension—should be .eft, .nst, .an2, or similar
• File may be proprietary format—ask provider to export to NIST standard
• File may be corrupted—request new copy from provider

File Too Large After Conversion

SlapEFT automatically compresses to under 12MB. If you are using another tool and get oversized output:

• Run the file through SlapEFT for optimization
• Or request lower-resolution export from LiveScan provider

Missing Fingerprints in Output

If your converted file is missing some fingerprints:

• Original capture may have been incomplete
• Some fingers may not have been captured clearly
• Contact LiveScan provider about the issue, or get recaptured

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does LiveScan cost for NFA purposes?

Typically $30-50 at commercial locations. Some providers charge extra for digital file delivery. Compare this to SlapEFT DIY ($10) to see if the convenience is worth the premium.

Is LiveScan quality better than DIY fingerprints?

LiveScan uses professional equipment that captures high-quality images. However, properly done DIY fingerprints on ink cards also produce acceptable quality for ATF. The key is clear ridge detail, which both methods can achieve.

Can I use LiveScan from any provider for NFA?

Yes, as long as you can get the digital file in a NIST-compatible format. The fingerprinting itself is standard—only the output format and your ability to obtain it vary.

Do LiveScan fingerprints expire?

No. Like all fingerprints, LiveScan captures do not expire. If you have the file, you can use it indefinitely for ATF applications.

I got LiveScan for my CCW. Can I use the same fingerprints for a suppressor?

If you can obtain the file from that session, yes. Contact the provider to request a copy. See our CCW fingerprints guide for details.

Should I use LiveScan or SlapEFT for my NFA fingerprints?

Both work. LiveScan is convenient if you want someone else to handle the capture but costs more ($30-50 vs $10). SlapEFT DIY is more affordable and can be done at home on your schedule. If you already have LiveScan fingerprints from another purpose, converting them with SlapEFT is the best value.

Conclusion

LiveScan fingerprints work great for ATF NFA applications—the key is getting the digital file:

• Getting new LiveScan: Ask specifically for an EFT or NIST-format file
• Using previous LiveScan: Contact the provider to request your file
• Have a file: Convert to ATF format with SlapEFT ($10)
• Only have cards: Scan and convert with SlapEFT ($10)

Once converted, your EFT file works for unlimited NFA applications, making the initial effort worthwhile.

Ready to convert?

• Convert a LiveScan digital file →
• Convert physical FD-258 cards →