Choosing how to get your fingerprints for an NFA application? Here's a detailed comparison of SilencerCo kiosk fingerprinting versus DIY methods with EFT conversion.
In This Guide
Quick Overview
Both methods produce valid fingerprints for ATF eForms. The main differences are cost over time, flexibility, and convenience.
SilencerCo Kiosk Method
How It Works
SilencerCo kiosks are electronic fingerprint scanners at participating dealers. You place your fingers on the scanner, and it creates a digital file directly.
Pros
- ✓ No ink mess
- ✓ Instant digital capture
- ✓ Often included with suppressor purchase
- ✓ Professional equipment
Cons
- ✗ Only at participating dealers
- ✗ May need to travel to kiosk location
- ✗ EFT file may be tied to that dealer's system
- ✗ May charge per-use for additional applications
- ✗ Not available for all dealers/purchases
DIY with EFT Conversion
How It Works
Get fingerprinted on a standard FD-258 card (at a police station, UPS, or at home), then convert the image to EFT format using a service like SlapEFT.
Pros
- ✓ Works with ANY dealer
- ✓ Use same EFT file for unlimited applications
- ✓ Multiple fingerprinting location options
- ✓ Can do it at home on your schedule
- ✓ One-time conversion cost ($10)
- ✓ Own your file forever
Cons
- ✗ Requires taking good quality prints
- ✗ Need to photograph/scan the card
- ✗ Extra step to convert
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | SilencerCo Kiosk | DIY + EFT |
|---|---|---|
| First Application Cost | Often "free" (included) | $0-50 + $10 conversion |
| Additional Applications | May charge per use | Free (reuse file) |
| Dealer Flexibility | Limited to kiosk dealers | Any dealer |
| Location | Must visit dealer | Anywhere (incl. home) |
| Processing Time | Instant at kiosk | Minutes for conversion |
| Own Your File | Varies by dealer | Yes, forever |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose SilencerCo Kiosk If:
- You're buying your first suppressor from a kiosk dealer
- You don't plan to buy NFA items from other dealers
- The kiosk is convenient to your location
- It's included free with your purchase
Choose DIY + EFT Conversion If:
- You plan multiple NFA purchases over time
- You want flexibility to use any dealer
- You're in an NFA trust with multiple responsible persons
- You want to own your fingerprint file
- No kiosk is convenient to you
- You value doing things yourself
The Long-Term Math
| # of NFA Items | Kiosk (if charged per use) | DIY + EFT ($10 once) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0 (included) | $10-30 |
| 3 | $20-40 | $10-30 |
| 5 | $40-80 | $10-30 |
| 10 | $90-180 | $10-30 |
Bottom line: For serious NFA collectors, DIY with EFT conversion pays for itself quickly and offers maximum flexibility.
Convert Your Fingerprints Once, Use Forever
Get your EFT file for just $10 - works with any dealer, unlimited uses.
Convert Now →