If you're filing an ATF Form 1 or Form 4 electronically, you need your fingerprints in "EFT format." But what exactly is an EFT file? This guide explains everything.
In This Guide
What Does EFT Stand For?
EFT = Electronic Fingerprint Transmission
It's a standardized digital format for encoding fingerprint images. The format was developed by the FBI (following ANSI/NIST standards) for:
- Automated fingerprint identification (AFIS)
- Background check processing
- Electronic transmission between agencies
- Database storage and matching
Think of it like a PDF for fingerprints—a standardized format that different systems can all read and process.
Why Does ATF Require EFT Format?
When you submit an NFA application electronically, ATF needs to:
- Run your fingerprints through the FBI's fingerprint database
- Check for criminal history
- Verify your identity
- Process everything electronically (no paper handling)
This automated processing requires a standardized digital format—that's EFT. Regular photos of fingerprints can't be processed by these systems.
EFT vs Regular Image Files
| EFT File (.eft) | Image (JPEG/PNG) | |
|---|---|---|
| ATF eForms | ✓ Accepted | ✗ Rejected |
| FBI Processing | ✓ Automated | ✗ Cannot process |
| Structure | Encoded data + metadata | Just pixels |
| Contains | Each finger separately + ID info | Photo of whole card |
| File Size | ~50-200 KB | 1-10 MB |
How to Get an EFT File
Step 1: Get Fingerprinted
Get your fingerprints taken on an FD-258 card. This can be done at police stations, UPS Stores, gun stores, or DIY at home.
Step 2: Capture the Card
Take a high-quality photo or scan of your completed FD-258 card.
Step 3: Convert to EFT
Use a conversion service like SlapEFT to convert your card image to EFT format.
Step 4: Upload to ATF eForms
Use your .eft file when submitting your Form 1 or Form 4 application.
Cannot DIY: You cannot create an EFT file yourself. It requires specialized software that encodes the fingerprints according to FBI specifications. Renaming a JPEG to .eft doesn't work—the file structure is completely different.
Technical Details (For the Curious)
ANSI/NIST Standard
EFT follows the ANSI/NIST-ITL standard (specifically NIST Special Publication 500-290). This defines:
- File structure and record types
- Image encoding requirements
- Metadata fields
- Quality metrics
What's Inside an EFT File
- Type-1 Record: Transaction information
- Type-2 Record: User-defined descriptive text
- Type-4 Records: Grayscale fingerprint images (one per finger)
- Type-14 Records: Variable-resolution fingerprints
Resolution Requirements
- Minimum 500 PPI (pixels per inch)
- 8-bit grayscale
- WSQ compression (FBI's wavelet compression)
Common Questions
Can I open an EFT file to view it?
Not with standard software. EFT files require specialized viewers. You don't need to view it—just upload to ATF eForms.
Is my EFT file the same as my FD-258 card?
They contain the same fingerprints, but in different formats. The EFT file is a digital encoding of the prints from your card.
Can I convert a PDF of my fingerprints to EFT?
Yes, as long as it's a high-quality scan or photo of a completed FD-258 card with clear fingerprints.
