Frequently Asked Questions

EFT stands for Electronic Fingerprint Transmission. It's a digital file format (ANSI/NIST-ITL standard) that contains your fingerprint images and demographic information. The ATF eForms system accepts EFT files instead of mailing physical fingerprint cards.

The FD-258 is the standard FBI fingerprint card used for background checks. It's an 8" x 8" card with designated boxes for rolled fingerprint impressions of all 10 fingers. This is the card required for ATF Form 1 and Form 4 applications.

Several advantages:

• Faster processing - no mail delays
• Reusable - one EFT file works for multiple ATF applications
• No risk of cards getting lost in mail
• Instant download after payment
• Cost effective at only $10

Coming Soon. We're developing a privacy-forward mail service for those who need physical fingerprint cards handled. Whether you need blank cards sent to you or completed cards mailed to the ATF on your behalf, we'll handle it without compromising your privacy.

No tracking, no data retention beyond what's needed to complete the shipment. Check back soon or contact us if you'd like to be notified when this service launches.

Yes. Once you have your EFT file, you can use it for unlimited ATF Form 1 and Form 4 applications. Your fingerprints don't change, so the same file works every time. This is one of the biggest advantages of digital fingerprints.

We accept PNG, JPEG, TIFF, and HEIC (iPhone) formats. HEIC images are automatically converted during processing. For best results, use PNG or TIFF as they don't compress the image. Maximum file size is 12MB (ATF requirement).

The FBI CJIS standard requires 500 PPI (pixels per inch) for fingerprint images. We recommend scanning at 500 DPI or higher. Smartphone photos should be at least 12 megapixels with good lighting. Our system processes all images to meet the 500 PPI requirement.

The ATF eForms system only requires "slap" prints (four-finger simultaneous impressions), not individual rolled prints. Our system:

• Detects and extracts the slap regions from your FD-258 card
• Processes each slap image to FBI-standard 500 PPI using WSQ compression
• Combines your fingerprints with your demographic information
• Generates an ANSI/NIST-ITL compliant EFT file

The entire process takes about 30 seconds. Since we extract slaps (not all 10 rolled prints), you get faster processing and smaller file sizes while still meeting ATF requirements.

Our EFT files are generated in the ANSI/NIST-ITL format that the ATF eForms system accepts. However, acceptance also depends on the quality of your original fingerprints. If your prints are smeared, too light, or incomplete, the ATF may still reject them regardless of the file format.

See our FD-258 Guide for tips on creating quality fingerprints.

Yes. We use WSQ compression for 500 ppi scanned images, which is exactly what the FBI EBTS specification requires. WSQ is the FBI's own compression algorithm, developed specifically for 500 ppi fingerprints.

Some competitors use JP2 (JPEG2000) compression, which was added later for 1000 ppi live-scan images—not 500 ppi scanned cards. Their files may work today because ATF systems accept both, but they're technically non-compliant with FBI CJIS biometric standards.

Why risk a rejection over a technicality? Get it right the first time. We do.

All uploaded images and generated files are automatically deleted after 7 days. You can also delete your data immediately after downloading by clicking the "delete my data" link on the download page.

Yes. Your data is:

• Transmitted over HTTPS encryption
• Processed on secure servers
• Never shared with third parties
• Automatically deleted after 7 days

We don't store your biometric data permanently. Once you download your EFT file, we recommend deleting your session data.

The demographic information you enter (name, DOB, etc.) is only used to generate your EFT file. It's stored temporarily with your session and deleted along with your fingerprint data after 7 days or when you manually delete it.

slapEFT was built by a service-disabled USAF veteran. This isn't a corporate side project—it's built by someone who understands operational security and gives a damn about the 2A community.

slapEFT costs $10 per conversion. This is a one-time fee - the EFT file you receive can be used for unlimited ATF applications.

Traditional payment processors like Stripe and PayPal explicitly prohibit firearm-related services in their terms of service. Even though we're just converting fingerprint files (not selling firearms), these processors have shut down accounts for "gun-adjacent" businesses.

Rather than risk your payment being declined or our service being shut down, we use Lightning. It's:

• Instant - payments confirm in seconds, not minutes
• Cheap - fractions of a penny in fees (perfect for $10 payments)
• Private - no third party tracking your purchases
• Reliable - no payment processor can freeze our account

Lightning Network is an instant payment network. Unlike traditional crypto transactions (which can take 10+ minutes and cost several dollars in fees), Lightning payments:

• Confirm instantly (under 1 second)
• Cost almost nothing (fractions of a cent)
• Are perfect for small payments like $10

We accept Lightning payments via our self-hosted payment server - maximum privacy, no third parties.

Getting a Lightning wallet takes about 2 minutes:

• Strike - Best for beginners. Download the app, link your bank, and pay instantly via Lightning. strike.me
• Cash App - If you already have Cash App, enable Lightning in settings (Settings → Lightning Network).
• Wallet of Satoshi - Simple Lightning-only wallet. No setup required. walletofsatoshi.com
• Phoenix - Self-custodial Lightning wallet for privacy-focused users. phoenix.acinq.co

For a $10 purchase, buy $12-15 to have a small buffer. Lightning fees are negligible (under 1 cent).

If you experience technical issues that prevent you from receiving a working EFT file, contact us and we'll make it right - either by fixing the issue or issuing a refund.

Before paying, please verify that your fingerprint card was properly detected in step 2 of the process.

This usually happens when:

• The image is too dark or has shadows
• The card isn't flat or is wrinkled
• The resolution is too low
• The card isn't fully visible in frame

Try retaking your photo with better lighting and ensure the entire card is visible. See our FD-258 Guide for photography tips.

Check that:

• Your file is under 12MB
• The format is PNG, JPEG, or TIFF
• You have a stable internet connection

If you're still having issues, try a different browser or contact support.

After payment, you'll receive an access code (like P258-XKCD-7J4M). Use this code on our Retrieve page to download your file anytime within 7 days.

If you lost your access code:

• Check your clipboard history
• Check your password manager
• Check your email if you sent it to yourself

We don't store email addresses, so we can't look up your code. If it's lost, you'll need to convert again.

After generating your EFT file, you'll receive a unique access code like P258-XKCD-7J4M. This code lets you download your file from any device within 7 days.

We recommend:

• Copy to clipboard - paste it somewhere safe
• Save to password manager - never lose it
• Email to yourself - we send the code, then forget your email

This system means we never need to store your email address or create accounts.

Electronic Biometric Transmission Specification (EBTS) is the FBI's standard for electronic fingerprint and biometric data. Version 8.1.0 is the current specification required by the ATF for eForms submissions.

Our EFT files are generated according to EBTS 8.1.0 specifications, ensuring compatibility with ATF systems. This includes proper record types (Type-1, Type-2, Type-14), field encodings, and data structures.

Wavelet Scalar Quantization (WSQ) is the FBI's fingerprint image compression algorithm. It was specifically designed for grayscale fingerprint images at 500 pixels per inch (PPI).

WSQ is required for fingerprint submissions to federal agencies because it:

• Preserves ridge detail better than JPEG
• Achieves 15:1 compression without visible quality loss
• Is the certified standard for 500 PPI fingerprints

We use FBI-certified WSQ compression for all fingerprint images in your EFT file.

NIST-ITL (NIST Information Technology Laboratory) is the data exchange standard for fingerprint and biometric information. It defines how fingerprint images, demographic data, and metadata are structured in electronic files.

The ATF eForms system requires NIST-ITL formatted files. Our EFT files include all required fields:

• Type-1: Transaction header with originating agency info
• Type-2: Demographic data (name, DOB, physical descriptors)
• Type-14: Fingerprint images with quality metrics and segmentation data

Our EFT files include proper fingerprint segmentation metadata in fields 14.021, 14.023, and 14.024. This data tells the ATF system exactly where each individual fingerprint is located within the slap images.

Segmentation data includes:

• 14.021 - Finger position numbers (which finger is which)
• 14.023 - Quality scores for each fingerprint
• 14.024 - Bounding coordinates for each fingerprint location

Some competitors skip this metadata, which can cause issues with automated quality checks. We include it all.

500 pixels per inch (PPI) is the FBI's minimum resolution requirement for fingerprint images. At this resolution, individual ridge patterns can be accurately matched against database records.

Lower resolutions lose critical detail needed for positive identification. Higher resolutions (like 1000 PPI from live-scan devices) are acceptable but require different compression (JP2 instead of WSQ).

Since FD-258 cards are designed for 500 PPI scanning, we process all images at exactly 500 PPI with WSQ compression - the correct standard for scanned fingerprint cards.

Our EFT files have been successfully submitted and processed through the ATF eForms system for both Form 1 (manufacture) and Form 4 (transfer) applications. We've tested with various card qualities and demographics to ensure consistent acceptance.

While we can't guarantee acceptance (that also depends on your fingerprint quality), our files meet all technical specifications required by the ATF system.