FFL Application Fingerprint FAQ
Answers to the 20 most common questions about fingerprints for Federal Firearms License applications
Basic Requirements
How many fingerprint cards do I need for an FFL application?
You need 2 FD-258 fingerprint cards per responsible person. One goes to ATF with your application, one goes to FBI for the background check. If you have 2 responsible persons, you need 4 cards total.
What is the ORI for FFL fingerprints?
The ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) for FFL applications is WVATF1100. This goes in the ORI box on the FD-258 card and tells the FBI your prints are for an ATF firearms license application.
Does a Type 03 C&R FFL need fingerprints?
No. Type 03 Collector of Curios and Relics is the only FFL type that does NOT require fingerprints or photographs. All other FFL types (01, 02, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11) require fingerprints.
Who needs fingerprints on an FFL application?
Every responsible person needs fingerprints. This includes sole proprietors, all partners in a partnership, LLC members with management authority, and corporate officers with power over firearms acquisition or disposition.
Getting Fingerprinted
Can I do fingerprints at home for my FFL?
Yes, DIY fingerprinting is allowed. Purchase FD-258 cards and an ink pad, then carefully follow FBI fingerprinting guidelines. However, ATF recommends using someone experienced in fingerprinting to reduce rejection risk.
Where can I get fingerprinted for my FFL?
Options include: local law enforcement (police departments, sheriff offices), private fingerprinting services (some UPS Stores), or DIY at home with supplies. Call ahead to verify the location offers fingerprinting services.
How much does FFL fingerprinting cost?
Law enforcement typically charges $5-25 per card. Private services charge $25-50+. DIY supplies cost about $15-25. You need 2 cards per responsible person, so total cost varies based on number of RPs and where you get printed.
What information goes on the FD-258 card?
Required information includes: full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, SSN (optional), physical descriptors (height, weight, eye/hair color), current address, reason fingerprinted ("FFL Application"), ORI (WVATF1100), and signatures.
Rejection & Issues
What causes FFL fingerprint rejection?
Common rejection causes include: smudged or unclear prints, incomplete impressions, too much or too little ink, wrong ORI number, missing information on the card, and name mismatches between the card and application.
What happens if my FFL fingerprints are rejected?
ATF will notify you of the rejection and give you time to submit new cards. Get re-fingerprinted, addressing whatever caused the rejection (usually quality issues), and resubmit. This typically delays your application by 2-4 weeks.
Responsible Persons & Employees
Do FFL employees need fingerprints?
Regular employees do NOT need fingerprints for the FFL—only responsible persons do. Employees who handle firearms daily but don't have management authority aren't responsible persons and don't need FFL fingerprints.
Does my spouse need fingerprints for my FFL?
Only if your spouse has management authority over firearms operations. If they're a passive owner or uninvolved in the business, they may not need fingerprints. If they help make acquisition/disposition decisions, they're a responsible person.
What's the difference between responsible person and employee?
A responsible person has power to direct firearms acquisition, receipt, or disposition. An employee follows instructions from responsible persons but can't make those decisions independently. Only RPs need fingerprints.
Renewals & Changes
Do I need new fingerprints for FFL renewal?
Generally no. Standard renewals with no responsible person changes don't require new fingerprints. You only need new prints if you're adding a new responsible person at renewal time.
How long are FFL fingerprints valid?
Fingerprints themselves don't expire. Once submitted with your FFL application, ATF has them on file. For renewals, you don't need new prints unless adding new responsible persons.
What if I moved states—do I need new fingerprints?
Yes. Moving to a different state requires a new FFL application, not an amendment. This means new Form 7, new fingerprints for all responsible persons, new photos, and full processing time.
Format & Processing
Can I use digital fingerprints for my FFL application?
No. The initial FFL application (Form 7) requires physical FD-258 paper cards mailed with your application. Digital/EFT fingerprints are for eForms submissions after you have your license.
Can I use the same fingerprints for FFL and NFA?
The FFL application requires paper FD-258 cards. NFA eForms require EFT digital format. You can have the same physical fingerprints converted to EFT for eForms use, but you'll need both formats for their respective purposes.
Do I need fingerprints to add SOT to my FFL?
Adding SOT (Special Occupational Tax) to an existing FFL doesn't require new paper fingerprints—you've already been through that process. However, you'll want EFT format fingerprints for eForms NFA submissions.
How long does FFL fingerprint processing take?
Fingerprint processing is part of the overall FFL application, which typically takes 60-120 days total. The FBI background check portion (which uses your fingerprints) usually takes 2-4 weeks within that timeline.
Need EFT Files for eForms?
Convert your FD-258 cards to ATF EFT format for eForms submissions.
Convert Fingerprints →