NIST to ATF Fingerprint Conversion: Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Any fingerprints captured in NIST/ANSI-ITL format can be converted to ATF-compliant EFT format.

Compatible fingerprint sources:

• FBI background checks
• TSA PreCheck / Global Entry (if you have the file)
• Concealed carry permits
• Professional licenses (nursing, real estate, etc.)
• Military service (EBTS format)
• LiveScan services
• State employment background checks

The biometric data is identical regardless of original purpose. Your fingerprints are your fingerprints.

Convert your fingerprints now →

Feature	EFTS (FBI)	EBTS (DoD)
Full name	Electronic Fingerprint Transmission Specification	Electronic Biometric Transmission Specification
Primary user	FBI, civilian agencies	Military, DoD
Biometrics included	Fingerprints, sometimes photos	Fingerprints, iris, facial
Typical resolution	500 DPI	500-1000 DPI
File size	Usually under 12MB	Often larger
ATF compatible?	With conversion	With conversion

Both formats are based on ANSI/NIST-ITL and can be converted to ATF EFT format.

Yes. Once you have an ATF-compliant EFT file, you can reuse it for unlimited NFA applications.

Your EFT file works for:

• Form 1 (manufacturing SBR, SBS, suppressor)
• Form 4 (transfers/purchases)
• Form 5 (tax-exempt transfers)
• Multiple items on same or different forms
• Items purchased years apart

There is no expiration. Save your EFT file and use it forever.

ATF eForms has a 12MB file size limit.

Common causes of oversized files:

• Low WSQ compression ratio
• Inclusion of palm prints
• Photos or iris scans in file
• High resolution (1000 DPI)
• Duplicate fingerprint captures

Solution:

Use SlapEFT's converter, which automatically:

• Optimizes WSQ compression
• Removes unnecessary biometrics
• Extracts only required fingerprints
• Ensures file is under 12MB

Fix your file size →

The fingerprints would work, but you likely cannot obtain them.

TSA and CBP do not provide copies of fingerprint files to individuals. Your PreCheck/Global Entry fingerprints were submitted directly to their systems.

Exception:

If the enrollment center (IdentoGO, etc.) provided you a copy at the time of capture, that file CAN be converted for ATF use.

Better option: Create new fingerprints with SlapEFT for $10.

Feature	Type-4	Type-14
Capture method	Rolled (nail-to-nail)	Flat/slap (pressed down)
Coverage	Full fingerprint	Central area
Equipment	Traditional, ink cards	Modern LiveScan
ATF accepted?	Yes	Yes

Both work for ATF NFA applications.

Yes, if you can obtain the digital file.

How to get your CCW fingerprints:

1. Contact the fingerprinting vendor (UPS Store, IdentoGO, police dept)
2. Ask if they retain fingerprint files
3. Request a copy (may require ID verification, small fee)
4. Convert the file with SlapEFT

Success rate: Medium. Vendors often retain files for 1-2 years.

If unavailable: New fingerprints cost only $10 via SlapEFT.

No. ATF has no expiration requirement for fingerprints.

• Fingerprints from 10+ years ago are valid
• Your fingerprint patterns do not change over time
• Exception: severe injury or certain medical conditions (rare)

Keep your EFT file forever and reuse for all future NFA applications.

Extension	Format	Source
.eft	Electronic Fingerprint Transmission	ATF, general
.nst	NIST format	Various
.an2	ANSI/NIST Type-2	Various
.efts	FBI EFTS format	FBI, channelers
.ebts	DoD EBTS format	Military
.wsq	Single fingerprint image	Various

SlapEFT accepts all these formats and converts to ATF-compliant .eft

Technically yes, but obtaining them is extremely difficult.

DoD stores fingerprints in ABIS (Automated Biometric Identification System) which has no public access. MEPS records, security clearance fingerprints, and deployment biometrics are not provided to individuals upon request.

If you have a copy:

Military fingerprints use EBTS format, which can be converted with SlapEFT.

If you don't have a copy:

New fingerprints ($10 via SlapEFT) are faster than navigating DoD bureaucracy.

Factor	DIY EFT (SlapEFT)	Professional LiveScan
Cost	$10-20	$30-75
Time	15-20 min at home	30-60 min (travel + appt)
Scheduling	Anytime	Business hours
Equipment needed	Scanner + ink pad	None
Quality	ATF-compliant	ATF-compliant
Reusable?	Yes, unlimited	Yes, unlimited

Bottom line: Both produce equally valid fingerprints. DIY is cheaper and more convenient for most people.

Common rejection reasons:

• File exceeds 12MB size limit
• Incorrect format (not ATF-compliant EFT)
• Missing one or more fingerprints
• Corrupted file
• Wrong transaction codes in metadata

Solution:

Use SlapEFT's converter, which:

• Validates format before output
• Optimizes file size
• Ensures all 10 prints present
• Applies correct ATF metadata

Files converted through SlapEFT are guaranteed ATF-compatible.

Fix your rejected file →