ATF Form 4 EFT Guide
Everything you need to know about fingerprint requirements for ATF Form 4 transfers. Learn how to submit your EFT file for suppressor, SBR, and SBS purchases via eForms.
What is ATF Form 4?
ATF Form 4 (Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm) is used to transfer ownership of NFA items from one party to another. This is the form you complete when purchasing a suppressor, SBR, SBS, or other NFA item from a dealer.
Unlike Form 1 (which is for making an NFA item), Form 4 is initiated by the transferor (typically your dealer) and requires information from both parties.
2026 Update: $0 Tax for Most Items
As of January 1, 2026, the transfer tax for suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs is $0. You still need to submit Form 4 with fingerprints, but there's no tax payment required.
Form 4 Fingerprint Requirements
Every Form 4 application requires fingerprints from each responsible person. The format depends on how you submit:
| Submission Method | Fingerprint Format | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| eForms (Recommended) | EFT file upload | Faster |
| Paper Form 4 | 2x FD-258 cards mailed | Significantly slower |
EFT File Specifications
For eForms submission, your EFT file must meet these requirements:
- Format: FBI EBTS 10.0 compliant
- File Extension: .eft
- Max File Size: 12MB
- Transaction Type: FAUF
- Resolution: 500 PPI
- Compression: WSQ algorithm
Individual vs Trust Transfers
Individual Transfer
If you're purchasing as an individual (not using a trust or other entity), you need:
- One EFT file with your fingerprints
- One passport-style photo
- CLEO notification sent to your local chief law enforcement officer
Trust Transfer
If you're purchasing through an NFA trust, every responsible person on the trust needs:
- Their own EFT file
- Their own passport photo
- CLEO notification for each person
Who is a Responsible Person?
A responsible person is anyone who has the power to direct the management and policies of the trust. This typically includes all trustees and sometimes grantors. Beneficiaries who cannot direct management are usually not responsible persons.
The Form 4 Process
Here's how a typical Form 4 transfer works:
-
Purchase the Item
Buy the suppressor, SBR, or other NFA item from a dealer. The item stays with the dealer until your Form 4 is approved. -
Provide Your Information
Give your dealer your personal information, passport photo, and EFT fingerprint file. If using a trust, provide the trust document and info for all responsible persons. -
Dealer Submits Form 4
Your dealer initiates the Form 4 in eForms, entering all required information and uploading your documents. -
Certify Your Portion
You'll receive an email from eForms to certify your portion of the application. Log in and complete the certification. -
CLEO Notification
Send the required notification to your Chief Law Enforcement Officer within the specified timeframe. -
Wait for Approval
The ATF processes your application and conducts background checks. Current wait times vary. -
Pick Up Your Item
Once approved, your dealer will contact you to pick up your item. Complete the 4473 at pickup.
How to Get Your EFT File
You have several options for obtaining an EFT file:
Option 1: Convert Existing FD-258
If you already have completed FD-258 fingerprint cards, you can convert them to EFT format. Scan or photograph your card and use a conversion service like SlapEFT.
Option 2: Livescan Location
Visit a livescan fingerprinting location that can output directly to EFT format. Not all locations offer this, so call ahead to confirm.
Option 3: Dealer Kiosk
Some dealers have fingerprint kiosks (like SilencerShop) that capture prints digitally. These typically cost more and may store your data indefinitely.
Option 4: DIY at Home
Take your own fingerprints at home using ink and FD-258 cards, then convert to EFT. This is the most cost-effective and private option.
Common Form 4 Mistakes
- Wrong fingerprint format: Submitting FD-258 images instead of proper EFT files
- Missing responsible persons: Not including all trustees on a trust application
- Photo issues: Wrong size, old photo, or glasses in photo
- CLEO notification: Forgetting to send or sending to wrong person
- Address mismatch: Address on form doesn't match ID
- Incomplete certification: Not completing the eForms certification email
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EFT file for Form 4?
Yes, if submitting via eForms (recommended). The ATF eForms system requires fingerprints in EFT format. Paper submissions require physical FD-258 cards but take much longer.
Who provides the EFT file for Form 4?
The transferee (buyer) provides their own fingerprints. You can get an EFT file from a livescan location, convert your FD-258 cards, or use a service like SlapEFT.
How many fingerprint files do I need?
One EFT file per responsible person. For individual transfers, that's one file. For trust transfers, each responsible person needs their own EFT file.
Can I reuse my EFT file for multiple Form 4s?
Yes. Once you have an EFT file, you can use it for unlimited Form 4 (and Form 1) submissions. Your fingerprints don't change, so one file works for all future applications.
What if my Form 4 fingerprints are rejected?
If the ATF cannot verify your fingerprints, you'll be notified and may need to submit new prints. This is rare with properly formatted EFT files but can happen with poor quality source images.
How long does Form 4 approval take?
Processing times vary but eForms submissions are generally faster than paper. Check our processing times page for current estimates based on recent approvals.
Get Your EFT File for Form 4
Convert your fingerprint card to an ATF-compliant EFT file in minutes. Reuse it for all future NFA purchases.
Convert Now - $10Works for Form 4, Form 1, and all eForms submissions
