How to Get an EFT File for ATF eForms

Step 1: Choose Your Fingerprint Source

Option A: Silencer Shop Kiosk

• How it works: Digital kiosks at participating dealers capture fingerprints and output EFT directly
• Cost: Free when purchasing through Silencer Shop
• Pros: No conversion needed, stored in your SS account for reuse
• Cons: Only available at certain dealers, tied to SS purchases

Option B: IdentoGO or PrintScan

• How it works: Professional LiveScan locations capture digital prints
• Cost: $15-50 depending on location
• Pros: Professional quality, widely available
• Cons: Outputs NIST format—requires conversion to EFT

Option C: Police Station or UPS Store

• How it works: Ink-and-roll fingerprints on FD-258 cards
• Cost: $10-35
• Pros: Widely available, often walk-in
• Cons: Physical cards need scanning and conversion

Option D: DIY with Ink and Cards

• How it works: Roll your own fingerprints on FD-258 cards at home
• Cost: $5-15 for ink pad and cards
• Pros: Cheapest option, no appointment needed
• Cons: Quality depends on technique, needs scanning and conversion

Option E: Reuse Existing Fingerprints

• How it works: Use fingerprints from prior background checks (CCW, employment, military, etc.)
• Cost: Usually free to obtain copy
• Pros: No new fingerprinting needed
• Cons: Must locate the file, requires conversion to EFT

Step 2: Get Fingerprinted

For Digital Services (IdentoGO, PrintScan, Kiosk):

1. Schedule appointment or walk in
2. Provide ID and payment
3. Place fingers on scanner as directed
4. All 10 prints captured digitally
5. Important: Request electronic file delivery (email or portal)

For Ink-and-Roll (Police, UPS, DIY):

1. Obtain FD-258 fingerprint cards
2. Apply ink to fingers
3. Roll each finger in designated box
4. Capture flat impressions of all fingers
5. Let ink dry completely
6. Get TWO completed cards (backup)

Step 3: Obtain Your Fingerprint File

Digital Services:

Request your fingerprint file from the service:

• IdentoGO: Request NIST file via email or download from portal
• PrintScan: Request electronic copy (usually NIST format)
• State agencies: Submit records request for your file

Files typically arrive as .nist, .eft, .efts, or .ebts extensions.

Physical Cards:

Scan your completed FD-258 cards:

• Use flatbed scanner at 500 DPI minimum (600 DPI preferred)
• Scan in grayscale or color
• Save as TIFF or high-quality PNG
• Ensure all fingerprint areas are clearly captured
• File size doesn't matter at this stage

Step 4: Convert to ATF EFT Format

This is the critical step. ATF eForms only accepts EFT format. Most fingerprint sources provide other formats that need conversion.

What SlapEFT Converts:

• NIST files → EFT
• EFTS files (FBI format) → EFT
• EBTS files (DoD format) → EFT
• Scanned FD-258 card images → EFT

Conversion Process:

1. Upload your source file (NIST, EFTS, EBTS, or scanned image)
2. Converter extracts/processes fingerprint data
3. WSQ compression applied per ATF specifications
4. ATF-required metadata added
5. Download compliant EFT file

Step 5: Verify and Save Your EFT File

Verify File Meets Requirements:

• ✅ File extension: .eft
• ✅ Resolution: 500 DPI minimum
• ✅ Compression: WSQ
• ✅ File size: Under 12MB
• ✅ Content: All 10 fingerprints

Save for Future Use:

Your EFT file can be reused for unlimited future NFA applications. Save it:

• On your computer with clear filename
• In cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)
• On a USB drive as backup

You'll never need to get fingerprinted again as long as you keep this file.

Step 6: Upload to ATF eForms

1. Go to eforms.atf.gov
2. Log into your account (or create one)
3. Start new Form 4 or Form 1 application
4. Complete applicant information
5. When prompted for fingerprints, click "Upload"
6. Select your EFT file
7. System validates format and accepts file
8. Continue with rest of application

If upload fails, the system will indicate why (wrong format, file too large, etc.). Ensure you're uploading the converted EFT file, not the original NIST or scanned image.