Where to Get Fingerprinted for ATF eForms
You need fingerprints for your Form 1 or Form 4 application. Here are your options, from dealer kiosks to DIY at home, with honest comparisons of cost, convenience, and privacy.
Your Fingerprinting Options
For ATF eForms, you need an EFT (Electronic Fingerprint Transmission) file. There are several ways to get one, each with trade-offs in cost, convenience, and privacy.
🏠 Option 1: DIY at Home
Take your own fingerprints at home using ink and blank FD-258 cards. Then scan or photograph the card and convert to EFT format using a service like SlapEFT.
Pros
- Most private option
- No appointment needed
- Cheapest for repeat use
- EFT file is reusable forever
- Do it on your own schedule
Cons
- Requires some practice
- Need to buy cards and ink
- Two-step process (print + convert)
🖥️ Option 2: Livescan Location
Visit a livescan fingerprinting location (UPS stores, fingerprinting services, some police stations). They capture prints digitally and can output directly to EFT or print FD-258 cards.
Pros
- Professional quality
- Can get EFT directly (some locations)
- Fast in-person process
- Multiple format options
Cons
- Higher cost
- Requires appointment/travel
- Not all locations do EFT
- Third party has your prints
🏪 Option 3: Dealer Kiosk (SilencerShop, etc.)
Many dealers have fingerprint kiosks from services like SilencerShop. Capture your prints at the kiosk and they're stored in their system for future purchases through their network.
Pros
- Often free with purchase
- Very fast and easy
- Integrated with dealer workflow
- Reusable within their network
Cons
- Locked to their ecosystem
- You don't own your EFT file
- Data stored indefinitely
- Not usable at other dealers
- Privacy concerns
👮 Option 4: Local Police Department
Some police departments offer fingerprinting services to the public. They typically use ink and FD-258 cards. You'll then need to convert to EFT format for eForms.
Pros
- Often inexpensive
- Professional quality
- Trusted source
Cons
- Limited hours
- May require appointment
- Only FD-258 output (need conversion)
- Not all departments offer this
Comparison Summary
| Option | Cost | Privacy | Convenience | You Own File? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY at Home | $15-20 | Best | Good | Yes |
| Livescan | $25-50 | Good | Good | Yes |
| Dealer Kiosk | $0-15 | Poor | Best | No |
| Police Dept | $5-25 | Good | Fair | Yes |
Our Recommendation
For most people, DIY at home + EFT conversion is the best option. You get complete privacy, you own your file forever, and it's the cheapest option for anyone who plans to submit more than one form. The initial learning curve is minimal, and you can redo prints if needed at no extra cost.
What About Output Format?
Remember: ATF eForms requires EFT format. Not all fingerprinting options give you an EFT file directly:
- Livescan: Ask specifically for EFT output. Not all locations can do this.
- Police/UPS: Usually gives FD-258 cards. You'll need to convert to EFT.
- Dealer kiosks: Creates EFT but stores it in their system, not yours.
- DIY: Creates FD-258 cards. Convert to EFT using SlapEFT or similar.
If you get FD-258 cards, you can easily convert them to EFT format. Scan or photograph the card and upload to a conversion service.
Finding Fingerprint Locations
If you prefer in-person fingerprinting, here's how to find locations:
Livescan / Commercial Services
- Search "fingerprinting near me" or "livescan [your city]"
- UPS stores often offer fingerprinting
- IdentoGO and similar national services
- Call ahead to confirm ATF/EFT capability
Police Departments
- Call your local police non-emergency line
- Ask if they offer civilian fingerprinting services
- Ask about cost and whether you need FD-258 cards
Dealer Kiosks
- SilencerShop dealer locator
- Ask your local gun store/NFA dealer
- Note: prints stay in their system
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get fingerprinted for ATF eForms?
Options include livescan locations, dealer kiosks (like SilencerShop), local police departments, UPS stores, or DIY at home. Each has different costs, convenience, and output formats.
Do I need to go somewhere for fingerprints?
Not necessarily. You can take your own fingerprints at home using ink and FD-258 cards, then convert to EFT format. This is often the most convenient and private option.
What's the cheapest way to get fingerprinted for NFA?
DIY at home is typically cheapest: around $5-10 for cards and ink, plus $10 for EFT conversion. Total around $15-20 for unlimited reusable fingerprints.
Can I use SilencerShop prints at other dealers?
Generally no. Prints captured at SilencerShop kiosks are stored in their system and typically only work for purchases through their dealer network. You don't receive a portable EFT file.
Do I need special equipment to do fingerprints at home?
Just blank FD-258 cards (~$1 each) and an ink pad or inkless fingerprint kit (~$5-10). Then a phone camera or scanner to capture the completed card.
Already Have Fingerprint Cards?
Convert your FD-258 cards to ATF-compliant EFT format in minutes. Own your file forever.
Convert to EFT - $10Works with scans or phone photos of your cards
