How to Take Fingerprints For an NFA Application

We recently covered how to register a short-barreled rifle with the ATF, as part of the National Firearms Act (NFA). One of the most important -- and, for many, complicated -- parts of the process is acquiring a set of fingerprints to provide with your Form 1 or Form 4 application.

But getting fingerprints taken is easier than ever. You can even get a digital download of your prints to provide with every NFA application submit

Here's how to get digital fingerprints for your NFA application (we'll cover how to submit paper prints, too).

How to Get Digital Fingerprints for NFA Applications

If you live anywhere in the continental U.S., chances are you'll find numerous small businesses within a 30-minute drive that offer this service. These services require you visit in person and provide proof of your identity -- a driver's license and utility bill are typically sufficient -- before they digitall record your fingerprints.

Once recorded, your fingerprints will be emailed to you in an "Electronic Fingerprint Transmission," or EFT, file. This EFT file can then be uploaded to your eForms application on the Responsible Persons Page.

Benefits of Using Digital Fingerprints

Digital prints make the NFA application process move quicker. Since nothing needs to be mailed to the ATF's offices, your application can be processed immediately after you submit it.

Digital prints are also "once-and-done." You only need to have your prints digitized one time. Then that same EFT file can be reuploaded with every NFA application you submit thereafter.

Digital prints save on cost and reduce the chances your application is denied, too. If you submit physical, inked prints, you'll have to complete and mail the ATF two FD-258 Fingerprint Cards with each NFA application.

There's always the chance your cards get lost in the mail, or severely delayed, which can result in your application being denied. Photocopies of the card can't be accepted, either. So you'll have to roll your prints twice every time you file an NFA application.

Each time you fill out the FD-258 card, there is a chance your prints could be rejected for being unreadable or getting damaged in the mail.

How Much Digital Prints Cost

Most digital fingerprinting services charge between $40 and $80 for the service. The most popular service, provided at participating UPS Stores, charges $65.

Physical prints are usually cheaper, costing between $20 and $40 -- but keep in mind you'll have to have two physical cards printed for every NFA application. By the time you submit a second NFA application, the cost of digital prints will likely be less.

Where to Get Digital Prints

PrintScan and Certifix LiveScan are the two services that offer digital fingerprinting at many UPS Stores and other locations, like LabCorp, Bancorp, and dedicated fingerprinting service centers. Simply navigate to either service's website and enter your ZIP code, and locate the service closest to you:

• https://printscan.com/
• https://www.certifixlivescan.com/

Once you've selected a location, you'll be guided through the process of scheduling an appointment and providing payment and proof of identity. Once you arrive for your appointment, a fingerprinting technician will assist with the process.

After your appointment, simply wait to receive your .EFT file containing your digital fingerprints via email.

Once you've received your file, you can upload it to your NFA application.

How to Get Physical Prints for an NFA Application

Despite the convenience of digital prints, there may be good reason for you to use physical prints. A digital fingerprinting service may not be close by, or your local police department might even offer physical prints for low or no cost. Here's how to complete physical fingerprint cards for your Form 1 or Form 4 application.

Get At Least Two FD-258 Fingerprint Cards

FD-258 cards can be ordered online from various retailers, usually for $1.00 per card, and usually in packs of 5 or 10. But you can also get a pack of fingerprint cards for free directly from the ATF. Simply fill out their Distribution Center Order Form with your name, email, phone number, and mailing address, and check the box above the Preview Order button that says, "Fingerprint Cards."

https://www.atf.gov/distribution-center-order-form

After placing an order, the ATF will mail you a pack of FD-258 fingerprint cards for free -- just note that it will take up to 8 weeks to receive them.

How to Fill Out the FD-258 Card for NFA Applications

Both FD-258 cards must be filled out precisely and correctly, or your NFA application may be rejected. We strongly recommend filling out the cards before rolling your prints, so you don't risk smudging your prints while filling in the cards.

At the top of each card, fill out the following information described below, making sure to skip the boxes shown above with red Xs.

Signature of Person Fingerprinted

Sign for yourself as the NFA applicant.

Residence of Person Fingerprinted

This must match the address on your Form 1 or Form 4 application.

Date

Enter the date you submitted your Form 1 or Form 4 application.

Signature of Official Taking Fingerprints

You can sign here if you're filling the cards out yourself. If you're having a local agency roll your fingerprints, let the agency official sign here.

Employer and Address

This can be left blank.

Reason Fingerprinted

Enter "NFA Application".

Last Name NAM

Enter your last name.

First Name

Enter your first name.

Middle Name

Enter your middle name only if you entered it on your Form 1 or Form 4 application. Otherwise, leave this blank.

Aliases AKA

This can be left blank.

Citizenship CTZ

Enter "USA".

Your No. OCA

This can be left blank.

FBI No. FBI

This can be left blank.

Social Security No. SOC

Enter your social security number in an xxx-xx-xxx format.

Miscellaneous No. MNU

This can be left blank.

ORI

Enter "WVATF0800, ATF-NATL TRA CTR, Martinsburg, WV".

Date of Birth DOB

Enter your date of birth using a two-digit month, two-digit day, and four-digit year.

Sex

Enter "M" for male, or "F" for female. These are the only two options accepted by the ATF.

Race

Enter "A" for Asian or Pacific Islander, "B" for Black, "I" for American Indian or Alaskan Native, "U" for Unknown, or "W" for white. Note that "W" should also be used if you're Hispanic or of Central or South American descent.

HGT (Height)

Enter your height in feet and inches without any apostrophes or dashes. For example, if you're 5'8", enter "508". If you're 6'1", enter "601."

WGT (Weight)

Enter your weight using three digits only, or two digits if you weigh less than 100 pounds.

EYES (Color)

Enter "BLK" for black, "BLU" for blue, "BRO" for brown, "GRY" for gray, "GRN" for green, "HAZ" for hazel, and "MAR" for maroon.

HAIR (Color)

Enter "BLD" for bald, "BLK" for black, "BLN" for blonde, "BLU" for blue, "BRO" for brown, "GRN" for green, "GRY" for gray, "ONG" for orange, "PLE" for purple, "PNK" for pink, "RED" for red, "SDY" for sandy, "WHI" for white, or "XXX" for multiple distinct colors.

Place of Birth POB

Enter only the accepted two-letter abbreviation for the state wherein you were born. For example, California would be "CA". New York would be "NY".

How to Roll Your Fingerprints On FD-258 Cards

The process is called "rolling your prints" because you'll need to literally roll each of your fingers from left to right (or right to left, whichever's easier) in the individual fingerprint boxes on the FD-258 card.

The example shown above reflects acceptable fingerprints placed on the card for the NFA application. In the bottom four print boxes, you'll simply press down to record the prints of your thumbs (center two boxes), and all four fingers together (bottom left and bottom right boxes).

You Need Proper Fingerprint Ink

You can't just scribble some pen ink onto your fingers, here. You'll need to use appropriate fingerprinting ink. The Lee Fingerprint Ink Pad is affordable and works quite well.

Mailing Your Fingerprints to The ATF

Once you've filled out and printed your fingerprints on two FD-258 cards, it's time to mail both cards and the cover letter you received in your email after submitting your Form 1 or Form 4 application to the ATF.

You must mail your prints to the ATF within 10 business days of submitting your Form 1 or Form 4 application. We strongly recommend mailing your prints the same day, via Priority Mail or, ideally, via Certified Mail or Priority Express with signature confirmation.

The address you need to mail your prints to is (also located on the cover letter):

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

National Firearms Act Division

244 Needy Road,

Martinsburg, WV, 25405

Be sure to use a large manila envelope to mail your prints and cover letter. You cannot fold or crease the FD-258 cards, or the they (and your NFA application) will be rejected.

What Happens Next?

After mailing your prints or providing your digital prints via the eForms website, you'll need to wait for the ATF to process your NFA application. As of this article's publication, Form 1 and Form 4 eForms applications take as little as 24 hours to be approved. Mailing prints will cause your application's approval to take at least two weeks.

Need Help Filling Out an NFA Application?

Check out our in-depth guide! This guide covers how to complete a Form 1 SBR application for making and registering a short-barreled rifle. In it, we cover how to upload digital prints to submit with your application.