How to Get Your Fingerprints and EFT File for ATF eForms

If you’re filing an ATF eForms application (such as a Form 1 or Form 4), you will need fingerprints for background processing. Today, the easiest and fastest way to submit fingerprints is by using an EFT file (Electronic Fingerprint Transmission). This article explains what an EFT is, how to get one, and how the process works from start to finish.

An EFT file is a digital fingerprint file that meets FBI and ATF formatting requirements. It replaces traditional paper fingerprint cards (FD-258) and allows fingerprints to be uploaded directly into the ATF eForms system.

Using an EFT is:

• Faster

• Cleaner

• Less error-prone

• Reusable for future applications

Once you have your EFT file, you can reuse it for future Form 1 or Form 4 submissions unless your fingerprints physically change.

Fingerprint requirements depend on how you file:

• Fingerprints are required for the applicant.

• Each responsible person must submit fingerprints

• Each responsible person must have their own EFT file (or fingerprint cards)

There are two main ways to obtain fingerprints that can be converted into an EFT file.

This is the easiest and most common method.

You can visit:

• Online Conversion Service (Recommended Provider tested)

• Authorized live-scan fingerprint providers

• Some gun stores or NFA dealers

• Certain UPS Store locations

• Law enforcement agencies offering digital fingerprinting

• Mobile fingerprint technicians

When scheduling, ask specifically for:

FBI-compliant electronic fingerprints (EFT format) for ATF eForms

1. Your identity is verified

2. Your fingerprints are digitally scanned

3. The technician formats the prints into an .EFT file

4. You receive the EFT file via email, download link, or USB

• A downloadable .EFT file ready to upload into ATF eForms

• Sometimes a PDF copy of fingerprint images for your records

This file can be reused indefinitely unless your fingerprints change.

If you already have fingerprint cards or prefer traditional ink printing, you can still create an EFT.

You’ll need standard FD-258 fingerprint cards, which can be completed:

• Online Provider

• At a police department

• By a fingerprint technician

• At certain gun shops

Make sure:

• Prints are clear and fully rolled

• All personal information fields are filled out

• The card is signed where required

You can then use a fingerprint conversion service that:

• Scans your FD-258 cards

• Digitizes them

• Converts them into an ATF-compatible EFT file

These services typically return your EFT by email within 1–3 business days.

Once you have your EFT file:

1. Log into ATF eForms

2. Start or continue your Form 1 application

3. Navigate to the Responsible Persons section (or individual fingerprint upload section)

4. Upload the .EFT file when prompted

5. Verify successful upload before continuing

Each responsible person must upload their own EFT file.

If you choose not to use an EFT, you may still submit paper fingerprint cards, but:

• You must mail them after submitting your eForm

• You must include the ATF-generated cover sheet

• They must arrive within the allowed timeframe

• Processing is slower

• Mistakes can cause delays or rejections

Because of this, EFT files are strongly recommended.

• Uploading a scanned photo of a fingerprint card instead of a true EFT

• Using blurry or incomplete prints

• Uploading the wrong person’s fingerprints

• Forgetting to upload fingerprints for one responsible person

• Uploading files not formatted as EFT

• Waiting too long to mail physical cards

• An EFT file is a digital fingerprint file used for ATF eForms

• It replaces paper fingerprint cards

• You can obtain it from live-scan providers or by converting FD-258 cards

• Each applicant or responsible person needs their own EFT

• EFT files can be reused for future ATF submissions

• Upload the file directly inside the eForms application