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EFT Fingerprinting
An EFT file is the electronic format uploaded with an ATF eForms application — no cards, no mailing, no waiting on the post office.
EFT stands for Electronic Fingerprint Transmission. It's a digital file containing your ten fingerprint impressions in the format the FBI and ATF systems expect. Rather than rolling ink onto a card and mailing it, the file is uploaded with your application.
It is worth being precise about the name: you'll see people write "ETF." The correct term is EFT. If a dealer or an application refers to ETF fingerprints, they mean this.
The clearest case is an ATF eForms submission — a Form 4 to transfer a suppressor or other NFA item, or a Form 1 to make one. Filing electronically with an uploaded EFT file avoids the paper path entirely.
If you file on paper instead, physical FD-258 cards must reach the ATF's NFA Division in duplicate, within ten business days of filing. Miss that window and the application can be rejected.
| EFT file | |
|---|---|
| Format | electronic file |
| How it's submitted | uploaded with your eForm |
| Mailing deadline | none |
| Typical speed | faster |
| Risk of smudged prints | checked at capture |
Compare with FD-258 cards, which some applications still require.
Government photo ID, and we confirm the spelling of your name and details exactly as they appear on your application.
All ten fingers on the live scan scanner. Quality is checked per impression, so poor rolls are redone immediately.
Your EFT file is generated and delivered. Want cards too? We can print FD-258s from the same capture for $5.
Attach the file to your eForms submission. If you're filing a Form 4 through us, we'll walk you through where it goes.ATF Form 4 · 5320.4 · eForms
Bring your details exactly as they'll appear on the application. A mismatch between the name on your prints and the name on your form is a slow, avoidable problem.
EFT fingerprinting
Ready when you are
No booking forms. Reach us on either number, or email if you would rather put it in writing — attach your paperwork and we will read it before you arrive.
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