ATF FFL Fingerprinting Services in Nevada
Fingerprinting Express | Walk Ins Welcome | All Nevada Locations
If you are applying for a Federal Firearms License (FFL) or registering a National Firearms Act (NFA) item through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), fingerprints and a photo are required as part of the application process. Fingerprinting Express provides both fingerprints and photos for ATF and NFA applicants across all four of our Nevada locations. Walk ins are welcome and no appointment is needed.
Understanding the ATF Background Check Requirement
The ATF requires fingerprints and photos as part of the licensing and registration process for firearms dealers, manufacturers, importers, and individuals applying to make or transfer NFA regulated items such as suppressors, short barreled rifles, and machine guns.
Under ATF Final Rule 41F, which became effective July 13, 2016, background check requirements were expanded to apply equally to individuals, trusts, and legal entities. This means that every responsible person listed on an NFA application must submit fingerprints and a photo, regardless of whether the application is filed by an individual, a gun trust, an LLC, or another legal entity.
The FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is the federal database used to conduct background checks on prospective firearms buyers and licensees. NICS is administered by the FBI and used by Federal Firearms Licensees to verify buyer eligibility at the point of sale. Fingerprints submitted with ATF licensing and NFA applications support the identity verification process connected to these checks.
Who Is a Responsible Person?
Under Final Rule 41F, a responsible person is defined as any individual who possesses, directly or indirectly, the power or authority to direct the management and policies of a trust or legal entity with respect to receiving, possessing, shipping, transporting, delivering, transferring, or otherwise disposing of a firearm on behalf of that entity.
Examples of responsible persons who may need to submit fingerprints and photos include:
- Settlors and Grantors of a gun trust
- Trustees
- Partners
- Members of an LLC
- Officers and Board Members
- Owners
- Beneficiaries who hold the power to direct management of the trust
Each responsible person must submit a completed ATF Form 5320.23 (National Firearms Act Responsible Person Questionnaire) along with two FD258 fingerprint cards and a photo.
Who Needs ATF FFL Fingerprinting?
Fingerprints and photos are required for applicants applying for or renewing the following Federal Firearms License types:
- — Dealer in Firearms (including Pawnbroker)Type 01
- — Pawnbroker in FirearmsType 02
- — Collector of Curios and RelicsType 03
- — Manufacturer of Ammunition OnlyType 06
- — Manufacturer of Firearms and AmmunitionType 07
- — Importer of Firearms and AmmunitionType 08
- — Dealer in Destructive DevicesType 09
- — Manufacturer of Destructive DevicesType 10
- — Importer of Destructive DevicesType 11
Fingerprints are also required for NFA applications filed on ATF Form 1 (Application to Make and Register a Firearm), Form 4 (Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration), and Form 5 (Application for Tax Exempt Transfer and Registration).
What Fingerprinting Express Provides
Fingerprinting Express offers fingerprints and photos for ATF and NFA applicants. We provide the two specific formats accepted by the ATF.
Option 1: FD258 Ink Fingerprint Cards with Printed Photo
The standard ATF submission method uses the official FBI FD258 fingerprint card. This physical card is submitted directly to the ATF along with your application and ATF Form 5320.23.
We provide:
- Professionally rolled ink fingerprints on the official FD258 card
- A printed passport style photo meeting ATF specifications
- Cards completed with all required personal information fields
This is the required format for NFA applications submitted by mail to the ATF NFA Division, P.O. Box 5015, Portland, OR 97208. Two FD258 fingerprint cards and one set of two photos are required per responsible person.
Option 2: Digital Fingerprint File and Digital Photo on USB Drive
For applicants submitting NFA applications electronically through ATF eForms, a digital fingerprint file and a digital photo may be required. We provide both files on a USB drive ready for electronic submission.
We provide:
- A digital EFT fingerprint file in the ATF approved format
- A digital passport style photo meeting ATF specifications
- Both files are placed on a USB drive for upload to ATF eForms
Not sure which format your application requires? Our staff can help you determine the correct submission method based on how you are filing your ATF or NFA application.
What to Bring to Your Fingerprinting Visit
To complete your ATF fingerprinting and photo, you must bring a valid government issued photo ID. Acceptable forms of identification include:
- Driver’s license
- State issued ID card
- Passport or passport card
- Military ID
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
Your ID must be current and unexpired. The name and personal information you provide must match exactly what appears on your ATF application, as this information will be recorded on your fingerprint card or digital file.
Walk Ins Welcome No Appointment Needed
Fingerprinting Express accepts walk in customers at all four Nevada locations. There is no need to schedule in advance, though calling ahead during busy periods is always a good idea. Most customers are in and out in 15 to 20 minutes.
Our fingerprint technicians are trained to capture high quality prints on the first visit, reducing the risk of rejection and keeping your ATF application moving forward without unnecessary delays.
Why Choose Fingerprinting Express?
Since 2003, Fingerprinting Express has been Nevada’s most trusted fingerprinting provider. Here is what sets us apart:
- Accuracy you can count on. We maintain a rejection rate of less than 0.02%, compared to an industry average of approximately 20%. Clean prints mean faster ATF processing and fewer delays.
- Experienced staff trained in both traditional ink rolling and digital capture techniques, with a deep understanding of ATF specific requirements.
- Speed and efficiency. Our technicians process customers efficiently without sacrificing quality, so your wait time is minimal even during busy periods.
- Community rooted service. We operate under our Culture To Care trademark philosophy, meaning every customer receives attentive, respectful service.
- Multiple convenient Nevada locations across Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno with walk in availability Monday through Saturday.
Nevada Locations
Las Vegas South Rainbow | Las Vegas North Rainbow | Henderson | Reno
Walk ins welcome at all locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What forms require fingerprints and a photo?
Fingerprints and photos are required for FFL applications and for NFA applications submitted on ATF Form 1, Form 4, and Form 5. Each responsible person named on the application must submit their own fingerprint cards and photo along with a completed ATF Form 5320.23.
How many fingerprint cards do I need?
The ATF requires two FD258 fingerprint cards per responsible person. Each responsible person named on the application must be fingerprinted separately.
Do I need to bring my ATF application with me?
You do not need to bring the full application, but you should know the exact name and personal information that will appear on your application, as this must match your fingerprint submission exactly. We must use the same name and date of birth from your ID, per FBI regulations.
Can I get both the FD258 card and the digital file at the same visit?
Yes. You may get the hard fingerprint cards (they are good for 6 months) and the EFT fingerprint file and photo in a digital format. If you are processing a mail in application the hard fingerprint cards and printed photo will be mailed in. If you are getting the EFT file for ATF/FFL, request the digital file on the USB.
What is Final Rule 41F and does it affect me?
ATF Final Rule 41F, effective July 13, 2016, requires that all responsible persons of a trust or legal entity submit fingerprints and photos when applying to make or receive NFA firearms. If you are filing an NFA application as a trust, LLC, or other legal entity, every responsible person on the application must be fingerprinted and photographed individually.
What if my fingerprints are rejected?
In the rare event your prints do not pass ATF review, we will work with you to resolve the issue. Our sub 0.02% rejection rate means this is extremely uncommon when prints are taken by our certified technicians.
Walk In Today at Any Fingerprinting Express Nevada Location
Nevada’s largest livescan fingerprinting provider and trusted since 2003.
Culture To Care | Las Vegas | Henderson | Reno
