What is an ATF Fingerprint Card?
ATF fingerprint cards, also known as FD-258 fingerprint cards, capture your fingerprints as part of your NFA application. Whether you’re applying for a suppressor, SBR, or another NFA item, your ATF Form 4 application requires accurate fingerprint submission—and these cards serve that purpose.
Where to Get ATF Fingerprint Cards
You can easily order FD-258 fingerprint cards online at Silencer Shop. Alternatively, local law enforcement agencies may provide these cards. Once you receive them, you’ll complete your fingerprints and mail the finished card to the ATF via USPS.
Digital Fingerprinting with ATF eForm
For a faster, more efficient process, the Silencer Shop kiosk offers digital fingerprinting for your ATF eForm 4 application. By using our kiosk, you bypass the traditional paper process:
- Speed & Accuracy: The kiosk uses an integrated ATF fingerprint scanner to capture your prints quickly and accurately.
- Reduced Wait Times: With digital submission, your electronic fingerprints are transmitted instantly—potentially reducing ATF eForm wait times.
- Convenience: Your digital file is saved directly to your Silencer Shop profile, eliminating the risk of mail loss or damage.
Table of Contents
How to do ATF eForm Fingerprint Cards?
To submit an ATF eForm 4 fingerprint card, the Silencer Shop kiosk quickly scans and captures your fingerprints digitally. This method lets you bypass the traditional FD-258 fingerprinting process and easily transmit your electronic fingerprints as part of your ATF eForm 4 application. Not only does this save the time and hassle of mailing a paper card, but it could also facilitate shorter ATF eForm wait times while you await your ATF tax stamp. eForm 4s powered by Silencer Shop are processing faster than ever for suppressors, SBRs (short barrel rifles), and other NFA items.
The best way to create your digital fingerprint file is to locate a Silencer Shop kiosk. These kiosks feature an integrated ATF fingerprint scanner within the digital touchpad, ensuring that your scan is automatically saved to your Silencer Shop account for future NFA purchases.
Can You Do Your Own Fingerprints for ATF?
Yes, you can absolutely complete your own fingerprints as required by the ATF and include them with your NFA application. The ATF encourages this DIY approach—applicants, not law enforcement agencies, complete most ATF fingerprint cards for NFA purchases. Whether you choose traditional FD-258 fingerprint cards or the faster digital method with our Silencer Shop kiosk, we’ll guide you through the process to ensure your prints are captured correctly, potentially saving you weeks of waiting time.


Methods for ATF Fingerprinting
Digital Fingerprinting (Recommended)
- Quick & Accurate: Use the Silencer Shop kiosk for digital fingerprinting, taking less than 5 minutes.
- Integrated Technology: Our kiosk’s ATF-compliant fingerprint scanner ensures precision.
- Instant Submission: Your digital fingerprints are instantly submitted to the ATF, reducing wait times.
- Easy Storage: Your electronic fingerprints are saved in your Silencer Shop profile for future use.
Traditional FD-258 Cards
- Availability: Order FD-258 fingerprint cards online or pick them up from law enforcement agencies.
- Manual Process: Follow precise instructions to capture your fingerprints at home with an ink pad.
How to Fill Out FD-258 Fingerprint Cards
Follow these steps to correctly complete your FD-258 card:
- Preparation: Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
- Ink Application: Use a proper fingerprinting ink pad (available in fingerprinting kits). Practice on a blank sheet before using your FD-258 card.
- Finger Placement: Follow the card’s layout for each finger. Roll each finger from nail to nail, ensuring even ink distribution in the designated box.
- Thumb Prints: Capture clear slap prints for your thumbs.
- Complete the Form: In black ink, fill in all required information using the correct codes (see our code tables below).
- Mailing: Use the provided return envelope to send your completed card.
FD-258 Fingerprint Card Codes
Sex Codes
|
Sex Code |
Literal |
Description |
|
F |
Female |
Female |
|
G |
Female |
Female Print, Male Reference |
|
M |
Male |
Male |
|
N |
Male |
Male Print, Female Reference |
|
Y |
Male |
Male, Unreported |
|
Z |
Female |
Female, Unreported |
|
X |
Unknown |
Unknown Sex |
Hair Codes
|
Hair Color Code |
Literal |
|
BLD |
Bald |
|
BLK |
Black |
|
BLN |
Blonde (or strawberry) |
|
BLU |
Blue |
|
BRO |
Brown |
|
GRN |
Green |
|
GRY |
Gray (or partially gray) |
|
ONG |
Orange |
|
PLE |
Purple |
|
PNK |
Pink |
|
RED |
Red (or auburn) |
|
SDY |
Sandy |
|
WHI |
White |
|
XXX |
Unknown |
Race Codes
|
Race Code |
Literal |
Description |
|
A |
Asian or Pacific Islander |
Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Polynesian, Indian, Indonesian, Asian Indian, Samoan, or other Pacific Islander |
|
B |
Black |
A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa |
|
I |
American Indian or Alaskan Native |
American Indian, Eskimo, or Alaskan Native, or a person having origins in any of the 48 contiguous states of the United States or Alaska who maintains cultural identification through tribal affiliation or community recognition |
|
U |
Unknown |
Of Indeterminable Race |
|
W |
White |
Caucasian, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. |
Eye Color Codes
|
Eye Color Code |
Literal |
|
BLK |
Black |
|
BLU |
Blue |
|
BRO |
Brown |
|
GRY |
Gray |
|
GRN |
Green |
|
HAZ |
Hazel |
|
MAR |
Maroon |
Conclusion
Submitting your fingerprints for your ATF application is straightforward with the Silencer Shop kiosk. The benefits of digital fingerprinting are significant:
- Accuracy: Our kiosks ensure proper finger placement and pressure.
- Speed: Complete the process in as little as 5 minutes.
- Convenience: Eliminate the need to mail physical cards.
- Reusability: Your digital prints are stored securely in your profile for future NFA applications.
- Reliability: We can even print your fingerprints on FD-258 cards if needed.
The fastest and most effective way to send your prints to the ATF is through the electronic transfer process powered by the Silencer Shop Kiosk.
Silencer Shop is the largest NFA distributor in the United States. With over 25,000 reviews on Trust Pilot and an average ranking of 4.9 out of 5 stars, we provide the easiest and most reliable way to purchase your suppressor and other NFA items.