Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), is a federal agency endowed with the responsibility to regulate and enforce laws regarding firearms, explosives, and other controlled substances. It deals with unique cases and to issue licensing for the ownership of different weapons or guns. Anyone who wants to possess firearms or guns needs to obtain an ATF fingerprinting card.
However, obtaining an ATF fingerprint card is challenging and tricky. The following section of the blog aims to provide a comprehensive guide to fill up important documentation for ATF licensing.
FD-258 Fingerprinting Form
Before you apply for federal firearm licensing it is mandatory to file for FD-258 form. This file captures your fingerprints and the fingerprint is recorded by Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS). The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) maintains this fingerprint database for future references for criminal investigation and background checks.
IAFIS offers nationwide fingerprint records of fingerprints, providing a reliable source of fingerprint information to ATF. ATF refers to these records and other key insights from IAFIS to issue licenses for firearms acquisition. Make sure you meticulously fill up the FD-258 form to avoid application failure. However, obtaining FD-258 is difficult if you want to purchase high-caliber weapons.
Significance of ATF Fingerprinting Cards
ATF fingerprint cards are a license card for firearms owners. This card is issued for those firearms owners who have no prior criminal records or other negative records. Alternatively, if you have any arrest history or have been involved in gun violence your license would be denied. Moreover, if you commit any crimes like mass shootings or organized crimes your license would not be renewed. This licensing procedure enables the government to ensure national security and safety against gun violence.
How to Obtain an ATF Fingerprint Card?
ATF fingerprint cards are not accessible for many. This is because the applicant scrutiny system is stringent to keep the applicant numbers in check. This policy is maintained to check the incidences of gun violence in the USA.
If you need to obtain an authentic fingerprint card you have to directly contact ATF distribution center directly. However, it is advisable that you avoid purchasing license cards from local gun shops. They provide blank cards to customers to avoid long waiting times, but there is a high chance of scams.
E-Filing of ATF Forms
ATF forms are now available in digital format making it more convenient for potential candidates to apply for ATF forms. You need to contact a FFL dealer and get your fingerprint scanned on a digital scanner. The dealer will then fill up the rest of the forms with necessary information. With ATF e-form you can do away with offline fingerprinting and pen-on paper form fill up.
Fingerprint Card Fill up Procedures
The fingerprint card is quite difficult to fill as it does not contain any clear instructions. However, you need to follow standardized formatting required by both ATF and FBI. It is filled with multiple acronyms and jargons that are necessary to be understood before you fill the form. Remembering wrong entries without jargons and acronyms would not be recognized by federal authorities. One of the basic requirements of a fingerprint card is your residential address details including zip code and State.
Legal Fingerprinting Procedures
There are no legal issues with DIY or home fingerprinting collection. ATF distributes fingerprint cards that can be filled by the candidates at home with proper equipment. However, it is advisable that you visit certified ATF fingerprinting service providers in Woodland, TX for authentic fingerprinting.
Bottom Line
The blog has discussed the importance and procedures of obtaining an ATF fingerprinting card in detail. Hope it proves insightful for you. It is advisable that you follow the prescribed format to obtain an ATF fingerprinting card to avoid involvement of scammers. This is essential to ensure safety for you as well as for others.
