Info & FAQ

What is an EFT file?

An EFT (Electronic Fingerprint Transmission) file is a digital fingerprint record in the FBI's EBTS format. The ATF accepts EFT files through its eForms system for things like NFA applications (e.g., Form 1 and Form 4), in place of mailing physical FD-258 fingerprint cards.

What do I need to create one?

Either a scanned FD-258 card (a flatbed scan at 600 DPI works well) or a supported live-scan fingerprint scanner. The EFT Capture desktop app walks you through cropping, print placement, and applicant details, then generates and validates the file.

Which scanners are supported?

Integrated Biometrics ten-print scanners (the IB Kojak is the tested device), and four-finger glass scanners that capture rolls, slaps, and thumbs. Drivers are bundled with the app installer — plug in and scan. The app detects which scanner is attached and adjusts the capture flow to match.

What platforms are supported?

EFT Capture runs on Windows (10 and 11).

Is my fingerprint data uploaded anywhere?

No. All image processing and EFT generation happens locally on your computer. The app works completely offline for card processing and live capture.

What is the online intake service?

An optional service for fingerprinting businesses. Your company gets a personal form link (like eftcapture.com/f/your-company) that customers fill out before their appointment — name, DOB, and other details needed for the EFT. Submissions appear as orders in your app's dashboard, and one click loads them into a new EFT so you never retype customer information.

How is customer information protected?

With end-to-end encryption. When your company registers, the app generates an encryption key pair on your computer. Only the public half is uploaded. A customer's browser encrypts their form data with that public key before submitting — the server stores ciphertext it cannot decrypt. Orders are only decrypted inside your app, on your machine.

Where do I download the app?

Grab the Windows installer from the downloads page. The app checks for updates automatically and can install them with one click (Settings → App Updates).

What does it cost?

A one-time setup package — $499 for software only, or $999 with a live-scan fingerprint scanner included — and then $24.99 per month. There are no per-file or per-applicant charges, however many EFTs you generate. New accounts get a free trial before any payment details are needed. See the pricing page for the full breakdown.

Can I charge my own customers through the app?

Yes. Connect your own Stripe account from the Billing panel, set your own prices for fingerprint scanning and card-to-EFT conversion, and customer payments go directly to your account. Stripe deducts its standard processing fee (2.9% + $0.30 on US cards); the app shows you exactly what lands in your account while you're setting a price.

Can it read a driver's license or passport?

Yes. Scan the barcode on the back of a driver's license, or the machine-readable zone of a passport, and the applicant's name, date of birth, address, and ID number fill in automatically. It works with a camera, an uploaded photo, or a USB barcode scanner — in the desktop app and on your online intake form.

Can it fill out ATF Form 5320.23?

Yes. Once you have an applicant's details, the app generates a pre-filled Responsible Person Questionnaire (RPQ) as a PDF. Signature, eligibility answers, and firearm details are deliberately left blank for the applicant to complete.

Is this affiliated with the ATF or FBI?

No. EFT Capture is an independent tool that produces files conforming to the published EBTS specification. You remain responsible for the accuracy and submission of your own applications.

Something's not working

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