ATF Proposes New Fingerprint and Photograph Requirements

View Proposed Rule Here.

SUMMARY: 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) proposes amending regulatory requirements to submit fingerprints and photographs with firearms applications. Currently, applicants must submit 2″ × 2″ passport-style photographs and either one or two fingerprint cards, depending on the application type. ATF proposes that all applicants, whether individuals or responsible persons (“RPs”) for entity applicants, could instead submit a copy of a photo ID, and that individuals and Gun Control Act RPs would submit just one fingerprint card. RPs under the National Firearms Act would submit one fingerprint card only if needed to facilitate a background check.

DATES: 

Comments must be submitted in writing, and must be submitted on or before (or, if mailed, must be postmarked on or before) October 5, 2026. Commenters should be aware that the federal e-rulemaking portal comment system will not accept comments after midnight Eastern Time on the last day of the comment period.

“Federal Register :: Fingerprint and Photograph Requirements for Firearms Applications.” Federal Register, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/06/2026-13587/fingerprint-and-photograph-requirements-for-firearms-applications. Accessed 1 July 2026.