FBI Tweaks Fingerprint Forms: Because Crime Doesn't Wait for Paperwork
Published Date: 11/21/2025
Notice
Summary
The FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services wants to update and get approval for several fingerprint and identity forms used in arrests, background checks, and firearm rights restoration. They’re asking for public feedback by December 22, 2025, to make sure the forms are clear, useful, and easy to fill out—especially online. This affects anyone involved in law enforcement, background checks, or firearm-related processes, aiming to keep things smooth and efficient without extra hassle.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Data Stored in FBI NGI System
The notice states that acceptable data collected on these forms will be stored as part of the FBI's Next Generation Identification (NGI) System, meaning fingerprints and identity information are retained in that federal system.
Mandatory FBI Fingerprint Forms Revised
The FBI CJIS is revising a set of mandatory fingerprint and identity forms (FD-249, FD-258, FD-1164, FD-884, FD-884a, FD-1212, FD-1211, FD-1222) under authority of Title 28 U.S.C. § 534. The agency estimates 459,238 respondents, about 10 minutes per respondent, for a total annual burden of 76,540 hours, and seeks OMB approval for up to three years.
Firearm Challenge and Restoration Fingerprints
The collection explicitly includes FD-1211 (Firearm-Related Challenge Fingerprint) and FD-1222 (Restoration of Federal Firearm Rights Fingerprint), so people involved in firearm-related challenges or applying to restore federal firearm rights must submit these fingerprint forms as part of the FBI's information collection.
Push to Allow Electronic Submission
The FBI requests comments to minimize respondent burden including permitting electronic submission of responses and use of automated or other technological collection techniques to make forms clearer and easier to fill out, especially online.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16981, Application for Relief From Disabilities Imposed by Federal Laws With Respect to the Acquisition, Receipt, Transfer, Shipment, Transportation, or Possession of Firearms
The Department of Justice ("the Department") is implementing criteria to guide determinations for granting relief from disabilities imposed by federal laws with respect to the acquisition, receipt, transfer, shipment, transportation, or possession of firearms. The criteria are designed to ensure that the fundamental right of the people to keep and bear arms is not unduly infringed, that those people granted relief are not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety, and that granting such relief would not be contrary to the public interest.
2026-15458, Civil Money Penalty for Actions in Contempt of an Immigration Judge's Proper Exercise of Authority
This notice of proposed rulemaking ("NPRM") would implement a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act ("INA" or "the Act") that authorizes Immigration Judges, under regulations prescribed by the Attorney General, to sanction by civil money penalty any action (or inaction) in contempt of the proper exercise of their authority by certain individuals. The rule would: define the scope of the contempt authority; provide procedures for contempt findings, penalty determinations, and penalty payment; establish an appellate process; and implement oversight of the use of contempt authority. The rule would also make conforming changes to the grounds for practitioner discipline.
2026-13586, Registering NFA Firearms That Fall Out of Government Contract
If you make special firearms for the U.S. Government and your contract ends, you’ll now have a new way to register those guns even if you missed the usual deadline. This change helps manufacturers avoid penalties and keeps everything clear and fair. Comments on this proposal are open until September 4, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-11526, Implementation of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention That Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act of 2018: Dispensing and Administering Controlled Substances for Medication-Assisted Treatment
Starting July 9, 2026, new rules make it easier for doctors and pharmacies to provide medicine that helps people recover from opioid addiction. These changes affect healthcare providers by expanding who can give medication-assisted treatment and how pharmacies can deliver these medicines. The goal? Faster, safer access to treatment with clear rules that save time and support recovery.
2026-10128, Revision of Applications for Manufacturing and Procurement Quotas
The DEA wants to update how companies apply for permission to make and buy certain controlled drugs and chemicals. These changes will make the rules clearer, help prevent drug shortages, and ensure enough supply for medical and scientific needs. If you’re a manufacturer or involved in this process, get ready to follow new steps and share your thoughts by July 20, 2026.
2026-09154, Joint Registration for Spouses Under the National Firearms Act
The ATF wants to let married couples register certain firearms together under the National Firearms Act. This means spouses can share ownership without needing extra paperwork when transferring guns between them. If you’re married and deal with these firearms, you can comment on this change by July 7, 2026, and it could save you time and hassle in the future.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20583, Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations
The CDC wants your thoughts on their Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), which collects info about moms’ experiences before, during, and after pregnancy. This helps improve health programs and policies for families. If you have ideas or concerns, send them by January 20, 2026—no money changes, just a chance to shape how data is gathered!
Next: 2025-20586, Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability
The EPA just shared a fresh batch of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for projects like water supplies, mining, and highways. If you live near these projects or care about the environment, now’s the time to check them out and share your thoughts before the deadlines. These reviews help make sure projects protect nature and communities without costing extra time or money right now.