ATF Proposes Easier Photo Rules for Gun License Applicants
Published Date: 7/6/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The ATF wants to make it easier for people applying for firearms by letting them send a photo ID instead of passport-style photos and reducing fingerprint card requirements. This change affects individuals and responsible persons for businesses applying for firearms licenses. Comments on this proposal are open until October 5, 2026, and could save applicants time and hassle.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
NFA Responsible Persons: Prints Only If Requested
Responsible persons (RPs) for trusts or other entities applying under the NFA would no longer have to submit fingerprint cards with Form 23 up front; instead ATF would request fingerprints only when needed to complete a background check. ATF estimates this could save an RP up to $50 (paper) or up to $73 (digital) per application when prints are not required.
Digital and Self-Taken Fingerprints Allowed
ATF proposes allowing anyone required to submit fingerprints to provide one digital fingerprint set if applying electronically and to take and submit their own fingerprints (paper or digital) without needing a specially trained taker. ATF already accepts digital submissions and estimates about 98% of NFA applicants file electronically.
Photo ID Can Replace Passport Photos
If you apply to make, transfer, or license a firearm using Forms 1, 4, 5, 7, 23, or 5630.7, you may submit a clear copy/scan of a valid photo ID instead of a 2" x 2" passport-style photograph. ATF will still be able to request a passport-type photo if needed to verify identity.
NFA Individuals: Fingerprint Sets Cut in Half
For individual applicants using NFA Forms 1, 4, or 5, ATF proposes reducing required paper fingerprint cards from two cards to one card. For paper filers (about 2% of NFA applicants), ATF estimates the cost to obtain two paper fingerprint sets is $50 and one set is $32, so this change would save about $18 per affected application.
GCA Applicants Still Submit One Set
ATF is not proposing to change current rules that require all Gun Control Act (GCA) license applicants and responsible persons to submit one set of fingerprints with their initial Form 7 application; ATF would also continue its existing practice of not requiring re-submission at renewal.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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