Data / Federal rules / 2026-13587
Fingerprint and Photograph Requirements for Firearms Applications
The Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau published this proposed rule in the Federal Register on July 6, 2026. Comments closed on October 5, 2026.
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What the agency says
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" x 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.
Key facts
- Document number
- 2026-13587
- Type
- Proposed rule
- Action
- Notice of proposed rulemaking
- Agency
- Justice Department; Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau
- Published
- July 6, 2026
- Comments due
- October 5, 2026
- 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.
- Docket
- Docket No. ATF-2026-0397; ATF 2025R-14P
- Regulation ID (RIN)
- 1140-AA63
- Code of Federal Regulations
- 27 CFR 478; 27 CFR 479
- Topics
- Administrative practice and procedure; Arms and munitions; Exports; Freight; Imports; Intergovernmental relations; Law enforcement officers; Military personnel; Penalties; Reporting and recordkeeping requirements; Research; Seizures and forfeitures; Taxes; Transportation
- Pages
- 21
Other documents from the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau
| Document | Type | Published |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Notices on Explosive Materials Storage Facilities to Local Fire Authority 2026-19694 · significant | Final rule | Sep 25 |
| Implementing the Safe Explosives Act 2026-19693 · significant | Final rule | Sep 25 |
| Revising Requirements and Exceptions for Storing Explosives 2026-19692 | Proposed rule | Sep 25 |
| Explosives Magazine Safety Requirements 2026-19691 | Proposed rule | Sep 25 |
| Application for Relief From Disabilities Imposed by Federal Laws With Respect to the Acquisition, Receipt, Transfer, Shipment, Transportation, or Possession of Firearms 2026-16981 · significant | Final rule | Aug 20 |
| Registering NFA Firearms That Fall Out of Government Contract 2026-13586 | Proposed rule | Jul 6 |
| Licensee “eZ Check” Verification for Transfers; Withdrawing Direct Final Rule 2026-13585 | Final rule | Jul 6 |
| Conforming Change for Approving a Making Application C1-2026-08931 | Final rule | May 26 |
Everything from the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau · Rules on administrative practice and procedure · Rules on arms and munitions · Rules on exports · Published in July 2026
Read from the Federal Register API, last updated 2026-10-23. The document on federalregister.gov is the official record; dates and dockets can change through later corrections. Free to reuse with credit to SpecStream under CC BY 4.0.