You can get the blue fingerprint cards for free from the ATF web site. They'll send them to you in about a week. The form is FD-258. Note, red fingerprint cards are used when you get arrested and they fingerprint you to confirm your identity. You can't use red cards for ATF processing!
A fingerprint ink pad is less than $10 at your local office supply or Amazon.
There is zero requirement that the police or anyone else do the fingerprints. As long as they're clear, and the card is filled out properly, it's all good. I've been doing my own fingerprints for over a decade, never one single issue. There are plenty of online guides on the proper codes to use in the various blocks.
In the case of a Form 1, you put the cover letter with your 2 completely filled out blue fingerprint cards in a properly addressed envelope, send it off by your favorite method, and sit back and wait for the approval email that has your paperwork. Print 1 color copy to put in the safe. Print 1 copy to keep with the item for idiot range Nazis and uninformed LEOs, as you'll likely encounter both (but there is no law requiring you to have it with you......only that it be available for inspection by appointment during normal business hours).
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