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Ink Fingerprinting on Fingerprint Cards

FD-258 Ink Fingerprint Cards are used for Ink Card Fingerprint processing by the FBI or nations or states outside of California to process criminal background history reports.  

ink card fingerprints

When it comes to background checks, two common fingerprinting methods stand out: traditional ink fingerprinting on fingerprint cards and the more modern Live Scan Fingerprinting or sometimes the electronic FBI Identity History Check. Whether you’re applying for a license, a job, or need to comply with legal requirements, it’s helpful to understand the differences and uses of these two fingerprinting methods.

What is Ink Fingerprinting on Fingerprint Cards?

Fingerprint cards, as the name suggests, involves rolling inked fingers onto a fingerprint card. The most widely used form is the FD-258 fingerprint card (see image above), commonly required by the FBI for out-of-state licensing, employment, or immigration purposes. Many countries such as Canada may ask for one as part of their immigration application. In many cases, the fingerprint card is sent to an agency that uses these prints to check against national databases like the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS).

When to obtain Ink Fingerprinting on Fingerprint Cards

You may need to use ink fingerprinting in the following situations:

  1. Out-of-state licensing: If you are applying for a license in another state that requires physical submission of fingerprints, ink prints on an FD-258 card may be your only option.
  2. Federal jobs or immigration purposes: Certain federal roles or immigration processes might still request ink fingerprints, especially when dealing with international authorities.
  3. Remote areas: If you are in a location without access to Live Scan technology, ink fingerprinting is a reliable fallback.

Ink Fingerprinting Process:

  1. Preparation: Make sure your hands are clean and free of paint, lotions, oils or other foreign substances that could interfere with the print quality. Don’t worry. We will work with you to make sure things will go smoothly. 
  2. Education: We will teach you how the card is set up and how your fingerprints need to be rolled to get the best possible results. We will also have you practice fingerprint rolling so we are comfortable that you will obtain the best prints possible. 
  3. Fingerprinting: You will roll your fingers on an inkless ink pad, and then we will help you roll your prints on the FD-258 card.
  4. Submission: We will help you mail in your fingerprint card to your agency for processing and ensure that it is protected and will not be damages in mailing. 
fingerprint cards

Live Scan Fingerprinting

Good for In-State Requirements: Live Scan Fingerprinting is the preferred method for fingerprinting in California, as it electronically transmits fingerprints directly to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and, if required, the FBI. This is faster, as results can be processed within days, making it a convenient choice for clients needing quick background checks for state licensing, employment, and other local purposes.

Increased Accuracy and Efficiency: Live Scan captures high-quality digital fingerprints, reducing the likelihood of errors or smudges that can occur with ink fingerprinting. This makes Live Scan more efficient and often more accurate, minimizing the chance of rejection.

FD258 Fingerprint Cards

Required for Out-of-State or Federal Submissions: Ink fingerprint cards, such as the FD-258 card, are typically needed when applying to agencies outside California or for federal requirements that do not accept Live Scan Fingerprinting. Ink cards are a common choice for applications like federal employment, immigration, or out-of-state professional licensing.

Portable and Accepted Nationwide: FD-258 cards are widely accepted by agencies across the United States and internationally. Clients can carry or mail them to the appropriate authority or agency.

Advantages of Live Scan Fingerprinting and FBI Background Check

  • Fast and Convenient: Results from Live Scan fingerprinting are typically available much faster than those from ink fingerprinting. The digital prints are submitted in real-time, often reducing turnaround times from weeks to days.
  • Accuracy: Live Scan reduces the risk of human error that often leads to rejected fingerprint cards. Smudges or misprints are easily avoided. And you can be reprinted numerous times until passing prints are obtained. Also, you will have an assurance that the prints will be accepted before rolling.That won’t necessarily happen with Ink prints. 
  • Security: Digital encryption ensures that the fingerprint data is secure from tampering or theft.

Advantages of Fingerprint Cards

  • Tried and tested: Ink fingerprinting has been the gold standard in fingerprinting for years and with good reason; it works. 
  • Widely accepted: Some states and federal institutions still mandate ink fingerprinting, although gradually, many are switching to electronic. 
  • International Submissions and Portability: Ink fingerprint cards can be mailed to various jurisdictions, making it useful for out-of-state or international use.