5211 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016
113 N San Vicente Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211
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.
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, sometimes paired with an electronic FBI Identity History Check. Whether you’re applying for a license, a job, immigration, or need to comply with legal requirements, it’s important to understand not only the fingerprinting method itself, but also how your fingerprints and request are submitted to the FBI. If you’re comparing submission routes, our FBI Channeler vs Direct FBI Submission guide explains why the submission pathway affects speed and process—but not the validity of the FBI report.
Ink fingerprinting involves rolling inked fingers onto a physical fingerprint card. The most widely used card is the FD-258 fingerprint card (see image above), which is commonly required by the FBI for out-of-state licensing, employment, immigration, and international background checks.
In most cases, completed fingerprint cards are mailed to the requesting agency, which uses them to run background checks against national databases such as the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) .
Not sure whether you need Live Scan fingerprinting or FD-258 ink fingerprint cards? Our Live Scan vs FD-258 fingerprinting guide explains how these methods differ and how to determine which one your agency requires.
If your goal is specifically an FBI background check, it’s also important to understand the difference between an electronic FBI submission and a mailed FD-258 fingerprint card. Our Electronic FBI Background Check vs FD-258 Fingerprint Cards guide explains how these options differ in speed, process, and acceptance — and why many applicants experience delays when choosing the wrong method.
For a broader overview of all available fingerprinting options, you can also review our complete fingerprinting services guide for Los Angeles .
You may need to use ink fingerprinting in the following situations:
The cost of our ink fingerprinting service is \$40 per card processed.
•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.
• 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.
| Feature | FD-258 Ink Fingerprint Cards | Live Scan (California) | Best Use Case in Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accepted By | FBI, federal agencies, out-of-state boards, international authorities | California DOJ, FBI (when transmitted electronically) | Federal submissions, international visas, out-of-state licensing |
| Transmission Method | Mailed physically after rolling ink fingerprints | Sent electronically in seconds | When the requesting agency does not accept digital Live Scan |
| Processing Time | Slower (mailing + manual scanning) | Fast (often 24–72 hrs) | Ideal for FBI Identity History Summary checks when required on ink cards |
| When Required | Federal background checks, immigration cases, out-of-state licenses, medical boards | California state licensing, employment, volunteers | Perfect for clients in Los Angeles applying out of state |
| Mobility Options | ✔ Fully mobile (no power/WiFi needed) | ✔ Mobile Live Scan offered, but requires equipment & power | Great for in-home or office mobile appointments in LA |
| Reprint Options | If rejected, new ink card must be rolled | Digital retakes until prints pass quality | Important when agencies only accept FD-258 |
| Cost in Los Angeles | $40 per card (plus mailing) | Varies by ORI + DOJ/FBI fees | Affordable option for federal + worldwide submissions |
| Most Common Forms | FD-258, FD-1164, SF-87 | Live Scan Transmission Form (BCIA 8016) | FD-258 for FBI checks and international applications |
| Best For | Federal jobs, immigration, medical licensing, international travel | California licensing, employment, volunteer programs | Clients preparing documents for out-of-state or global use |
An FD-258 fingerprint card is the standard ink card used for FBI background checks, federal employment, out-of-state licensing, and many international applications. In Los Angeles, these cards are often required when Live Scan is not accepted, especially for agencies outside California. You can learn more about how we complete fingerprint cards—including FD-258, FD-1164, and SF-87—on our main Fingerprint Cards page.
Live Scan fingerprints are transmitted electronically to the California DOJ and FBI, while FD-258 fingerprint cards use traditional ink and are physically mailed to the requesting agency. California agencies almost always require Live Scan, but many federal, out-of-state, and international authorities require ink cards. For a full comparison, visit our Live Scan vs. Ink Fingerprinting guide.
Choose FD-258 ink fingerprinting when your agency specifically asks for ink fingerprints, FD-258, or “fingerprint card submissions.” Common reasons in Los Angeles include FBI Identity History Summary checks, international visas, healthcare licensing, or out-of-state board applications. If you’re unsure which method you need, you can review common use cases in our guide on ink fingerprinting for out-of-state licensing.
The cost is $40 per FD-258 card completed in-office. This includes expert rolling, FBI-compliant inkless pads, and guidance for mailing your card. Mobile service is also available for an additional travel fee. Pricing remains separate from DOJ or FBI processing fees. Learn more about service variations on our fingerprint card guide.
Yes. We supply standard FD-258 cards at both our Los Angeles and Beverly Hills offices. If your agency issued a custom card or alternate form (FD-1164, SF-87), bring it with you. Otherwise, we provide the correct cards and ensure they meet FBI formatting requirements. You can see examples and instructions on our FD-258 vs FD-1164 vs SF-87 comparison page.
Yes. We provide mobile fingerprinting throughout Los Angeles—including Beverly Hills, Culver City, Century City, West LA, Santa Monica, Venice, and Mar Vista. Our technician brings the inkless pad, FD-258 cards, and protective sleeves. Scheduling details are on our mobile fingerprinting page.
Yes. FD-258 cards are accepted by the FBI for Identity History Summary checks and by many embassies and consulates worldwide. After your prints are completed, you simply mail the card to the correct FBI channeler or government office. For international use, we can also help with apostille services through our FBI apostille abroad guide.
Bring:
If your instructions require an identity affidavit, bring the form—we can sign it during the appointment. To avoid errors, review our common fingerprint card mistakes guide.
Mailed FD-258 cards typically take longer because the FBI must physically receive, scan, and process the card. Processing depends on whether you use direct FBI submission or an approved channeler. You can compare these timelines in our FBI background check travel guide.
Yes. Many clients visiting Los Angeles use our FD-258 service and then mail the cards to their out-of-state licensing board, employer, or FBI channeler. If you are comparing rules across states, refer to our out-of-state fingerprint submission guide.