Ink Fingerprinting

Ink Fingerprints vs. Live Scan: A Comprehensive Guide to Background Checks

When it comes to background checks, two common fingerprinting methods stand out: traditional ink fingerprints and the more modern Live Scan. Whether you’re applying for a license, a job, or need to comply with legal requirements, understanding the differences and uses of these two fingerprinting methods is critical.

What are Ink Fingerprints?

Ink fingerprints, as the name suggests, involve pressing inked fingers onto a fingerprint card. The most widely used form is the FD-258 fingerprint card, commonly required by the FBI for out-of-state licensing, employment, or immigration purposes. 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).

Advantages of Ink Fingerprinting:

• Tried and tested: Ink fingerprinting has been a reliable method for years. It is especially helpful when digital means are unavailable.
• Widely accepted: While Live Scan is increasingly popular, some states and federal institutions still mandate ink fingerprinting.
• Portability: Ink fingerprint cards can be mailed to various jurisdictions, making it useful for out-of-state or international use.

Disadvantages of Ink Fingerprinting:

• Time-consuming: The process is slower compared to Live Scan. It involves physically mailing the fingerprint cards, which can delay results.
• Human error: Smudging, misprints, or other errors can lead to rejections, requiring resubmission and causing further delays.
• Limited security: Since the prints are physically stored, they can be more susceptible to tampering compared to encrypted digital fingerprints.

What is Live Scan?

Live Scan is an electronic, inkless fingerprinting process. It digitally captures an individual’s fingerprints and transmits them to a state or federal agency for background checks. This method is often required by law enforcement agencies, state licensing authorities, and employers, especially for positions involving vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, or those in healthcare.

Live Scan fingerprinting is highly secure, encrypted, and directly linked to databases like the FBI’s CJIS and the Department of Justice (DOJ). Unlike ink fingerprinting, which requires physical handling and processing, Live Scan allows for the immediate submission of fingerprints, often leading to faster results.

Advantages of Live Scan:

• Speed: 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. With advanced technology, smudges or misprints are easily avoided.
• Security: Digital encryption ensures that the fingerprint data is secure from tampering or theft.
• Convenience: Many locations offering fingerprinting services now prefer Live Scan due to its efficiency. It eliminates the need for mailing physical cards and provides a streamlined process.

Disadvantages of Live Scan:

• Availability: While growing in popularity, Live Scan may not be available everywhere, especially in rural or remote areas.
• Cost: Live Scan can be more expensive than traditional ink fingerprinting due to the technology and instant processing involved.
• Not universally accepted: Some agencies, particularly those outside the U.S., still require traditional ink fingerprint cards, meaning you might still need to get ink prints depending on the situation.

When to Choose Ink Fingerprinting?

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.

When to Choose Live Scan?

Live Scan is ideal in scenarios such as:

1. Licensing within the state: If you are applying for a job or license that requires state-level background checks, Live Scan is often the preferred method. Many states mandate it for healthcare professionals, teachers, and other positions involving public safety.
2. Criminal background checks: For positions requiring immediate verification of criminal history, such as law enforcement or working with vulnerable groups, Live Scan’s quick and secure submission process makes it indispensable.
3. Employer requirements: Many companies now require Live Scan fingerprinting for background checks, especially for roles that involve sensitive information or security.

Cost Considerations

While both ink fingerprinting and Live Scan involve costs, Live Scan tends to be slightly more expensive due to the technology and expedited processing times. The total price for either method depends on location, service provider, and additional fees required by the state or federal agency processing the background check.

However, the efficiency of Live Scan often justifies its higher cost. The speed of receiving results can prevent delays in job applications, licensing, or other important deadlines.

The Process of Ink Fingerprinting and Live Scan

Ink Fingerprinting Process:

1. Schedule an appointment: Find a certified technician or mobile notary who can take your fingerprints using ink.
2. Preparation: Make sure your hands are clean and free of lotions or oils that could interfere with the print quality.
3. Fingerprinting: Your fingers will be rolled on an ink pad, and then each finger is rolled onto the FD-258 card.
4. Submission: The physical card is then mailed to the appropriate agency for processing.

Live Scan Process:

1. Find a Live Scan provider: Many locations, such as notary offices or police stations, offer Live Scan services.
2. Provide identification: Bring a valid ID and any forms required by your employer or licensing agency.
3. Capture fingerprints: The technician will scan your fingerprints electronically. These are then transmitted in real-time to the agency conducting the background check.
4. Receive results: Results are often returned within a few days, depending on the agency’s processing time.

Conclusion

Both ink fingerprints and Live Scan have their distinct uses and benefits. While Live Scan is rapidly becoming the standard due to its speed and security, ink fingerprinting remains necessary in specific scenarios, especially for out-of-state licensing and federal applications. When deciding which method to use, consider the requirements of the agency or employer, location availability, and processing times.

If you’re looking for a reliable service provider, Anshin Mobile Notary & LiveScan offers both ink fingerprinting and Live Scan services, ensuring you get the best option for your needs.