When an FBI fingerprint background check is required, the fingerprint capture method matters. Two common options are electronic Live Scan and the FD-258 fingerprint card. Both involve capturing fingerprints, but the process for submitting them differs. The right choice depends on the instructions from the agency or organization requesting your check.
What is an FBI fingerprint background check?
An FBI fingerprint background check uses fingerprints to help match an applicant with records maintained by the FBI. Fingerprints provide identifying information for the search; this is different from a name search, which relies on identifying details such as a person’s name. The organization requesting your check determines what type of screening is needed and how results should be submitted.
Before scheduling a fingerprint appointment or preparing a card, read the request carefully. It may identify an approved submission route, provide a code or other specific instructions, or require a particular format. If anything is unclear, check with the requesting organization before choosing a method.
Live Scan fingerprinting: electronic capture
Live Scan is an electronic method of capturing fingerprints. Instead of rolling prints onto a paper card, an operator captures them digitally using fingerprinting equipment. The next steps depend on the instructions and submission process specified for your background check.
Live Scan can be relevant when the requesting organization’s process calls for electronic fingerprints. It may also be an option for applicants seeking an expedited FBI background check, depending on the available submission route and the requirements for that particular check. Confirm the process before your appointment rather than assuming every Live Scan location can submit fingerprints for every purpose.
- Confirm that electronic fingerprint capture is accepted for your specific request.
- Ask what identifying information or authorization details you must provide.
- Find out how the fingerprints will be submitted and whether you need to take any further steps.
- Review the requesting organization’s instructions for receiving or sharing results.
FD-258 fingerprint cards: ink card processing
The FD-258 is a standard fingerprint card used to record fingerprints on a physical card. This method may be relevant when the receiving organization requires a hard card or provides instructions for mailing fingerprint cards. National Background Check, Inc. lists standard FD-258 ink card processing among its fingerprint-based services.
With a card-based process, applicants should pay close attention to the card’s completion instructions and the delivery requirements provided by the recipient. A fingerprint card that is incomplete, incorrectly prepared, or sent through the wrong process may not meet the request. Confirm whether the organization requires an FD-258 card and whether it has specific directions about how to submit it.
- Verify that a physical FD-258 card is accepted for your purpose.
- Check whether the recipient supplied a card or requires a specific version.
- Confirm where the completed card must be sent and what other documents are needed.
- Keep track of any instructions about follow-up, status, or result delivery.
Live Scan vs. FD-258: how to choose
The main difference is how fingerprints are captured and handled: Live Scan captures them electronically, while FD-258 processing uses a physical fingerprint card. Neither option should be chosen simply because it seems more convenient. The requesting agency’s requirements control which method is acceptable, and submission instructions can vary by purpose.
Use these questions to guide your next step:
- Does the request specifically say Live Scan, electronic capture, FD-258, or fingerprint card?
- Is there an authorized recipient, submission code, or mailing instruction?
- Does the process require an appointment, additional identification, or other documents?
- How will you know the fingerprints were submitted, and how will you receive results?
If the instructions name one method, follow them rather than substituting another. If they do not specify, contact the organization requesting your FBI background check and ask which format it accepts. Clarifying the requirements first can help prevent avoidable delays or having to repeat fingerprint capture.
Prepare before your fingerprint appointment
Gather the request details and read any applicant instructions before you schedule. Bring the identification and information the fingerprinting provider or recipient says are required; do not assume that requirements are identical for every check. If you are using a fingerprint card, confirm how it should be completed and submitted. If you are using Live Scan, confirm that electronic capture fits the requested process.
National Background Check, Inc. provides Live Scan fingerprinting and FD-258 fingerprint card processing among its fingerprint-related services. For information about these options, contact National Background Check, Inc. at (614) 457-8900 or visit its office at 4140 Executive Parkway, Suite 119, Westerville, OH 43081. Before proceeding, have the requesting organization’s instructions available so you can confirm which fingerprint method is appropriate.