Ink Fingerprints VS Live Scan

When it comes to fingerprinting services, many people automatically think of Live Scan, the digital fingerprinting technology that has become increasingly popular. However, ink fingerprinting often remains the go-to method. We’ll explore why we use ink fingerprinting on FD-258 cards and why it’s a relevant need and under what circumstances Live Scan might be used.

Why Ink Fingerprinting is Preferred

Ink fingerprinting has stood the test of time for several reasons, particularly when dealing with out-of-state requirements. Here’s why:

1. Universal Acceptance:

   – Ink fingerprints are widely accepted across all 50 states, especially for out-of-state purposes. Many states and agencies still require ink fingerprint cards for processing because they’re familiar with the format and have the infrastructure to handle them.

2. Consistency Across Jurisdictions:

   – Each state has its own regulations and standards for fingerprinting. While Live Scan is convenient, it’s not universally standardized across all states. Ink fingerprint cards provide a consistent method that aligns with the requirements of most states, making it the safer choice for submissions.

3. Postal Flexibility:

   – Ink fingerprint cards can be easily mailed to the required agencies, allowing for greater flexibility. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with multiple state agencies or when immediate digital submission is not an option.

When Live Scan is Used for Out-of-State Fingerprinting

While ink fingerprinting is the standard requirement, there are specific instances where Live Scan might be applicable:

1. Federal Background Checks:

   – For federal employment or certain federal background checks, a Live Scan submission may be accepted or even required. However, even in these cases, some federal agencies might still ask for ink fingerprint cards if the applicant is out of state.

2. Specialized Licenses and Certifications:

   – Certain states have begun to accept or even require Live Scan submissions for specific professions, such as healthcare providers or security personnel. However, this is still not the norm, and ink fingerprints are often still accepted as an alternative.

3. Pre-Authorized Live Scan Locations:

   – Some states have agreements with other states allowing Live Scan submissions from approved locations outside their borders. However, these agreements are rare and often limited to specific use cases or agencies.

4. Sometime Live Scan is Used to Print an FD-258 Card:

– In some cases, Live Scan technology can be used to digitally capture fingerprints, which are then printed onto an FD-258 card. This method combines the convenience of Live Scan with the traditional format required by many out-of-state agencies. It’s particularly useful when high-quality prints are needed, or when an applicant prefers the precision of digital capture but still needs a physical fingerprint card for submission.

Know Before You Go

Before you choose between ink fingerprinting and Live Scan, it’s essential to know the specific requirements of the state or agency you’re dealing with. For most needs, ink fingerprinting remains the most reliable and universally accepted method. However, in certain circumstances, Live Scan can be used—but this is the exception rather than the rule.

If you’re in need of fingerprinting services, we offer professional ink fingerprinting services that comply with the requirements of all 50 states. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and ensure your fingerprinting process goes smoothly, no matter where your fingerprints are headed.