To Provide a reliable and trusted method for verifying identity, fingerprinting is a core component of background checks. Two different forms of fingerprinting are commonly available in California, — Live Scan and FD-258 — presents potential challenges when determining which method is appropriate in your situation. In this concise and thorough guide, learn:
- The difference between Live Scan vs. ink card fingerprints
- When Live Scan fingerprints are required
- When you might still need ink fingerprints
- Which fingerprint type is compatible with apostille services
- How to get both types of fingerprints at Beverly Hills Apostille
At Beverly Hills Apostille, we’re here to streamline the process, whether you need electronic Live Scan fingerprinting or an FD-258 fingerprint card. Below, discover which type of fingerprinting is right for you and how we can help.
What is Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Live Scan fingerprinting captures fingerprints with a digital scanner, eliminating the need for ink and paper. The California Department of Justice (DOJ) has adopted this method for Employment, Licensing and Personal reasons, leading to the nickname “DOJ fingerprinting” or “DOJ Live Scan”
Fast & Ideal for California Professional Licenses
Submitted electronically, Live Scan fingerprinting offers a faster turnaround time and is ideal for background checks required by the State of California. State level Live Scan fingerprints for Visa/Immigration can be apostilled if a wet signature is requested from the DOJ after the prints are submitted.
What is FD-258 Ink Card Fingerprinting?
FD-258 fingerprinting is a traditional method that consists of applying ink to your fingertips and then pressing them onto a standard FD-258 card. This is the way fingerprints were provided before the advent of electronic fingerprinting, and ink fingerprints are still commonly used for out-of-state, federal and international purposes.
Ideal for International Use & Apostille-Ready
In contrast to Live Scan fingerprints, FD-258 ink fingerprint cards are still used for FBI background checks. Although FBI Channeling – the electronic submission of fingerprints – is now the most popular option for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, ink fingerprinting remains necessary in certain cases.
FBI background check reports, whether received digitally or as hard copies, can be apostilled for international use. However, individuals without legal status in the U.S. must still submit traditional FD-258 ink fingerprint cards. These cards are mailed physically to the FBI, and since they are not submitted through an FBI Channeler, the processing time can be significantly longer
Key Differences: Live Scan vs Ink Card
Live Scan fingerprints are generally only viable for in-state use, while FD-258 fingerprints can be used for out of State Licensing/Employment, federally or internationally. In most cases, Live Scan fingerprints submitted to the DOJ are processed much faster than the FD-258 ink cards, which take weeks to process if submitted manually. See the table below for more details;
Detailed Comparison
Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | Live Scan | FD-258 Ink Card |
| Format | Digital | Hard Card |
| Processing Time | Faster (within 48-72 hours) | Slower (weeks if submitted manually) |
| Where Accepted | CA Department of Justice | State, Federal, Out-of-State, International |
| Apostille Eligible | Only State Visa/Immigration background checks are eligible for Apostille with Wet Signature | Digital or hard copies of the FBI reports can be Apostilled. A faster option is the FBI Channeling |
| Cost & Convenience | Highly Convenient, rolling fee plus government fees apply. | Can be less convenient, rolling fee plus government fees apply. |
When To Choose Live Scan
Live Scan is the go-to option for in-state background checks. This form of background check fingerprinting is not used for out-of-state or international level, but it’s a quick and easy way to submit fingerprints for the following purposes:
- California State Jobs: Positions such as teaching, health care and law enforcement usually require Live Scan fingerprint background checks.
- Professional Licensing: Background checks for fields like nursing, real estate, and childcare generally require Live Scan fingerprinting.
- Volunteer Roles: Electronic fingerprinting may be needed for certain volunteer positions to satisfy safety and compliance requirements.
- Personal: For Personal record review or Visa/Immigration for International use.
When To Choose FD-258 Ink Card
A physical FD-258 fingerprint card is needed for most federal and international purposes. While processing and submission can take longer, this method satisfies requirements for federal contracts, it’s widely recognized by foreign embassies, and ink fingerprints are also used for out-of-state licensing.
- Federal Background Checks: Federal agencies like the FBI accept fingerprint cards. Although FBI Channeling is a faster method to submit prints to the FBI.
- Out-of-State Licensing: FD-258 fingerprinting may be required for professionals who will be working in other states.
- Immigration and International Purposes: FD-258 fingerprint cards are acceptable for all immigration purposes.
Apostille Background Check Reports Issued by the DOJ and FBI
FD-258 fingerprint cards submitted to the FBI result in an official background check report, which can be apostilled or authenticated by the U.S. Department of State for international use.
In contrast, Live Scan fingerprints processed through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) can also be apostilled, but at the state level, for visa and immigration.
An apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature on the FBI or DOJ report, allowing it to be legally recognized by countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention
Choose Beverly Hills Apostille for Expedited Processing
Our experts are experienced and trained to follow the exact procedures that result in timely and efficient turnarounds for FD-258 fingerprint card submissions. We are also affiliated with FBI Channeler’s and can provide electronic submission to the FBI for faster processing of your FBI Background Check, Results can be accessed online usually within hours. While you’re here, ask about our other services, including notary, translation, court document retrieval, and more.
How To Get Fingerprinted in Beverly Hills
As one of California’s most-trusted fingerprinting services, you can rely on us for your fingerprinting and apostille needs. At Beverly Hills Apostille, our DOJ-certified technicians can assist with the Live Scan and Ink card fingerprinting procedures, ensuring the quickest possible turnaround times by eliminating errors and following proper protocols.
Submitting fingerprints yourself can be a hassle, which is why we provide FBI Channeling for U.S. citizens and permanent residents and FBI background check direct submission for applicants that do not have legal status in the US. To get started, select “Book Appointment” in the menu bar above, and then choose “Book Now” under either “Ink Card Fingerprinting”, “FBI Channeling,” or “Live Scan for California”.
Live Scan vs. Ink Card Fingerprints FAQs
The main difference between Live Scan and FD-258 ink card fingerprinting lies in how and where the fingerprints are submitted.
Live Scan fingerprinting is an electronic process used primarily for individuals applying within the same state where the background check is required. The fingerprints are captured digitally and submitted directly to the Department of Justice (DOJ). This method is commonly used for in-state licensing, employment, or certification purposes.
Ink card fingerprinting on the FD-258 form, on the other hand, is a manual process where fingerprints are taken using ink or a digital printout on a standard FBI fingerprint card. These cards are typically mailed to the requesting agency or the FBI and are widely used for out-of-state, federal, and international background checks.
In short, Live Scan is faster and limited to in-state submissions, while FD-258 ink card fingerprinting is more versatile, allowing for use across states and internationally.
Can Live Scan be apostilled?
No, Live Scan fingerprints cannot be apostilled, but the report received from the DOJ for the Visa/Immigration Live Scan fingerprints submitted can be Apostilled for countries that are part of the Hague Convention on Apostille.
How long does Live Scan processing take?
Fingerprints submitted via Live Scan are generally processed within 48-72 hours. They can be submitted electronically, and the DOJ will mail the results to the requesting agency listed on the Request for Live Scan form. It can be the Employer, Licensing Agency or individual (for personal or visa immigration).
How do I get an FD-258 fingerprint card?
You can download and print out an FD-258 fingerprint card on the FBI’s website or if you go to a fingerprinting location that provides the fingerprinting service, they can provide the fingerprint cards.
Do I need Live Scan or an ink card for Visa/Immigration?
Live Scan is used to submit fingerprints for State Level background check if you reside in the same state you are submitting the prints to. If you reside outside the state, then you will need to submit Ink Cards for processing the background check. Fingerprints cannot be electronically submitted between states (With some exceptions)
For FBI background checks, you can use an FBI Channeler to submit your prints electronically for fast processing of your FBI Background check or you can mail the FD-258 fingerprint cards directly to the FBI for processing. This process takes much longer.
Are Live Scan or ink fingerprints more accurate?
Live Scan fingerprints are generally more accurate and reliable than traditional ink fingerprints.
Advantages include: higher accuracy, instant quality checks, faster results, and no mess.
Ink card fingerprints can be just as accurate when done properly, but there’s less opportunity to correct mistakes if a print is smudged or unclear. They can also be messier, require more handling time, and take longer to process.
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Card-Scan Service for Out-of-State Fingerprint Submission for California Background Check, Florida FDLE Background Check and FBI Channeling:
Beverly Hills Apostille provides Card-Scan service for individuals who do not reside in California but need to submit fingerprints electronically to the California Department of Justice (DOJ). Florida FDLE for Licensing and Employment and FBI Channeling. This service is beneficial for out-of-state, out-of-country, and international applicants who are required to submit fingerprints for Licensing, Employment, visa/Immigration, and personal Background Checks.
Fingerprints Cards are converted and submitted electronically for fast processing of the background check. This service is limited to California, Florida, and FBI Background Check Channeling.
For more information, please contact one of our experienced fingerprint technicians.
