Need ink fingerprints for an FBI background check, professional license, employment application, or international paperwork? Start here.
You receive an email telling you to submit fingerprints.
The instructions say FD-258.
You search for fingerprinting near Indianapolis and discover several different services: digital fingerprinting, Live Scan, ink fingerprinting, background checks.
Now you're wondering which one you actually need.
I'm Kerrie L. Smith, owner of Signature Move Notary Services, where I provide FD-258 ink fingerprinting appointments in Indianapolis.
Here's how to avoid booking the wrong service.
What is an FD-258 fingerprint card?
The FD-258 is a standard fingerprint card commonly used for certain background check and identification processes.
It records fingerprint impressions and identifying information.
However, having your fingerprints taken does not automatically mean a background check has been completed.
The agency receiving your card determines how the fingerprints are submitted and processed.
Is ink fingerprinting the same as Live Scan?
No.
Ink fingerprinting involves capturing fingerprint impressions on a physical card.
Live Scan generally involves electronically capturing fingerprint impressions, with submission procedures depending on the provider and agency.
Some organizations specifically request FD-258 cards.
Others require electronic submission through a designated system.
Before scheduling, read the instructions from the agency requesting your fingerprints.
What should I bring?
I recommend bringing:
Your fingerprinting instructions or agency request
Acceptable government-issued identification
Any required agency-specific forms or fingerprint cards
Information the requesting organization requires on the card
If you're unsure whether you need one card or multiple cards, confirm with the receiving organization before your appointment.
Why fingerprint quality matters
Fingerprint impressions need to be clear enough for the receiving agency to evaluate.
Excessive ink, smearing, incomplete impressions, and poor ridge detail can cause problems.
During an ink fingerprinting appointment, I focus on careful positioning and obtaining clear impressions.
However, the receiving agency ultimately determines whether the card is acceptable.
No fingerprinting provider can guarantee acceptance.
What if my fingerprints are for an FBI background check?
If you're requesting an FBI Identity History Summary, the FBI provides instructions for obtaining the report.
Depending on your submission method, you may need fingerprint cards.
You can review the official process through the FBI Identity History Summary Checks page.
If the FBI report is intended for international use, you may also need a federal apostille after the report is issued.
That's a separate process.
Signature Move Notary Services also coordinates federal apostille requests for eligible FBI reports.
Can you come to my location for fingerprinting?
Mobile ink fingerprinting may be available for qualifying appointments.
That can be helpful for individuals or organizations that need fingerprinting without traveling to an office.
Mobile availability and pricing depend on the location and appointment requirements.
How much does ink fingerprinting cost?
Signature Move Notary Services' standard office fingerprinting service is $85 for two FD-258 cards, with additional cards generally $10 each.
Mobile appointments have additional travel charges.
Please confirm current pricing and availability when booking.
Ready to schedule FD-258 ink fingerprinting in Indianapolis?
Tell me which organization requested your fingerprints, whether you need FD-258 cards, and how many cards are required.
I'll help you determine whether the service I offer matches your instructions.
Schedule Ink Fingerprinting With Signature Move
Signature Move Notary Services | Indianapolis, Indiana
Fingerprinting does not guarantee acceptance by the receiving agency, and fingerprint capture is separate from background check processing.
