Ink Fingerprinting in Indianapolis: The Complete Guide You Actually Need
Why Ink Fingerprinting Still Matters in a Digital World
You’d think with apps scanning faces and thumbs everywhere, ink fingerprinting would be outdated. Nope. The FBI and other agencies still prefer traditional FD-258 fingerprint cards for many background checks. Ink fingerprinting remains the gold standard because:
It’s universally accepted (not every agency accepts digital/live scan).
FBI and state agencies use ink as the baseline.
Some federal forms explicitly require ink, no substitutes.
If you skip this step—or get bad quality prints—you’re looking at rejections, delays, and in some cases, missed job or immigration deadlines.
Common Reasons You Might Need Ink Fingerprinting
Most of my clients come to me in a rush, because suddenly someone told them “You need fingerprint cards.” Here’s when it usually pops up:
FBI Background Checks – for immigration, work visas, or personal review.
Out-of-State Licensing – nursing boards, real estate commissions, or security guard permits.
Employment or Volunteer Work – especially in schools, hospitals, or financial institutions.
Adoption or Foster Care – courts and agencies often demand original ink prints.
International Travel & Immigration – many foreign governments require FBI background checks with fingerprint cards.
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. People walk in saying: “I didn’t know fingerprints had to be mailed in” or “Live scan wasn’t accepted.”
The FBI & Your Fingerprints: What Really Happens
Here’s the behind-the-scenes process most people never hear:
Your fingerprints go on the FBI standard FD-258 card.
The card gets mailed to the FBI or an FBI-approved channeler.
The FBI scans, compares, and runs your prints against its national database.
You receive a criminal history report—or a clean record.
➡️ Pro Tip: Blurry or smudged prints will be rejected. The FBI doesn’t “fix” them—they just send them back. That means wasted time.
How I Help Clients Avoid Rejections
At Signature Move Notary Services, I make fingerprinting smooth and rejection-proof:
✅ Clean, Clear Prints Every Time – I use FBI-issued FD-258 cards and make sure every ridge shows.
✅ Mobile Service in Indianapolis & Surrounding Cities – I come to your home, office, or hospital.
✅ Fast Turnaround – most clients are done in under 15 minutes.
✅ Extra Cards Provided – just in case your agency asks for duplicates.
For urgent cases (immigration, adoption deadlines, etc.), I’ll walk you through the entire mailing/submission process so nothing gets stuck in limbo.
Ink vs. Live Scan: What’s the Difference?
Ink (FD-258 Cards): Widely accepted. Required for FBI background checks, international use (Apostille), and federal requests.
Live Scan (Digital): Faster for some state-level checks, but not always accepted outside the U.S. or by the FBI.
Think of ink as the “passport” of fingerprinting—it works universally.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to get FBI results once fingerprints are submitted?
Usually 3–5 business days with an FBI-approved channeler. Direct mail to the FBI can take weeks.
2. Can I use fingerprint cards from somewhere else?
Some agencies give you blank cards. If not, I always have official FD-258 cards on hand.
3. What if my fingerprints are rejected?
We redo them quickly—no extra charge for a second attempt during the same session.
4. Do you keep my fingerprint records?
No. Once you leave with your cards, your prints are yours only.
Why Clients Choose Me
I’m not just taking your prints—I’m making sure they actually work for what you need. People call me after being turned away by UPS stores, or after mailing smudged cards that got rejected. My clients want someone professional, mobile, and experienced who knows the FBI requirements inside and out.
Next Steps: Don’t Let Deadlines Slip
Whether it’s for a new job, international adoption, or immigration paperwork—fingerprints aren’t something you can afford to get wrong.
📲 Call/Text: (317)438-3183
💻 Book online: Schedule Fingerprinting
🚗 Mobile service across Indianapolis + surrounding counties
Fast, professional, FBI-compliant ink fingerprinting—done right the first time.
