Types of Fingerprinting Methods & Requirements

Understanding Fingerprinting Methods

Fingerprinting is an essential part of employment screening, professional licensing, government applications, and criminal history background checks. While every fingerprint submission serves the same purpose—verifying identity—the method required varies depending on the requesting agency, employer, licensing board, or regulatory authority.

Some organizations require traditional FD-258 fingerprint cards, while others utilize electronic submissions through Live Scan or approved fingerprinting systems. Understanding these differences before scheduling an appointment helps avoid unnecessary delays, rejected submissions, and repeat fingerprinting.

This guide explains the most common fingerprinting methods, their intended uses, and the requirements applicants may encounter throughout the fingerprinting process.

Illustration showing loop, whorl, and arch fingerprint patterns

Common Fingerprinting Methods

Today's fingerprinting requirements generally fall into one of several submission methods. The requesting organization determines which method is acceptable, making it important to carefully review all application instructions before scheduling fingerprinting services.

FD-258 Ink Fingerprinting

The FD-258 fingerprint card remains the national standard for many federal agencies, licensing boards, and employers. Although electronic fingerprinting has become increasingly common, FD-258 cards continue to be required for numerous licensing, employment, and background investigation purposes.

Common uses include:

FBI background checks
Professional licensing
FINRA registration
Federal employment
Firearms licensing
Immigration-related applications
Out-of-state licensing requirements

Unlike electronic submissions, FD-258 fingerprint cards provide applicants with physical fingerprint cards that are submitted directly to the requesting agency.

FD-258 FINGERPRINTING SERVICES

Live Scan Fingerprinting

Live Scan fingerprinting captures fingerprints electronically without the use of ink. Once collected, fingerprint images are transmitted digitally to participating agencies, reducing mailing requirements and improving processing efficiency.

Live Scan is frequently required for:

State licensing agencies
Certain healthcare professions
Government employment
Volunteer organizations
Electronic criminal history background checks

Not every agency accepts Live Scan fingerprinting. Many organizations continue to require FD-258 fingerprint cards or utilize their own approved submission systems.

FBI Channeling & Digital Fingerprint Processing

While FD-258 fingerprint cards are completed using traditional ink, many fingerprint submissions do not end with the physical card. Depending on the requesting agency or state requirements, completed fingerprint cards may be electronically scanned and converted into digital fingerprint images through an FBI-approved Channeler before being securely transmitted for processing.

This process allows agencies that continue to require FD-258 fingerprint cards to benefit from electronic submission while maintaining compatibility with established fingerprint collection requirements. Whether fingerprints remain on the physical card or are converted to digital images depends entirely on the submission procedures established by the requesting agency.

Hazmat Fingerprinting Requirements

Applicants seeking a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) on a Commercial Driver License (CDL) must complete fingerprinting through a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved enrollment provider. Unlike many employment and licensing fingerprint requirements, Hazmat fingerprinting follows a federally established enrollment process and cannot be completed using standard FD-258 fingerprint cards. A local provider of TSA approved livescan fingerprinting for Hazmat is:

IdentoGO
7917 Bond St.
Lenexa, KS 66214

Applicants should carefully follow the instructions provided by the Transportation Security Administration or their state's licensing authority when scheduling a Hazmat fingerprint appointment.

Selecting the Appropriate Fingerprinting Method

The appropriate fingerprinting method is determined by the requesting agency

The employer, licensing board, or regulatory organization—not the applicant. Carefully reviewing your application instructions before scheduling fingerprinting services helps ensure the correct collection and submission method is used.
Before scheduling your appointment, verify:

Whether FD-258 fingerprint cards or electronic fingerprinting are required.
Whether fingerprints must be submitted directly to the requesting agency or through an approved vendor or FBI Channeler.
Whether fingerprint cards are supplied with your application.
Any identification or supporting documentation required during your appointment.
Any state- or agency-specific fingerprint submission instructions.

When application instructions are unclear, applicants should contact the requesting agency for clarification before fingerprinting is completed.

Why Fingerprinting Requirements Differ

Fingerprinting requirements differ because every agency, licensing board, employer, and government organization establishes its own standards for collecting and processing fingerprints. Some require traditional ink fingerprint cards, while others utilize electronic fingerprint capture, digital submission systems, or approved FBI Channelers.

Understanding these differences before scheduling an appointment helps reduce processing delays and ensures fingerprints are submitted using the method accepted by the requesting organization.

Schedule Fingerprinting Services

WeAssure Screening Services provides professional fingerprint collection for employment, licensing, regulatory compliance, immigration, financial services, and numerous other fingerprinting requirements. Whether your application requires FD-258 fingerprint cards or another approved fingerprinting method, we are committed to providing accurate fingerprint collection while helping applicants understand the requirements established by their requesting agency.

Schedule your Fingerprinting appointment