FD-258 INK FINGERPRINTING
FBI FD-258 ink fingerprint cards are used for out-of-state licensing, federal background checks, immigration, personal FBI record reviews, and other programs that still require paper fingerprint cards. Pasadena Live Scan Service provides professional, rolled-ink fingerprints on official FD-258 cards so you can mail them wherever they are needed.
Serving Pasadena, Los Angeles County, and surrounding areas with FBI FD-258 ink fingerprinting for out-of-state licenses, federal background checks, immigration, adoptions, and personal record reviews.
Confirm Your Instructions
Your requesting agency (state board, federal employer, immigration attorney, etc.) tells you that you need FD-258 ink fingerprint cards and how many to submit.
Schedule & Bring ID
Book an appointment at Pasadena Live Scan Service, bring your valid photo ID and any paperwork or instructions, and we will roll your fingerprints in ink.
We Complete Your FD-258 Cards
We professionally capture your fingerprints on FD-258 cards and return them to you so you can mail them to the FBI, state licensing board, or other requesting agency.
FD-258 Ink Fingerprinting Overview
Pasadena Live Scan Service provides professional ink fingerprinting on FBI FD-258 fingerprint cards. These cards are commonly required for out-of-state professional licenses, federal employment, immigration cases, international adoptions, and personal FBI criminal history record checks. This page explains what FD-258 cards are, who uses them, how our ink fingerprinting process works, and what to bring to your appointment.
The FD-258 is the standard FBI fingerprint card used throughout the United States. Even though many agencies now accept electronic Live Scan submissions, many programs still require hard-copy ink fingerprint cards to be mailed in with your application.
- Official FBI fingerprint card used nationwide
- Required for many out-of-state and federal background checks
- Used when Live Scan transmission is not available or accepted
- Completed with traditional rolled-ink fingerprints by a trained technician
This is our standard service fee for each FD-258 ink fingerprint card we complete at Pasadena Live Scan Service. It includes professional fingerprint rolling and completion of all required fields on the card.
Note: Our in-office fee does not include any additional fees charged by the FBI, state licensing boards, or other agencies. Those agencies may require you to include separate payments or money orders when you mail your fingerprint cards.
Be sure to review your requesting agency’s instructions so you know where to mail your cards and what additional payments or forms must be included.
FD-258 Ink Fingerprinting Questions We Answer
Click a question below to jump to the answer:
What is an FD-258 ink fingerprint card?
The FD-258 is a standard FBI fingerprint card printed on heavy cardstock. It includes boxes for your personal information and spaces for each rolled fingerprint and each plain impression. Many agencies still rely on FD-258 cards because they can be stored, scanned, or processed in systems that are not connected to California’s Live Scan network.
When is an FD-258 card required instead of Live Scan?
FD-258 cards are typically required when the requesting agency is outside California, is a federal agency, or does not accept electronic Live Scan submissions. Examples include out-of-state professional licensing boards, federal employment or security clearances, certain immigration cases, and personal FBI criminal history record checks.
Who uses or accepts FD-258 fingerprint cards?
Many organizations use FD-258 cards, including:
- Out-of-state nursing, real estate, and other professional licensing boards
- Federal agencies and contractors that require FBI background checks
- Immigration attorneys and international adoption programs
- Employers that process background checks through national vendors
- Individuals requesting a personal FBI “Identity History Summary Check”
Do you provide the official FD-258 fingerprint cards?
Yes. Pasadena Live Scan Service maintains a supply of official FD-258 fingerprint cards on FBI-approved cardstock. If your agency has already mailed you pre-printed cards with their information, you are welcome to bring those as well. We can roll your fingerprints on either our cards or the cards supplied to you.
How does the FD-258 ink fingerprinting process work?
At your appointment, a trained fingerprint technician will:
- Review your instructions to confirm how many cards are required
- Verify your identity with a valid government-issued photo ID
- Fill in the required information fields on your FD-258 card(s)
- Roll each finger in ink and transfer the prints to the card using FBI standards
- Have you review and sign where required
When finished, we return the completed FD-258 cards to you so you can mail them to the correct address with any required payment or application paperwork.
How many FD-258 cards do I need?
The number of cards depends on your requesting agency. Some programs only need one card; others may ask for two or more. In many cases, people choose to have an extra card completed as a backup in case a card is damaged or rejected. If you’re unsure, we recommend checking with your agency before your appointment or calling our office so we can guide you.
Process & Timing
How long does an FD-258 appointment take?
Most FD-258 ink fingerprinting appointments take about 15–20 minutes, depending on the number of cards and how easily your fingerprints capture in ink. We recommend arriving a few minutes early so we can review your ID and any special instructions before we begin.
Do you mail the FD-258 cards for me?
You are responsible for mailing your FD-258 cards to the correct agency or background check vendor. We complete the cards and give them back to you along with any unused cards you brought. This allows you to include any required payments, cover letters, or application forms in the same envelope when you mail your package.
Requirements & Quality
How should I prepare for my FD-258 appointment?
To make your appointment go smoothly, we recommend:
- Bringing a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID
- Bringing any letters or instructions from your requesting agency
- Bringing any FD-258 cards that were mailed directly to you (if applicable)
- Avoiding lotion, oils, or heavy hand sanitizers immediately before your appointment
- If your hands are very dry, gently moisturizing them the night before (not right before printing)
Can I reuse an old FD-258 card or photocopy it?
No. FD-258 cards must contain original, current fingerprints taken for that specific background check. Photocopies or scans of a previous card are not acceptable. If your agency asks for new fingerprints, you will need new FD-258 cards rolled at the time of your request.
What if my fingerprints are hard to capture or get rejected?
Some people have very light, worn, or damaged fingerprints due to age, work, or medical conditions. Our technicians are trained to work carefully with challenging fingerprints and will take additional impressions if needed to get the clearest possible prints. If an agency notifies you that your cards were rejected for quality, please contact us so we can discuss reprinting options and what documentation is required.
Out-of-State & Special Uses
Do you do FD-258 cards for personal FBI record review?
Yes. If you are requesting a personal FBI “Identity History Summary Check” (also called a personal record review), we can provide FD-258 cards that meet the FBI requirements. You will still need to follow the FBI’s online or mail-in instructions, pay their fee, and mail the cards directly to the FBI or to an FBI-approved channeler.
What to Bring to Your FD-258 Ink Fingerprinting Appointment
Checklist for a Smooth Visit
- Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (driver license, state ID, or passport)
- Any FD-258 cards mailed to you by your agency (if applicable)
- Any printed instructions, cover sheets, or letters from your requesting agency
- Return envelopes or mailing supplies you plan to use after your appointment
- Payment method for our fingerprinting service fee
- Any separate payment required by the agency (money order, cashier’s check, etc.) to be included when you mail your cards
- A list of questions you may have about how many cards you need or how to fill in certain fields
- If you are unsure about anything, feel free to call our office before your visit.
Top Reasons People Visit Us for FD-258 Ink Fingerprinting
These are some of the most common situations where people are required to submit FD-258 ink fingerprint cards.
Out-of-State Professional Licenses
Nurses, real estate agents, security professionals, and other licensed workers often need FD-258 cards for state boards outside California that do not accept Live Scan.
Federal Employment & Clearances
Certain federal jobs, contractors, and security clearance processes require FD-258 cards to be submitted to the FBI or a federal background check provider.
Immigration & International Programs
Some immigration cases, visas, foreign residency applications, and international adoptions require FBI background checks supported by FD-258 fingerprint cards.
Personal FBI Record Review
Individuals may request a copy of their own FBI criminal history for personal review, correction, or travel/employment purposes, which often involves submitting FD-258 fingerprint cards.
Who Pays the Agency or FBI Fees?
Our office charges a service fee for rolling your fingerprints on FD-258 cards. Any additional fees charged by the FBI, state boards, or background check vendors are separate and are typically paid directly by you or your employer.
- Many agencies require you to include a money order, cashier’s check, or online payment confirmation with your fingerprint cards.
- Our staff can help you confirm which parts of the FD-258 card we complete, but we cannot advise on agency-specific application fees or legal requirements.
- Always review your requesting agency’s instructions carefully so you know the correct mailing address, fee amount, and any deadlines.
- If your employer or program is covering your costs, check whether they will reimburse you or provide pre-paid mailing labels and payment forms.
Same-Day & Walk-In FD-258 Ink Fingerprinting
Walk-ins are welcome when our schedule allows, but we highly recommend booking an appointment to secure your time and reduce waiting—especially if you need multiple FD-258 cards or are on a tight deadline.
Appointments help us ensure we have enough time to review your instructions, verify your ID, and carefully complete your fingerprint cards. You can schedule a visit on our Location & How It Works page.
Where to Complete Your FD-258 Ink Fingerprinting
We welcome individuals, employers, and families from Pasadena and all surrounding communities who need FD-258 ink fingerprint cards. If you have questions about how many cards you need, what to bring, or how to prepare, please contact our office before your visit. We can also combine FD-258 ink cards with other services such as Live Scan, Notary, or passport photos when your application requires them.
📍 Office: 708 N Marengo Ave. Suite #A, Pasadena, CA 91103
📞 Phone: (626) 792-2185
📧 Email: Pasadenalivescan@gmail.com
🕒 Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed for lunch between 1:00pm-1:45pm