What Is an FD-258 Fingerprint Card? Complete Guide
What Is an FD-258 Fingerprint Card? The Complete Guide
If you need a background check for employment, licensing, immigration, or a federal application, you may be asked to submit an FD-258 fingerprint card.
This card is the official fingerprint form issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and is used to collect fingerprints for identity verification and background checks.
Although modern fingerprinting often uses digital technology, many agencies still require fingerprints to be submitted on this specific card.
In this guide, you will learn:
- What an FD-258 fingerprint card is
- When you need one
- How fingerprinting works
- Where to get fingerprinted
- How to avoid fingerprint rejection
What Is an FD-258 Fingerprint Card?
The FD-258 fingerprint card is the standard fingerprint form used by the FBI to capture fingerprints for civil and background check purposes.
The card contains:
- Personal identification information
- Employer or agency information
- Ten fingerprint boxes
- Flat fingerprint impressions
- Signature and technician fields
The card is typically printed on blue and white cardstock and includes fields for demographic information such as height, weight, eye color, and hair color.
Once completed, the card can be submitted to an agency, government department, or background check processor.
What Is an FD-258 Fingerprint Card Used For?
FD-258 fingerprint cards are required for many federal, state, and international applications.
Common uses include:
Employment Background Checks
Many employers require fingerprint-based background checks to confirm identity and criminal history.
Professional Licensing
Licensing boards often require fingerprint submissions for professions such as:
- Nurses
- Teachers
- Security guards
- Financial professionals
- Real estate agents
Immigration and Travel
Some immigration applications require fingerprint submissions for identity verification.
Firearms Applications
Certain federal firearms applications require fingerprint cards as part of the approval process.
Security Clearances
Government agencies may require fingerprint cards for background investigations.
Because fingerprints provide unique biometric identification, they are often used for high-security background checks.
Ink Fingerprinting vs Live Scan Fingerprinting
Fingerprint cards can be created using two different methods.
Ink Fingerprinting
Ink fingerprinting is the traditional method where each finger is rolled in ink and pressed onto the fingerprint card.
This method has been used for decades and remains widely accepted by many agencies.
Advantages:
- accepted almost everywhere
- required for many federal submissions
- simple and reliable
Live Scan Fingerprinting
Live Scan uses a digital scanner to capture fingerprints electronically without ink.
The digital fingerprints can then be printed onto an FD-258 card.
Advantages include:
- cleaner process
- faster capture
- improved accuracy
What Information Is Included on an FD-258 Card?
An FD-258 card collects detailed information about the individual being fingerprinted.
Typical fields include:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Sex and race
- Height and weight
- Eye and hair color
- Place of birth
- Social security number (optional)
- Employer or requesting agency
- Reason for fingerprinting
The fingerprint section includes:
- Rolled fingerprints from all ten fingers
- Flat impressions for verification
This information ensures the fingerprints are properly associated with the correct individual.
Where Can You Get an FD-258 Fingerprint Card Completed?
You can usually obtain FD-258 fingerprinting from:
- Fingerprinting Solutions Plus
- Law enforcement agencies
- Private fingerprinting companies
- Background check providers
- Mobile fingerprinting services
Many people choose professional fingerprinting services like
Fingerprinting Solutions Plus
because they help ensure the fingerprints are captured correctly and meet submission requirements.
Can You Get FD-258 Fingerprints Taken at Your Office?
Yes , many professionals search for mobile fingerprinting near me when they need fast and convenient service. Mobile fingerprinting allows a trained technician to travel directly to your location and complete fingerprinting on site. This service is ideal for busy professionals, corporate offices, healthcare teams, and individuals who prefer the convenience of being fingerprinted at their home or workplace. Fingerprinting Solutions Plus provides mobile fingerprinting services throughout Frisco, Dallas, and the North Texas area, making it easy for individuals and organizations to complete fingerprinting quickly and efficiently.
A technician travels to your office and fingerprints employees on site.
This is especially helpful for:
- corporate teams
- healthcare organizations
- security companies
- financial firms
Mobile fingerprinting saves time and allows multiple employees to complete fingerprinting in a single visit.
How to Avoid Fingerprint Rejection
One of the biggest problems people face is fingerprint rejection.
This usually happens when fingerprints are:
- too light
- smudged
- incomplete
- improperly rolled
Fingerprinting Solutions Plus technicians help prevent rejection by ensuring fingerprints are:
- clear
- properly rolled
- correctly positioned
This greatly increases the chances of acceptance.
Why Many Professionals Choose Fingerprinting Solutions Plus
If you need FD-258 fingerprinting in Frisco, Dallas, or North Texas, Fingerprinting Solutions Plus provides:
- Professional fingerprint technicians
- FD-258, FINRA, SF-87, and other cards
- Mobile fingerprinting services
- Corporate fingerprinting appointments
- Fast and reliable service
Whether you need fingerprints for employment, licensing, immigration, or background checks, our team ensures your fingerprints are captured accurately the first time.
Need FD-258 fingerprinting?
Book an appointment with Fingerprinting Solutions Plus today.
Fast. Professional. Accurate.
FAQ Section
What is an FD-258 fingerprint card?
An FD-258 fingerprint card is the official FBI form used to collect fingerprints for background checks and identity verification.
When do you need an FD-258 fingerprint card?
You may need an FD-258 card for employment background checks, licensing applications, immigration requests, and federal approvals.
Can Live Scan produce an FD-258 card?
Yes. Digital fingerprints captured using Live Scan can be printed onto an FD-258 fingerprint card.
How long does fingerprinting take?
Most fingerprinting appointments take about 10 minutes once the process begins. 
Can fingerprint cards be rejected?
Yes. Fingerprints may be rejected if they are smudged or unclear. Using a professional technician helps prevent this.
