
FBI FD-258 Ink Fingerprinting Cards
The FD-258 Ink Fingerprint Cards are used by the FBI to process an “National Level” criminal background report. The FBI requires applicants to be fingerprinted on the paper FD258 fingerprint card by a certified fingerprint technician. These fingerprint cards are most commonly used for out-of-state licensing and employment.
FBI FD-258 Ink Fingerprint Cards. (aka “Hard Card” & “Ten Print”)
***NEW! Electronic Fingerprints Printed to Multiple FD-258 Cards***
Alive Scan is an authorized FBI Channeler with certified FBI Scanner and Printer. With this certified technology, we can fingerprint electronically one time and then print out multiple sets of fingerprint cards. That’s right, we capture your fingerprints digitally in 5 minutes and then “Print Unlimited FD-258 Cards“. Applicants who are regularly fingerprinted for state licensing “love” this new feature. No more messy ink or having to get fingerprinted over and over again.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Certified Fingerprint Roller
Alive Scan is certified by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) for FD-258 and SF-87 “Hard Card” Fingerprinting in addition to Live Scan Fingerprinting. We are required to id the applicant, sign off on the FD-258 card, and also enter our FPC code.

Do I Need to Go to Law Enforcement or a Police Station for Ink Fingerprinting
FD-258 requirements often instruct the applicant to go to a Police Station or Sheriff Office for fingerprinting; however, most California Police Departments no longer offer ink fingerprinting services. Alive Scan is recognized by law enforcement as an authorized fingerprint location in San Diego. We process fingerprints on the FD258 cards that are required by IdentoGo.
Where Can I Purchase an FD258 Fingerprint Card
People often find it difficult to obtain the required FD 258 fingerprint card. Fortunately, Alive Scan provides these fingerprint cards “FREE” to our customers! However if you do require a blank fingerprint card, you can purchase them for $5.00 each.
FBI FD-258 Forms & Instructions
NOTE: Although the FBI will accept a printed copy of the FD-258 card, we highly recommend using the official 8″ x 8″ FD258 Fingerprint Cards for your ink fingerprinting to avoid extended delays and a much higher rejection rate.
- FBI Form FD-258 Sample PDF.
- Blank FD 258 Ink Fingerprint Card.
- Instructions for the FD-258 Fingerprint Card (jpg).
Do I have to use the FBI Form FD-258
When people who reside in California wish to work or become licensed in another state, the FD 258 Card is usually the required method of fingerprinting. When being fingerprinted for reasons within California, live scan fingerprinting is required. Some agencies such as CA Board of Behavioral Sciences offer both methods of fingerprinting. Applicants residing in California are required to submit fingerprints via live scan. If you reside outside of the State of California, you may use the “hard card” fingerprint method.
How’s a ” Ten Print Card” or “Hard Card” differ from the FD 258 Card
The Ten-Print fingerprint card is just another name for the ink fingerprint card. The blue FD-258 cards are usually the only acceptable form to be fingerprinted on. We recommend that you contact the the agency to verify, as some agencies use an alternate format. Other common names for the FD258 card include:
- Ten Print Card
- Fingerprint Card
- Hard Card
- Hard Copy
- Ink Card
- Wet Card
- Standard Form (Standard Fingerprint Card)
SF-87 Fingerprint Card
The SF-87 Fingerprint Card is often used my the military and to complete a federal employment security clearance. Alive Scan is authorized to fingerprint SF87 applicants, however, you will need to provide the SF-87 card since they are government issued. Some requesting agencies allow the FD-258 Card to be used as a substitute since the two fingerprint cards are very similar. Check with the requesting agency before substituting the FD 258 for the less common SF-87 card.
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