Live Scan vs. FD-258 Ink Fingerprinting: Which Type of Fingerprinting Do You Need?
Quick answer: Use the fingerprinting method named in the instructions from the employer, licensing board, agency, attorney, or organization requesting your fingerprints. Live Scan captures fingerprints digitally and commonly submits them electronically. An FD-258 is a physical applicant fingerprint card used for certain federal, out-of-state, licensing, employment, and agency-specific submissions. The two methods are not automatically interchangeable.
In Florida, applicants often encounter Live Scan for licensing, employment, and Level 2 background-screening workflows. A requesting agency may instead require an FD-258 card when it needs a physical card, follows a federal or out-of-state process, or uses a submission system outside Florida's electronic workflow. Your occupation alone does not decide the format.
South Beach Apostille Translation & Notary provides both options at its Miami Beach office and through mobile appointments when available. Review the Live Scan and FD-258 fingerprinting services page or bring your instructions to the team before choosing a service.
The safest decision rule: Follow the written instruction, ORI, card form, and submission method for your exact application. Do not choose Live Scan or FD-258 based only on convenience or job title.
What Is Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Live Scan fingerprinting captures fingerprint images with a digital scanner rather than applying ink directly to a card. In an electronic workflow, the system submits the images and applicant information through the channel required by the requesting organization.
Many Florida applications use an ORI, or Originating Agency Identifier, to connect the submission with the correct agency or program. The employer, board, school, or agency should supply the exact ORI and instructions. A fingerprinting provider can review what you bring, but it should not invent or guess the routing code.
If this is your first appointment, our Live Scan fingerprinting guide for Miami applicants walks through what to bring and what happens during the capture.
What Is FD-258 Fingerprinting?
FD-258 is the FBI's Applicant Fingerprint Form. It contains applicant-information fields, ten rolled fingerprint spaces, and plain impressions. The FBI maintains the form for civil applicant submissions, but the requesting organization controls whether FD-258 is the correct card for a particular case.
FD-258 fingerprinting produces a physical card that is completed and delivered according to the recipient's instructions. The agency may require original cards, multiple sets, specific entries, signatures, or its own preprinted version. Ask before writing in fields that the fingerprinting technician or requesting agency must complete.
Live Scan vs. FD-258: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Live Scan | FD-258 fingerprint card |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Digital fingerprint images | Physical paper applicant card |
| Capture | Electronic scanner | Ink or card-printing workflow |
| Submission | Electronic when the program supports it | Mailed, delivered, or uploaded as instructed |
| Routing | Often uses an ORI or agency code | Uses the card fields and recipient's directions |
| Typical Florida use | Licensing, employment, and Level 2 workflows | Agency-specific cases outside the Florida electronic path |
| Federal or out-of-state use | Only when the receiving program accepts that channel | Common when the agency specifically requests a card |
| Can one replace the other? | Only with recipient approval | Only with recipient approval |
Watch: Live Scan, Level 2, and FD-258 Explained
This short South Beach video explains the first question every applicant should ask: what type of fingerprinting did the requesting organization specify? It covers Live Scan, Level 2 screening, FD-258 cards, and why written instructions should guide the appointment.
When Florida Licensing Applicants Usually Encounter Live Scan
Florida applicants commonly receive Live Scan instructions for professional licensing, healthcare, education, childcare, security, real estate, volunteering, and regulated employment. A Level 2 background screening generally uses fingerprints to search state and national criminal-history information, but the requesting organization decides when that screening applies.
Look for an ORI, an agency or program name, an application reference, and directions about where results must be routed. Two people in the same broad industry can receive different instructions because license categories, employers, statutes, and screening programs differ.
When an Agency May Request Physical Fingerprint Cards
An organization may request FD-258 or another physical card when its workflow does not accept the Florida Live Scan channel. Common situations include some out-of-state license applications, federal agency processes, employment or contracting requirements, securities-related submissions, adoption matters, and international document packages.
Treat these as examples, not automatic rules. Confirm the form number, number of cards, acceptable capture method, required applicant data, and who is responsible for mailing or delivery. If an out-of-state board supplies its own card, bring that card even if it resembles FD-258.
FBI Background Checks and Fingerprint Cards
The phrase "FBI background check" can describe more than one workflow. The FBI maintains FD-258 for civil applicant submissions, but that does not mean every FBI-related request uses FD-258.
For a personal FBI Identity History Summary, current FBI guidance allows an electronic request followed by fingerprint submission at a participating U.S. Post Office, use of an FBI-approved channeler, or mailing a current fingerprint card. The FBI also publishes Form FD-1164 for Identity History Summary requests. Follow the instructions for the exact request you are making.
Employment, licensing, adoption, or authorized-agency checks within the United States may have a different statutory submission route. Do not submit a personal Identity History Summary request as a substitute unless the requesting organization says it will accept that product.
International Applications: Fingerprinting May Be Only Step One
People in Miami and Miami Beach often need a fingerprint-based record for foreign residency, employment, visas, citizenship, adoption, education, or licensing. First confirm which background-check document the foreign authority wants. Then follow the correct fingerprint and request procedure for that document.
After an FBI record is issued, the destination country may require a federal apostille or authentication. Eligible federal documents are handled through the U.S. Department of State, not the Florida Secretary of State. Review South Beach's apostille services once the record is available. A certified or sworn translation may also be required by the receiving authority, but the sequence varies by country.
An apostille authenticates the official signature or seal for use under the Hague Apostille Convention. It does not change the contents of the background check or guarantee acceptance. Non-Hague destinations may require authentication and additional embassy or consular legalization.
How to Determine Exactly What Your Agency Requires
- Read the instruction literally. Look for "Live Scan," "FD-258," "FD-1164," "fingerprint card," an ORI, or the name of an approved submission channel.
- Identify the recipient and purpose. A Florida board, federal agency, out-of-state board, employer, and foreign authority may use different processes.
- Confirm the routing details. For Live Scan, verify the complete ORI or agency code. For a card, verify the form, quantity, required fields, and delivery method.
- Ask about the final document. Determine whether the recipient wants screening results sent directly, a personal FBI Identity History Summary, or another record.
- Bring the full instruction packet. South Beach can review what you received and provide the requested fingerprinting service without deciding the agency's requirements for it.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification.
- The complete email, letter, form, portal instructions, or application packet from the requesting organization.
- The correct ORI or agency code for Live Scan, if provided.
- The requested fingerprint card, including an agency-supplied card, if applicable.
- Any application, account, OCA, reference, or confirmation number listed in the instructions.
Requirements vary. Call before the appointment if the form or routing information is unclear, the identification does not match the application name, or the recipient gave special instructions.
In-Office and Mobile Fingerprinting in South Florida
South Beach Apostille offers Live Scan and FD-258 fingerprinting at 900 West Ave #601 in Miami Beach. Mobile appointments may also be available for individuals, employers, healthcare facilities, schools, law firms, staffing companies, and organized groups across Miami-Dade and Broward.
Organizations coordinating several applicants can review the Mobile Fingerprinting for Employers in Miami-Dade and Broward guide. Availability depends on location, schedule, group size, and the fingerprinting method required.
Why Applicants Choose South Beach Apostille
Led by Gabriel Albelo, South Beach Apostille Translation & Notary brings more than 25 years of document-service experience to Miami Beach and South Florida. The bilingual English and Spanish team can help connect the fingerprinting step with later apostille, authentication, certified translation, or sworn translation needs when the completed record will be used abroad.
South Beach is a private service provider. It is not the FBI, FDLE, a licensing board, the U.S. Department of State, or another government authority. It does not issue background checks, apostilles, licenses, or government decisions and cannot guarantee acceptance or processing time.
Schedule Live Scan or FD-258 Fingerprinting in Miami Beach
Bring the written instructions for your exact application and let the team confirm whether the appointment should be prepared for Live Scan, FD-258, or another requested card. Same-day appointments may be available depending on the service and technician schedule.
Call 786-970-0450 or request a fingerprinting quote or appointment. Include the requesting organization, form or ORI, number of applicants, deadline, and whether you need office or mobile service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FD-258 the same as Live Scan?
No. Live Scan is digital fingerprint capture and often electronic submission. FD-258 is a physical applicant fingerprint card. The requesting organization decides which format it accepts.
Can Live Scan replace an FD-258 fingerprint card?
Only when the receiving organization approves the Live Scan channel or accepts a card produced from a digital capture. Do not substitute methods without checking the written instructions.
Do I need FD-258 for an FBI background check?
Not automatically. Some FBI or federal workflows use FD-258, while a personal FBI Identity History Summary can follow current FBI electronic, channeler, or mailed-card instructions, including the FBI's FD-1164 form. Confirm the exact request.
Does Florida Level 2 fingerprinting use FD-258 cards?
Florida Level 2 workflows commonly use Live Scan electronic submission, but the requesting employer, board, or program must supply the correct instructions and ORI. Do not choose based only on the phrase "Level 2."
Can I use an FD-258 card for an out-of-state license?
Yes, if the out-of-state board specifically accepts or requires FD-258. Some boards use their own card, approved vendor, or state-specific electronic process, so check before the appointment.
Can an FBI background check be apostilled for use abroad?
An eligible FBI background-check document may require a federal apostille for a Hague Convention destination. The U.S. Department of State handles federal apostilles. Requirements depend on the destination country and receiving authority.
Does South Beach offer mobile FD-258 and Live Scan fingerprinting?
Mobile service may be available for both methods at approved locations across Miami-Dade and Broward. Scheduling depends on the location, service type, number of applicants, and technician availability.
