Fingerprinting in Miami: In-Office, Mobile, and Virtual Options Explained
Quick answer: Fingerprinting confirms your identity for a background check required by an employer, licensing board, government agency, or foreign country. South Beach Apostille Translation & Notary offers three ways to get it done: at our Miami Beach office, with a mobile technician who comes to you anywhere in Miami-Dade and Broward, or through virtual fingerprinting, a guided video call for FBI FD-258 cards that is available anywhere in the United States. The right option depends on the type of fingerprinting your agency requires and where you are.
A job offer, a nursing license, an adoption, a visa, or a move abroad can all stop at the same step: "submit your fingerprints." This guide explains what fingerprinting is, why it matters, and how to choose the option that fits your situation.
What is fingerprinting for a background check?
Your fingerprints are unique, so agencies use them to confirm who you are before they search criminal history records. A name-based search can confuse people with similar names. A fingerprint-based search ties the results to you.
There are two main formats:
- Live Scan: Your prints are captured digitally on a scanner and submitted electronically using the agency's ORI number. It's common for Florida requirements such as FDLE Level 2 screening for healthcare, education, childcare, and security jobs.
- FD-258 ink cards: Your prints are rolled in ink on a standard FBI card. These cards are used for FBI Identity History Summary requests, out-of-state licensing boards, some federal and immigration processes, and international uses.
Not sure which one you need? Read Live Scan vs. FD-258 Ink Fingerprinting. If your application asks for an ORI number, start with What Is an ORI Number? If you were told you need Level 2 screening, see Who Needs Level 2 Fingerprinting in Florida?.
Why fingerprinting matters
Fingerprinting is usually the step that decides how fast the rest of the process moves. A clean, accepted submission keeps your application on track. A rejected one sends you back to the start.
Prints are commonly rejected for:
- Faint or smudged ridge detail
- Fingers placed in the wrong box
- Dry, wet, or injured fingertips
- A card printed at the wrong size or damaged
- Information that doesn't match your ID
- A wrong ORI number, which can send results to the wrong agency
A trained technician helps you avoid those mistakes the first time. The requesting agency still makes the final decision on acceptance and results.
Option 1: Fingerprinting at our Miami Beach office
Visit us in Miami Beach for Live Scan or FD-258 ink cards. This is a good fit if you're local, need Live Scan, or want everything done in one short appointment.
Bring a government photo ID, a second ID if your agency requires one, your ORI number or agency instructions, and any forms you were given. See the full checklist in Live Scan Fingerprinting in Miami: What to Bring.
Option 2: Mobile fingerprinting, we come to you
Our technician can come to your home, office, school, healthcare facility, or law firm anywhere in Miami-Dade and Broward. Mobile service works well for:
- Clients with limited mobility or tight schedules
- Hospitals, home health agencies, and assisted living facilities
- Schools, staffing agencies, and security companies with several new hires
- Group sessions for employers
Employers can learn more in Mobile Fingerprinting for Employers in Miami-Dade and Broward. Healthcare workers can read Florida Healthcare Fingerprinting for Nurses.
Option 3: Virtual fingerprinting by video call
Virtual fingerprinting is our newest service. It's designed for people who need FBI FD-258 fingerprint cards but can't come to our office, including clients outside Florida.
What it is
A live video call where our technician guides the entire FD-258 process. A second person who is physically with you takes your fingerprints while our technician watches on camera and directs each finger. You don't fingerprint yourself.
How it helps
- No travel. It's available anywhere in the United States.
- Expert guidance in real time. Every print is directed and checked as it's taken.
- Photo review before mailing. We review photos of your completed cards before you send anything, so unclear prints are redone on the call, not weeks later.
- Less paperwork for you. For FBI Identity History Summary requests, we submit your request on the FBI's website, pay the FBI fee, and send you the verification form to mail with your cards.
Why it's important
Getting FD-258 cards right on your own is harder than it looks. A card printed at the wrong size, a smudged thumb, or a name that doesn't match your ID can lead to a rejection and another wait. Virtual fingerprinting gives you professional quality control without leaving home.
When virtual fingerprinting is the right fit
Virtual fingerprinting is built for FBI Identity History Summary requests on FD-258 cards. It is not a substitute for Live Scan, which requires an in-person scanner. If you need FD-258 cards for a licensing board, employer, or other agency, confirm with that agency that cards completed this way are accepted before you book.
Wondering what can really be done online? Read Can You Get FBI Fingerprints Done Online? For the full step-by-step process and supply list, see our FBI fingerprinting online service.
Which option should you choose?
| Your situation | Best option |
|---|---|
| You need Live Scan or FDLE Level 2 and you're in South Florida | Office or mobile |
| You're hiring several employees at one location | Mobile group session |
| You need an FBI background check and live outside South Florida | Virtual fingerprinting |
| You need FD-258 cards and you're in Miami-Dade or Broward | Office, mobile, or virtual |
| Your FBI background check will be used in another country | Any FD-258 option, then an apostille |
Need your background check for use abroad?
Many countries require an FBI background check with an apostille for visas, residency, work permits, or marriage. Some also require a certified or sworn translation. Because we also handle apostilles and translations, you can complete every step with one team. Learn how in How to Get an FBI Background Check Apostilled.
Frequently asked questions
What is virtual fingerprinting?
It's a guided video call for FBI FD-258 fingerprint cards. A second person with you takes your prints while our technician directs each step and reviews the finished cards before you mail them.
Can I do Live Scan virtually?
No. Live Scan requires an in-person digital scanner. Visit our Miami Beach office or request mobile fingerprinting in Miami-Dade or Broward.
Is virtual fingerprinting available outside Florida?
Yes. It's available anywhere in the United States.
Do you receive my background check results?
No. Results go to the requesting agency or, for FBI Identity History Summary requests, to you from the FBI.
What areas does mobile fingerprinting cover?
Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, including Miami Beach, Brickell, Coral Gables, Doral, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Weston.
How much does fingerprinting cost?
Pricing depends on the method, agency fees, number of cards or applicants, and travel for mobile service. Request a quote or call (786) 970-0450.
Ready to get fingerprinted?
Book an appointment · See our Live Scan & fingerprinting services · Call (786) 970-0450
South Beach Apostille, Translation & Notary is a private service provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an agent of the FBI or any other government agency.
Related: Live Scan vs. FD-258 · What Is an ORI Number? · Can You Get FBI Fingerprints Done Online?
Related service: Live Scan Fingerprinting
