What Type of Fingerprinting Do I Need?
"I was told I need fingerprints" is where most of these conversations start, and it is not enough information to book the right appointment. Depending on who is asking and why, you may need Live Scan fingerprinting, a Florida Level 2 background check, an FD-258 fingerprint card, or FBI fingerprinting - and those services are not interchangeable. In this video, Sean, a fingerprinting specialist with South Beach Apostille, Translation & Notary, explains why identifying the correct requirement is the first step, and what to bring so we can identify it for you. The requesting agency, employer, or licensing board determines the method; the paperwork they sent you almost always names it.
Key takeaways
- Live Scan, Level 2, FD-258, and FBI fingerprinting are different services and are not interchangeable.
- The agency requesting your fingerprints determines which method applies - not the fingerprinting provider.
- Bring the instructions, email, application paperwork, or ORI number you received so the requirement can be confirmed before capture.
- Booking the wrong service usually means paying for a second appointment.
Additional context
Electronic Live Scan submissions are routed by an ORI number to the agency that requested the screening. Paper FD-258 cards are physically mailed or delivered according to the destination agency's instructions instead. If your instructions mention an out-of-state licensing board, a federal agency, or a foreign government, an FD-258 card is the more likely requirement.
