Livescan vs. Ink Fingerprint Cards: Which Do You Need?
Understanding the difference — and how to know which one your agency requires
When you're told you need to "get fingerprinted," the next question is usually: what kind? There are two methods — digital Livescan and traditional ink fingerprint cards (like FD-258) — and agencies often specify exactly which they require. Here's what you need to know.
At a Glance: Livescan vs. Ink Cards
| Livescan (Digital) | Ink Fingerprint Cards (FD-258 / FD-1164) | |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Electronic scanner — no ink | Traditional ink rolled (or digital) onto paper card |
| Submission | Transmitted electronically to agency | Physical card mailed to agency |
| Processing speed | Hours to 1–3 days | Days to weeks (mail dependent) |
| Common uses | Illinois state licenses, ISP, IDFPR, most employers | FBI, federal agencies, out-of-state licensing |
| Quality control | Immediate — rejected prints caught on-screen | Rejection discovered weeks later by mail |
| You keep a copy | No physical card | Extra cards can be provided |
When You Need Livescan
Livescan is the standard for most Illinois-based fingerprinting requirements. Choose Livescan when:
- Applying for or renewing an IDFPR professional license (nurse, real estate agent, social worker, etc.)
- Applying for a FOID card (Illinois Firearm Owner's Identification)
- Fingerprinting for Illinois State Police (ISP) background checks
- Employment background checks for Illinois-based employers in healthcare, education, or childcare
- School-related clearances through ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education)
- Any agency that gives you an ORI code for electronic Livescan submission
When You Need Ink Fingerprint Cards (FD-258 / FD-1164)
Ink cards are still required by certain agencies that haven't adopted electronic submissions. Choose ink cards when:
- Submitting fingerprints directly to the FBI by mail (not through channeling)
- Applying for a license in an out-of-state jurisdiction that requires physical cards
- Certain federal employment or security clearances specify card format
- The requesting agency explicitly sends you blank FD-258 cards to fill out
- Fingerprinting for international purposes (some countries only accept physical cards)
What Are FD-258 and FD-1164 Cards?
FD-258 is the standard FBI fingerprint card — a blue-and-white card with spaces for 10 individual fingerprints plus two hand prints and demographic information. It's used for most civilian federal fingerprinting purposes.
FD-1164 is a slightly different format used for specific law enforcement and federal contractor purposes. Less common, but we provide both.
What If I'm Not Sure Which I Need?
Check your application paperwork carefully. Look for any of these clues:
- An ORI code — this almost always means Livescan
- A blank FD-258 card included in your paperwork — this means ink cards
- Instructions to go to an Illinois State Police-approved fingerprinting site — this means Livescan
- Instructions to mail fingerprints to a P.O. Box — this usually means ink cards
Still not sure? Call or text us at 847-436-5222. We help clients determine the right method every day and can look up requirements for most Illinois licensing authorities.
Can I Get Both Done at Efficient Biometrics?
Yes. We offer both Livescan digital fingerprinting and FD-258 / FD-1164 ink card fingerprinting at our Naperville location. If you need multiple card sets for different purposes, we can complete them in a single appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Livescan results for out-of-state purposes?
Sometimes. If the out-of-state agency is enrolled with the FBI's electronic submission system and provides an ORI code, Livescan can work. Otherwise, you'll need ink cards. We'll help you confirm before your appointment.
What if my ink fingerprints get rejected?
The FBI or receiving agency will mail the cards back and ask you to redo them. This adds several more weeks. With Livescan, quality is checked instantly at the time of capture — rejection is far less common.
How many sets of ink cards do I need?
It depends on your purpose. Some applications require two sets, others just one. Check your application instructions. We can produce multiple sets in one appointment.