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FD-258 Fingerprint Card: How to Get It Done and Submitted

Living outside the United States? Get your fingerprints rolled in ink on an FD-258 card, mail the card to us, and we handle the FBI submission and the apostille.

What is an FD-258 card?

The FD-258 is the standard FBI applicant fingerprint card. It is a paper card with boxes for all ten rolled fingerprints, plus plain impressions, and spaces for your name, date of birth and other identifying details. People abroad use it because electronic fingerprinting sites are mostly in the United States.

For our abroad service, your prints must be rolled in ink on this card, then mailed to us. We use that card for your FBI Identity History Summary request.

Who needs an FD-258 card?

  • U.S. citizens and residents living outside the United States who need an FBI report for a visa, residence, work, study or adoption abroad
  • Anyone who cannot reach an electronic fingerprinting site in the U.S.

If you are in the United States, you do not need a card. You can order online and get fingerprinted electronically at an enrolled site near you. See our nationwide service.

How to get your fingerprints rolled

  1. Get the cards. Ask the fingerprinting provider for blank FD-258 cards, and plan on two in case one is rejected. If you cannot find blank cards, contact us before you order.
  2. Find a provider. Places to ask include police stations, private fingerprinting or ID-services businesses, and some embassy or consulate services. Practice varies by country, so call first and say you need ink prints rolled on an FD-258 card.
  3. Check the card before you leave. All ten fingers should be rolled fully from nail edge to nail edge, with no smudges or gaps. Your name must match your passport, and the card should be signed where required.

Common reasons cards are rejected

  • Smudged or light ink, or fingers rolled partially
  • Fingerprints in the wrong boxes, or fingers missing
  • Missing or illegible name, date of birth or other required details
  • A creased, folded or damaged card
  • Pre-printed, laser-printed or photocopied prints instead of rolled ink prints

A rejected card slows everything down, because we need a replacement from you. This is why we suggest bringing two blank cards.

Mailing your card to us

After you order, we email your personalized instructions. Mail your signed card to us with a tracked courier. Our only office is in Downtown Los Angeles: 617 S Olive St, Ste 806 (Oviatt Building), Los Angeles, CA 90014. Your instructions email lists exactly what to include.

Once we receive your card, we submit your prints through an FBI-approved Channeler we work with. FBI results usually take 7-9 business days after the FBI receives your card. If you ordered the bundle, the federal apostille takes about 10 business days, then we ship your documents to you with USPS Priority (included).

Pricing

FBI Background Check: $150. FBI + Apostille Bundle: $325. Non-Hague destination fee: +$50 on apostille orders. Certified translation: quote only. Return shipping: USPS Priority included.

Frequently asked questions: FD-258 cards

Ask the fingerprinting provider you plan to use. Police stations and private fingerprinting businesses often keep them. If you cannot find one, contact us before you order.

No. The prints must be rolled in ink on the card by a person trained to do it. A home printout will not work.

Two blank cards. If the first has smudges or errors, you can redo it on the same visit.

No. Live Scan captures prints electronically. The FD-258 is a paper ink card. If you are in the U.S., electronic fingerprinting is available through our nationwide service.

By tracked courier to our Downtown Los Angeles office. Your instructions email lists what to include.

No. We ship your documents to you by USPS Priority (included).

Trusted for Live Scan Fingerprinting in Los Angeles

Our customers share their experience.

Foto de perfil de Michael H.
Michael H.
hace 3 semanas
So easy and fast! Would recommend this for anybody that just wants to get it done without any hassle. Friendly courteous, 10 out of 10
Foto de perfil de Liz G.
Liz G.
hace 4 semanas
Competent, efficient and very helpful. Highly recommend!
Foto de perfil de Ashley R.
Ashley R.
hace 4 semanas
Got my livescan done in less than 15 minutes and results were in to my employer the next day! Definitely recommend!
Foto de perfil de Kimberley A.
Kimberley A.
hace 2 meses
MR Fingerprints is attentive to details and to caring for their customers, giving personal attention at each step. They provided excellent information that was helpful for evaluating our various options for fingerprinting. Their service was very professional and they were available to assist us in working through every aspect of helping us navigate what for us felt like an incredibly complicated process.
Foto de perfil de Marie P.
Marie P.
hace 3 meses
Friends told me that doing Live Scan can be long but my experience with MR Fingerprints was quick and very efficient. I was out in less than 20 minutes. Mr Ramos was friendly yet professional and provided clarifications to my questions. Plus office was neat and comfortable. Completely recommend this!
Foto de perfil de Hannah R.
Hannah R.
hace 3 meses
I found myself in an urgent situation overseas and needed assistance with documentation at very short notice. What was originally estimated to take 8 to 10 weeks was somehow turned around by Mr. Fingerprints in just 3 to 4 days, and they delivered exactly when they said they would. Their responsiveness, professionalism, and genuine care completely exceeded my expectations. They truly removed a huge amount of stress during a difficult time. I can't thank them enough and would highly recommend their services to anyone needing fast, reliable support.
Foto de perfil de Nicolas M.
Nicolas M.
hace 4 meses
I have needed to complete several live scans as an aspiring MSW over the last few years and Mr. Fingerprints easily stands out as not only the most professional, but also friendly, speedy, and hassle free. This location always has me in and out quick and they know how to get your fingerprints without hassle. I appreciate their excellent customer service and always recommend their services to my colleagues.
Foto de perfil de Victor D.
Victor D.
hace 7 meses
Excellent service, very friendly and professional staff, I highly recommend them!
Foto de perfil de Luke P.
Luke P.
hace 7 meses
They did exactly what they said they were going to do and in the exact timeframe they gave me. Literally down to the day. Very affordable, quick responses, and helped me a lot when I needed a background check + apostille within a month.
Foto de perfil de jaison G.
jaison G.
hace 7 meses
I contacted Mr. Fingerprints for an FBI background check that I needed for an immigration clearance from a foreign country. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to receive everything in time for my appointment that was only two months from the day. Not only did Mauricio & the team provide an excellent service, but also made sure it was delivered on time. They follow through with everything to the last detail. Quite a pleasant experience and I recommend them for anyone trying to get a notarized service last minute.
Foto de perfil de Mark W.
Mark W.
hace 7 meses
Excellent service, clear communication and great communication. Would highly recommend.
Foto de perfil de Yeryong C.
Yeryong C.
hace 9 meses
I highly recommend Mr. Fingerprint for anyone needing an FBI background check. I previously tried getting my fingerprints electronically scanned at a local USPS, but they were rejected twice due to 'quality issues.' But Mr. fingerprint was incredibly professional and handled the livescan perfectly according to my specific requirements. My fingerprints were accepted by the FBI on the first try this time. They are fast, professional, and reliable!
Foto de perfil de Winner N.
Winner N.
hace 9 meses
The service is very good, welcoming and efficient
Foto de perfil de Ivan H.
Ivan H.
hace 10 meses
Professional, cordial, pleasant and efficient. If you need these services, great choice!
Foto de perfil de Avila R.
Avila R.
hace 11 meses
Their live fingerprint scanning services are truly impressive and inspire immediate confidence. The facility is modern, well-equipped, and designed to ensure that every fingerprinting requirement is handled with accuracy, efficiency, and care. From start to finish, the process feels seamless and professionally managed. In addition, their FBI background check services are extremely reliable and convenient, making them an excellent choice for individuals and organizations that require thorough and trustworthy verification. Overall, this company stands out for its high standards, advanced capabilities, and exceptional service in this specialized field.
Foto de perfil de A. Jay A.
A. Jay A.
hace 11 meses
Everything about our experience being fingerprinted for our visa application went as we might have hoped: quick, easy, and professional, Mauricio was informative and helpful and a pleasure to converse with.
Foto de perfil de martin V.
martin V.
hace 12 meses
The gentleman that assisted me with my fingerprints was very professional and quick with getting me taken care of right away. Great people skills and was pleasant. I would recommend this location to others. Thank you for your service sir and for valuing my time, i appreciate that the most!
Foto de perfil de Dong L.
Dong L.
hace 1 año
I came to Mr. Fingerprints for my FBI background check, and it was an excellent experience from start to finish! The business owner was extremely attentive and handled everything with great care and professionalism. The whole process was smooth, fast, and very well organized. I truly felt welcomed — the environment was warm and comfortable, almost like home. Highly recommend this place to anyone who needs fingerprinting or background check services!
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Ready to submit your FD-258 card?

Order online, then get your card rolled and mail it to us. Call 213.761.5883 or email [email protected].