Getting fingerprinted for a background check or license application? You’ll run into two options: Live Scan and traditional ink fingerprinting. Both get the job done, but they work differently and suit different situations.
Whether you need prints for a job, license, or background check, knowing about Florida fingerprinting services and which method fits your needs saves time and money. Here’s what you should know before booking your appointment.
Get Fingerprinting Services for Your Security Needs
The Two Main Fingerprinting Methods
Traditional Ink Fingerprinting
This is the old way of doing things. A technician rolls your inked fingers onto a paper card called an FD-258. After filling in your personal information, the card gets mailed to the FBI or whatever agency requested it.
You’ll need this when federal forms require FD-258 cards, you’re applying out of state, handling visa or immigration paperwork, or the agency doesn’t take digital submissions.
Live Scan Fingerprinting
Live Scan captures your prints digitally. You place your fingers on a glass scanner. The machine reads your prints and sends them straight to the FDLE or FBI in seconds. No ink. No paper cards. No waiting for the mail.
This method is required for state licenses (nurses, teachers, real estate agents), Level 2 background checks, jobs in childcare or education, concealed carry permits, and most employment checks.
Why Most Agencies Now Use Live Scan
State agencies have switched to Live Scan as their go-to method. Florida’s Department of Law Enforcement made the change years ago, and for good reason.
The numbers tell the story. Traditional ink cards used to take 2-8 weeks to process. Live Scan? You get results in 24-72 hours.
But speed isn’t the only win. Ink fingerprints get rejected 7-10% of the time because of smudges or poor quality. Live Scan rejection rates sit below 1%, according to 2025 data from background check providers.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Ink Fingerprinting | Live Scan |
| Method | Physical ink rolled on paper card | Digital scan on glass plate |
| Processing Time | 2-8 weeks | 24-72 hours |
| Rejection Rate | 7-10% | Less than 1% |
| Transmission | Mailed to agency | Sent electronically |
| Cost | $10-$30 (plus mailing) | $50-$75 (includes submission) |
| Quality Check | After submission (too late) | Real-time verification |
| Appointments | 20 minutes + mail time | 10-15 minutes total |
Live Scan wins on almost every measure. The only time ink makes sense is when an agency specifically asks for it.
Understanding Live Scan Technology
How the Scanner Works
Live Scan uses optical sensors that capture your fingerprint ridges in high resolution. The glass plate scanner creates a 500 DPI image, much clearer than ink on paper. Your prints connect directly to the FBI Background check database within seconds.
Real-Time Quality Control
The system checks your prints instantly. If the image isn’t clear enough, the technician sees it on screen right away. You can rescan immediately instead of waiting weeks to find out your prints were rejected.
Built-In Security Features
Modern Live Scan machines verify you’re a real person through liveness detection. The technology reads skin patterns that fake prints can’t copy. This keeps the system secure and accurate.
When Ink Fingerprinting Still Makes Sense
Florida law requires Level 2 background checks for jobs involving children, elderly care, and healthcare. These checks run through both FDLE and FBI databases. Most agencies now accept Live Scan for faster FBI processing.
Some federal agencies still want FD-258 cards though. Check your paperwork before you book anything.
International Use Embassies usually require physical cards for visas and immigration documents.
Agency-Specific Requirements Not every organization has gone digital yet. Call ahead and confirm what they accept.
What Happens at Your Appointment
Live Scan Process:
- Show your government ID
- Give them your ORI number
- Place fingers on the scanner
- Tech checks the quality on the screen
- Prints sent electronically
- Done in 10-15 minutes
Ink Fingerprinting Process:
- Bring your ID
- Get or bring your FD-258 card
- Fingers get inked and rolled
- Tech reviews the card
- You mail it yourself
- Takes 20 minutes plus mail time
Level 2 Background Checks in Florida
Working with kids, elderly people, or other vulnerable groups? You’ll need a Level 2 background check. Florida takes these seriously.
Teachers and school staff, nurses and healthcare workers, daycare and childcare workers, nursing home employees, and youth sports coaches all need these checks. The state passed laws years ago requiring fingerprint checks for these positions. Live Scan is now the standard method for getting it done.
Getting Ready for Your Appointment
Bring your government ID (driver’s license or passport), ORI number (your employer gives you this), payment, and any forms the agency sent you.
Put lotion on your hands the night before. Don’t wash your hands excessively before you go. Pick a day when your hands are in decent shape.
Finding a Certified Provider
Look for FDLE-approved providers if you need Live Scan. They have the right equipment and can submit directly to state agencies.
For ink prints, make sure they use official FD-258 cards.
Get Fingerprinting Services for Your Security Needs
Making Your Choice
Go with Live Scan if:
- You’re getting a state license
- Your job needs a Level 2 check
- You work in healthcare, schools, or childcare
- The agency accepts digital
- You want results fast
Stick with ink if:
- Your paperwork says FD-258
- It’s for federal or out-of-state use
- You need it for a visa
- The agency only takes paper cards
Not sure? Call the agency first. They’ll tell you exactly what they need.
Book Your Fingerprinting Appointment
Getting your prints done right the first time saves headaches. No rejections. No delays. No doing it twice.
As a licensed notary public and FDLE-approved fingerprinting provider, Notary Plus More handles both Live Scan and ink fingerprinting. We cover Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties with mobile service that comes to you. Beyond fingerprinting, we provide full notary services for all your document needs. Evening and weekend slots available.rocess. An incomplete application or a missing signature means starting over and losing several weeks. Professional services review everything before submission to avoid these delays.
Getting Started With Professional Help
Understanding your FBI background check options helps you plan properly and avoid delays. Start early to accommodate processing times, especially if you need an apostille for international use.
Professional notary public services throughout Florida can handle fingerprinting, document authentication, apostille services, and certified translations in one place. For most Florida residents with international requirements, the channeler method combined with professional apostille services provides the fastest results.
Need help with your FBI background check or apostille services? At Notary Plus More, we are licensed notary services in Florida that can handle your fingerprinting, document authentication, and international paperwork. Contact us to get started with your application today.
