Title: Live Scan vs. Ink Fingerprinting: What’s the Difference?

May 19, 2025

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If you’re getting fingerprinted for a background check, you’ve likely come across two terms: Live Scan and ink fingerprinting. While both methods capture your fingerprints for background screening, they differ in technology, accuracy, and how quickly your results are processed.

In this post, we’ll explain the key differences between Live Scan and traditional ink fingerprinting, when each method is used, and which one might be right for your needs.

What Is Live Scan Fingerprinting?

Live Scan is a modern, electronic fingerprinting method that captures your fingerprints digitally. Instead of using ink and paper, your fingers are scanned by a biometric device and the prints are immediately transmitted to a government agency such as:

The Department of Justice (DOJ)
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
State licensing boards and other authorities

Live Scan is commonly used for employment background checks, state licensing, and volunteer screenings. It’s the preferred method in many states, especially California, where it has replaced ink fingerprinting for most official purposes.

What Is Ink Fingerprinting?

Ink fingerprinting is the traditional method. Your fingers are rolled in black ink and then pressed onto a fingerprint card, which is mailed to the requesting agency. This method is still in use for certain federal forms, international applications, or when digital transmission isn’t available or accepted.

Agencies that may still request ink fingerprints include:

Out-of-state licensing boards
Federal agencies requiring FD-258 fingerprint cards
Immigration offices in other countries
Some foreign visa or passport applications

Key Differences: Live Scan vs. Ink Fingerprinting

Let’s compare the two methods side-by-side:

Feature	Live Scan	Ink Fingerprinting
Technology	Digital capture	Manual, ink-on-paper
Submission method	Electronic transmission	Physical mail
Speed	Fast – results often in 1–7 days	Slower – may take weeks to process
Accuracy	High – fewer smudges or errors	Higher chance of poor-quality prints
Rejection rate	Low (with experienced technicians)	Higher, due to smudging or card damage
Use case	Jobs, state licenses, volunteer work	Federal forms, out-of-state or international
Cleanliness	No ink mess	Hands may be stained temporarily

When Is Live Scan Required?

Live Scan is required in many situations where digital background checks are mandated. Common scenarios include:

Applying for jobs in healthcare, education, or government
Obtaining professional licenses (e.g., nurse, real estate agent, security guard)
Volunteering in schools or with vulnerable populations
Working with children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities

In these cases, the requesting agency typically provides a Request for Live Scan Service form that includes an ORI number, which routes your prints to the correct department.

When Is Ink Fingerprinting Needed?

Although it’s less common today, ink fingerprinting is still required for:

Out-of-state licensing (e.g., you live in California but need a license in New York)
Federal fingerprint card submissions (FD-258 or SF-87 forms)
International background checks
Immigration and visa applications in certain countries

Tip: If you’re not sure which method is required, check with the organization requesting your fingerprints. Using the wrong method can delay your application.

Which Method Should You Choose?

The right method depends on what your requesting agency or employer requires. You can’t substitute one for the other—they serve different purposes and go to different places.

Choose Live Scan if:

Your fingerprints need to go to the DOJ, FBI, or state agency electronically
You are applying for a California state license
Your employer, school, or licensing board specifically asked for Live Scan

Choose Ink Fingerprinting if:

You are submitting an FD-258 fingerprint card
Your background check is for a federal or out-of-state agency
You’re applying for international immigration or travel visas

We Offer Both at [Your Business Name]

Not sure which one you need? No problem. At [Your Business Name], we offer both Live Scan and traditional ink fingerprinting. Our trained technicians will guide you through the process, ensure your fingerprints meet all quality standards, and get them submitted correctly—whether electronically or by card.

We also offer:

FD-258 fingerprint cards
Out-of-state submission support
Walk-in and appointment-based services

Final Thoughts

Live Scan and ink fingerprinting both play important roles in the background check process. While Live Scan is faster and more widely used today, ink fingerprinting remains essential in some legal, federal, and international scenarios.

Understanding the difference ensures your fingerprints are submitted correctly, saving you time, money, and the frustration of resubmitting due to errors. We recommend newport beach livescan.