Live Scan vs. ink card is one of the most common questions we get from applicants. The answer to the question, “Do I need Live Scan or an ink card?” surprises people: you usually don’t choose — the agency requesting your background check decides which it accepts. Here’s how to tell which applies to you, with a side-by-side comparison and what each means for your timeline.
Live Scan vs. Ink Card(FD-258) — side by side
| Live Scan | FD-258 Ink Card | |
| How it’s submitted | Electronically, in minutes | Physical card, mailed in |
| Typical FBI result time | Often 24–72 hours | About two weeks or more |
| Rejection risk | Under 1% (FBI) | Higher — commonly 7–10% |
| Quality checked at capture | Yes — re-rolled on the spot | No — caught only after mailing |
| Often required for | Most in-state jobs, licenses, volunteering | Some federal / out-of-state / card-only agencies; NICS appeals |
When you need Live Scan
- The requesting agency or licensing board accepts electronic submissions — most state-level checks in Missouri and Kansas do.
- You want the fastest turnaround and the lowest chance of rejection.
- You’re printed for an in-state employer, license, or volunteer role with an assigned agency code.
When you need an FD-258 ink card
- The receiving agency only accepts a physical card — true for some federal applications, some out-of-state boards, and certain one-off requests.
- You’re applying to an agency in a state where electronic routing isn’t available to you.
- A program requires it — for example, a NICS firearm appeal must go by mail, not Live Scan.
- You need extra cards to submit to more than one agency.
Still unsure? Use this quick decision guide
Why the method affects your results
Live Scan is quality-checked at capture, so it rarely bounces. A mailed card isn’t reviewed until it arrives, which is the main reason why prints get rejected and applicants lose weeks. If speed matters and your agency accepts it, Live Scan is the safer route. Unsure which you need? Contact us or book an appointment with your paperwork and we’ll confirm before you submit the wrong one.
FAQ
Q: Is Live Scan better than ink cards?
A: When the agency accepts it, yes — Live Scan is faster (often 24–72 hours), is quality-checked at capture, and rejects under 1% of the time versus roughly 7–10% for ink cards. Ink cards are still required by certain agencies.
Q: Can I use Live Scan for an out-of-state agency?
A: Sometimes. It depends on whether that state accepts electronic submission for your purpose. For Florida, we submit Florida Live Scan electronically from Missouri; for agencies that require a card, we provide FD-258 ink card service.
Q: What is an FD-258 card?
A: It’s the standard FBI applicant fingerprint card. Your prints are placed on the card and it’s submitted to the receiving agency, usually by mail.