Different agencies, licensing boards, and employers require different fingerprint recording methods. Understanding which method applies to your situation helps prevent delays, rejected submissions, and unnecessary appointments.
Choosing the wrong method can result in a rejected submission, a wasted appointment, or needing to reprint entirely. Here is a complete explanation of each method and when it is used.
Ink fingerprinting uses professional fingerprinting ink to roll all ten fingers onto the standard FD-258 fingerprint card — the nationally accepted format for fingerprint submissions to the FBI, most licensing boards, and regulatory agencies. The FD-258 card captures rolled fingerprints of each finger plus flat (simultaneous) impressions of all four fingers and both thumbs.
Despite being the older technology, ink fingerprinting on FD-258 cards remains widely accepted — and in many cases is the only method accepted — for out-of-state licensing submissions, apostille requests, ATF firearms transactions, FINRA securities industry submissions, and a wide range of federal and state licensing board requirements.
At Midwest Identity Services, we provide FD-258 ink fingerprinting for most submission types. Every card is reviewed for ridge clarity and correct field completion before you leave our office.
LiveScan is a digital fingerprinting method where prints are captured using an electronic scanner rather than ink, then transmitted electronically to the requesting agency. Because there is no physical card, the results are transmitted faster and the chance of rejection due to smudging or ink problems is reduced. LiveScan submissions are processed by the agency in their digital system rather than manually.
LiveScan is required by certain state agencies and licensing boards — particularly those that have established electronic submission pipelines with their background check processing system. Not all agencies accept LiveScan submissions. Some require physical FD-258 ink cards. Always confirm directly with the requesting agency which method they accept before making an appointment.
Missouri's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requires LiveScan for its submissions — FD-258 ink cards are not accepted. However, many other Missouri agencies will accept FD-258 ink cards if LiveScan appointments are unavailable due to vendor closures or scheduling limitations. Always confirm directly with the requesting agency.
Applicants seeking a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) on a Commercial Driver's License must complete fingerprinting through a TSA-approved vendor. This is a federal security requirement — standard ink fingerprint cards are not accepted for Hazmat endorsements under any circumstances. The TSA manages its own enrollment and fingerprinting network for HME processing.
If you are applying for or renewing a Hazmat Endorsement on your CDL, you must use a TSA-approved enrollment location. Midwest Identity Services is not a TSA-approved HME enrollment vendor. The TSA-approved vendor operating in the Kansas City region for Hazmat Endorsement fingerprinting is IdentoGO.
Do not book a standard ink fingerprinting appointment for a Hazmat Endorsement submission. The TSA will not accept FD-258 ink cards for HME background check processing. You must use a TSA-approved vendor — see the vendor location below. Appointments and hours should be confirmed directly with IdentoGO, as operating hours and availability may change.
Some states require fingerprints to be submitted electronically through an approved intermediary known as a "channeler." A channeler is an authorized vendor that captures fingerprints and transmits the data directly to a specific state or federal agency on behalf of the applicant. Channelers are agency-specific — a vendor approved to channel to one state agency may not be authorized for another.
Channeling requirements vary significantly by state and agency. If your instructions reference electronic submission through a specific vendor, or reference "channeling" directly, verify with the requesting agency whether ink cards are accepted as an alternative or whether electronic transmission through an approved channeler is mandatory for your specific submission type.
The correct fingerprinting method depends on four factors. Work through them in order — and when in doubt, confirm directly with the requesting agency before booking.
The requesting agency determines everything. FBI-connected background checks typically accept FD-258 ink cards. TSA submissions require a TSA-approved vendor. Some state agencies require LiveScan or channeling through a specific vendor. Start here before making any other decision.
Federal submissions (FBI, ATF, FINRA) almost always accept FD-258 ink cards. State submissions vary significantly — some states require LiveScan or channeling while others accept ink cards. The state of submission matters as much as the agency type.
Some agencies — notably Missouri DESE and HME / Hazmat TSA submissions — require electronic transmission and will not accept physical ink cards. If your paperwork specifies electronic submission or a particular vendor, that requirement overrides everything else.
If your instructions do not specify a method clearly, call the requesting agency before booking an appointment. Asking one question — "Do you accept FD-258 ink fingerprint cards?" — prevents a wasted appointment and a rejected submission. We can also help you determine the right approach — call (816) 442-0295.
Call Us First →We provide FD-258 ink fingerprinting — the most widely accepted format for most licensing, background check, and regulatory submissions. This covers FBI, ATF, FINRA, most out-of-state licensing boards, and most agencies that accept physical card submissions. If your submission requires LiveScan or TSA-specific channeling (such as Hazmat HME), we will let you know and direct you to the appropriate vendor. Call (816) 442-0295 with your instructions and we'll confirm the right method in under two minutes.
Midwest Identity Services provides professional FD-258 ink fingerprinting for the following submission types — all reviewed for quality before you leave our office.
Standard FD-258 ink fingerprint cards for background checks, licensing, and identity verification. Reviewed before you leave.
FD-258 ink fingerprint cards for securities industry professionals — Form U4, Form U5, broker-dealer and registered representative submissions.
FD-258 fingerprint cards for ATF Form 4473 firearms transactions, NFA items, FFL dealer applications, and related ATF submissions.
Coordinated FD-258 ink fingerprinting for organizations needing multiple employees processed — in-office or mobile service across Kansas City.
FD-258 fingerprint cards for FBI-required background checks — apostille verification, personal use, and government submissions.
We come to your location — office, facility, or approved site — across the Kansas City metro. Ideal for group fingerprinting and organizations that prefer on-site service.
Five years serving Kansas City with professional ink fingerprinting — we review every card, follow agency specifications, and help you confirm the right method before you arrive.
Every completed FD-258 card is checked for ridge clarity, complete impressions, and correct field completion before you walk out. If any print or field does not meet submission standards, we redo it on the spot at no extra charge.
Different agencies have different requirements for how FD-258 cards should be completed — specific fields, ORI numbers, employer references. Bring whatever instructions your agency has provided and we follow them precisely.
Not sure which method your agency requires? Call (816) 442-0295 before booking. We'll review your instructions with you and confirm whether FD-258 ink cards are accepted — so you don't show up for the wrong type of appointment.
We provide mobile fingerprinting at your office or facility across the Kansas City metro — ideal for group fingerprinting programs, organizational onboarding, and employers who prefer on-site service.
We always use the current, accepted revision of the FD-258 fingerprint card. Outdated card versions can cause automatic rejection — we keep current stock and stay up to date on accepted form revisions for all major submission types.
Single-person appointments and coordinated group sessions for organizations needing multiple employees fingerprinted. Each individual receives their own completed, reviewed FD-258 cards ready for submission.
More questions? Call (816) 442-0295 and we'll confirm which method you need in two minutes.
Not sure which method you need? Call us first — we'll confirm in two minutes.
Every card reviewed before you leave. In-office & mobile service available.
8101 E. Bannister Rd · Kansas City, MO 64134 · Cost: $60–$99 based on services needed
