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Information guide · Kansas City

Fingerprint Methods & Requirements

Different agencies, licensing boards and employers require different fingerprint recording methods. Understanding which one applies to your situation helps prevent delays, rejected submissions and unnecessary appointments.

Four methods explained 6 minute read Unsure? Call (816) 442-0295 Last reviewed:

Quick guide

  • FD-258 ink, most licensing boards, FBI, out-of-state, ATF, FINRA
  • Live Scan, state employment checks, some state licensing boards
  • Hazmat / HME: TSA-approved vendor only, ink cards NOT accepted
  • Channeling, state-specific, verify with your agency first
  • Always confirm with the requesting agency before your appointment
  • We provide FD-258 ink fingerprinting for most submission types

Method 1, most common

Ink fingerprinting (FD-258 card)

Traditional rolled-ink fingerprints recorded on the standard FD-258 fingerprint card.

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 card captures rolled fingerprints of each finger plus flat 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.

A standard FD-258 fingerprint card with rolled ink impressions

Commonly required for

  • FBI background checks (apostille & identity verification)
  • ATF and FFL firearms dealer transactions
  • FINRA securities industry registrations (Form U4 & U5)
  • Out-of-state professional licensing board submissions
  • Most state licensing boards when Live Scan is unavailable
  • Immigration-related requests such as foreign police certificates (USCIS biometrics are taken at a USCIS Application Support Center)
  • Childcare, healthcare and personal care licensing
  • Group and organizational fingerprinting programs
FD-258 ink fingerprinting at a glance.
Card formatFD-258, standard federal format
Submission typePhysical card, mailed to the agency
Accepted byFBI, ATF, FINRA, most state licensing boards, most out-of-state submissions
Available hereYes, our primary service
Cards reviewedEvery card checked before you leave

Method 2, digital / electronic

Live Scan fingerprinting

Digital capture and electronic transmission directly to the requesting agency.

Live Scan 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, results are transmitted faster and the chance of rejection due to smudging or ink problems is reduced. Submissions are processed by the agency in their digital system rather than manually.

Live Scan 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 Live Scan submissions. Some require physical FD-258 ink cards. Always confirm directly with the requesting agency which method they accept before making an appointment.

Important for Missouri applicants.

Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requires Live Scan for its submissions: FD-258 ink cards are not accepted. However, many other Missouri agencies will accept FD-258 ink cards if Live Scan appointments are unavailable due to vendor closures or scheduling limitations. Always confirm directly with the requesting agency.

Commonly required for

  • State-level employment background checks through state fingerprinting vendors
  • Missouri DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education), mandatory
  • Certain state licensing boards with electronic submission systems
  • Law enforcement agency submissions in some states
  • TSA PreCheck enrolment (via TSA-approved enrolment locations)
Live Scan at a glance. We also offer FBI Live Scan submission and Florida Live Scan.
Capture methodDigital scanner, no ink used
Submission typeElectronic, transmitted directly to the agency
Accepted byState-specific, confirm with your agency first
Key noteMissouri DESE requires Live Scan: FD-258 not accepted for that agency

Method 3: TSA-mandated

Hazmat / HME fingerprinting

Hazardous Materials Endorsement: TSA-approved vendor only, ink cards not accepted.

Applicants seeking a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) on a Commercial Driver’s Licence 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 enrolment 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 enrolment location. Midwest Identity Services is not a TSA-approved HME enrolment vendor.

Ink cards are not accepted for Hazmat HME.

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. The TSA-approved vendor operating in the Kansas City region is IdentoGO, 6600 College Blvd, Suite 205, Overland Park, KS 66211. Confirm availability and hours directly with IdentoGO before travelling, as these may change.

This method is required for

  • Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME), new applications
  • HME renewals on Commercial Driver’s Licences
  • Any CDL holder transporting hazardous materials requiring placarding

Method 4, electronic intermediary

Channeling

Electronic submission through an approved intermediary vendor to a specific state or federal agency.

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.

When you might encounter channeling

  • State professional licensing boards with electronic pipeline systems
  • Certain healthcare and childcare industry background checks
  • State education department background checks
  • Immigration-related fingerprinting in some jurisdictions
  • Any submission where your instructions reference a specific vendor by name

Many channeling agencies also accept FD-258 ink cards. Always confirm with the requesting agency whether ink or channeling is required before your appointment, or call us and we will help you work it out.

Choosing the right method

How to determine which method you need

The correct method depends on four factors. Work through them in order, and when in doubt, confirm directly with the requesting agency before booking.

  1. Which agency is requesting your fingerprints?

    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 Live Scan or channeling through a specific vendor. Start here before making any other decision.

  2. Is the submission for a state licence or federal requirement?

    Federal submissions (FBI, ATF, FINRA) almost always accept FD-258 ink cards. State submissions vary significantly, some states require Live Scan or channeling while others accept ink cards. The state of submission matters as much as the agency type.

  3. Does the agency require electronic transmission?

    Some agencies, notably Missouri DESE and Hazmat HME 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.

  4. When in doubt: call the requesting agency directly

    If your instructions do not specify a method clearly, call the requesting agency before booking. 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.

What we provide at Midwest Identity Services

FD-258 ink fingerprinting, the most widely accepted format, covering FBI, ATF, FINRA, most out-of-state licensing boards and most agencies that accept physical card submissions. If your submission requires Live Scan or TSA-specific channeling, we will tell you and point you to the right vendor.

Call (816) 442-0295 Book an appointment

Our fingerprinting services

What we provide

All reviewed for quality before you leave our office.

Electronic

Live Scan fingerprinting

Digital capture and electronic submission for FBI Identity History Summary requests.
Hard cards

FD-258 ink fingerprinting

Standard FD-258 cards for background checks, licensing and identity verification.
Securities

FINRA fingerprinting

Form U4, Form U5, broker-dealer and registered representative submissions.
Firearms

ATF fingerprinting

NFA items, FFL dealer applications and related ATF submissions.
Organizations

Group fingerprinting

Coordinated sessions for organizations needing multiple employees processed.
On-site

Mobile fingerprinting

We come to your office, facility or approved site across the Kansas City metro.

Fingerprint methods FAQ

Frequently asked questions

More questions? Call (816) 442-0295 and we will confirm which method you need in two minutes.

How do I know whether I need ink fingerprinting or Live Scan?

The safest approach is to call the requesting agency directly and ask: “Do you accept FD-258 ink fingerprint cards?” If yes, you can use our ink fingerprinting service. If they require Live Scan or electronic submission through a specific vendor, they will direct you to an approved provider. For most federal submissions (FBI, ATF, FINRA) and out-of-state licensing boards, FD-258 ink cards are accepted. Missouri DESE and Hazmat HME are two notable exceptions.

Can I use FD-258 ink cards for Live Scan-required submissions?

It depends on the agency. Some agencies that prefer Live Scan will accept FD-258 ink cards when Live Scan appointments are unavailable, but they must explicitly state this. Others, like Missouri DESE and TSA for Hazmat HME, will not accept ink cards under any circumstances. Do not assume, confirm with the requesting agency before making an appointment.

Do you provide Live Scan fingerprinting?

Our primary service is FD-258 ink fingerprinting, which is accepted by the FBI, ATF, FINRA, most out-of-state licensing boards and the majority of agencies. We also offer Live Scan electronic submission for FBI Identity History Summary requests and Florida Live Scan. If your submission requires channeling through a specific state vendor, send us your instructions first and we will help you confirm the correct method.

I need fingerprints for a Hazmat Endorsement on my CDL, can you help?

Not directly: Hazmat Endorsement fingerprinting must be completed through a TSA-approved vendor, and ink cards are not accepted for HME submissions. The TSA-approved vendor serving the Kansas City area is IdentoGO, located at 6600 College Blvd, Suite 205, Overland Park, KS 66211. Confirm their current availability and hours directly before travelling. We can help with any other fingerprinting needs you have.

My fingerprint cards were rejected, what do I do?

Bring the rejection notice to your next appointment. Rejection notices typically cite the specific reason, poor ridge clarity, incorrect field completion, outdated card version or wrong submission format. We review the notice and prepare new cards with direct attention to the cited issue. Every card is reviewed before you leave, and we redo any card that does not meet submission standards at no additional charge. See also why fingerprints get rejected.

What is an ORI number and do I need one?

An ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) number is a code assigned to the requesting agency that directs your fingerprint submission to the correct recipient within the background check system. Many licensing boards, state agencies and employers provide an ORI number with their fingerprinting instructions. If your agency has provided one, bring it to your appointment, it is entered in a specific field on the FD-258 card. Read more about ORI numbers.

How much does fingerprinting cost?

FD-258 fingerprinting is $45 for the first card and $20 for each additional card. Multi-State Print-to-Card is $60 for the first card and $25 for each additional printed card. FBI Identity History Summary Electronic Submission is $90. ATF / EFT fingerprinting is $75. The number of cards required, agency-specific preparation and any additional services affect the final cost. Call (816) 442-0295 with your specific requirements and we will confirm the cost before your appointment. No surprises at the appointment.

Book your fingerprinting today

Not sure which method you need? Call us first, we will confirm in two minutes. Every card reviewed before you leave. In-office and mobile service available.

8101 E. Bannister Rd, Kansas City, MO 64134 · FD-258 $45 · Print-to-Card $60 · FBI electronic submission $90

Book my appointment Confirm your method first(816) 442-0295 Check My Requirements