Why each state is different
When your employer says you need fingerprints for three states, what it usually means is that you are applying for a license or registration with three separate state agencies. Many licensed roles, from insurance and security to healthcare, run into this. Each of those agencies runs its own background check, and each one decides:
- The format. A standard FD-258 card, the state’s own fingerprint card, or electronic submission through that state’s Live Scan system.
- How many cards. Some agencies ask for one card, others ask for two.
- Which codes go on the card. Most applicant cards carry an ORI number and a reason-fingerprinted code, and these differ by state and by license type.
- How the prints are submitted. Mailed with your application, sent to a state bureau, or captured electronically with a registration number.
- Whether printed cards are accepted. Some agencies accept a card printed from a digital capture. Others still ask for traditional ink cards.
That is why there is no single “multi-state card.” One FD-258 card goes to one agency. If three agencies each want cards, you need cards for each of them, completed with that agency’s details. Requirements vary by agency and change over time, so always work from the current instructions each state gave you.
What to look for in each state’s instructions
Before your appointment, open each state’s application packet or fingerprinting page and note the answers to these questions. It takes a few minutes and prevents most mistakes.
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Card or electronic? | Tells you whether you need a physical card or a Live Scan submission for that state. |
| Which card? | FD-258 or a state-specific card. If the state mailed you its own blank card, bring it. |
| How many cards? | Sets how many cards we produce for that state. |
| ORI and reason code | Must be correct on each card or the check may be delayed or returned. |
| Printed cards accepted? | Decides whether print-to-card or traditional ink is the right method. |
Some states are common exceptions. Florida, for example, often uses electronic submission through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement with a Florida ORI; see our Florida Live Scan page and the FDLE Applicant Services page. If Missouri or Kansas is one of your states, check whether the program wants Live Scan rather than a card. And if a state’s electronic system only works in that state, look for an out-of-state card option in its instructions.
How one capture can cover several states
Our multi-state fingerprinting service is built for exactly this situation. Our digital print-to-card system allows us to capture your fingerprints once and efficiently produce multiple FD-258 or agency-specific fingerprint cards when permitted by the receiving agency. Each card is printed with the details that state needs, so you leave with a separate, complete set for each application instead of rolling ink over and over.
Digital capture also lets us check print quality on screen before anything is printed, which helps reduce the smudged or unreadable prints that commonly cause fingerprint rejections. We cannot promise any agency will accept your cards, because the receiving agency controls acceptance, but we can make sure each card matches the instructions you bring.
If one of your states requires ink cards, we also offer traditional FD-258 ink card fingerprinting, and we can handle a mix of methods in the same visit.
Send us your agency instructions, ORI number, application requirements or fingerprint request. We’ll help you identify the correct fingerprinting method before your appointment.
What to bring
- A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID
- The fingerprint instructions from each state, printed or on your phone
- The ORI number and reason-fingerprinted code for each application, if the state provides them
- Any agency-specific blank cards a state sent you
- A short list: each state, the card type and how many cards it wants
- Any instructions your company’s licensing or compliance team gave you
What if more states get added later?
It happens often: a company adds a fourth state a week after your appointment. Need additional permitted cards later? With your consent, your digital fingerprint record may be securely retained for up to 30 days under our stated retention policy so additional qualifying cards can be produced during that period without repeating the full fingerprint capture. This only applies to cards the receiving agency permits, and never to programs whose rules prohibit retention. Details are in our privacy and data handling policy.
Working with a whole team that needs multi-state licensing? We can set up corporate accounts and on-site sessions across Missouri and Kansas.
What it costs
- Multi-State Print-to-Card: $60, plus $25 for each additional printed card.
- FD-258 Fingerprinting (ink): $45, plus $20 for each additional card. Cards and a mailing envelope are supplied.
- Florida FDLE Live Scan: $65 plus the Florida ORI fee.
Bring your instructions to our Kansas City office on E. Bannister Rd, and we will match the method and card count to each state before we print.