Ink & Roll Fingerprinting

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While digital "live scan" fingerprinting is common today, many federal agencies, out-of-state employers, and international organizations still require traditional ink-on-card prints (typically on a standard blue-and-white FD-258 fingerprint card).

Here is everything you need to know about what the process is, what to expect, and how to prepare for your visit.

What is "Ink and Roll" Fingerprinting?

This classic, highly reliable method involves coating your fingertips with a thin layer of specialized, fast-drying black ink and carefully rolling each finger onto a physical card.

The goal is to capture the complete ridge detail of your fingerprint from one side of the fingernail to the other (known as "nail-to-nail" rolling).

What to Expect During Your Visit

The entire process is quick, clean, and typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

1. Identity Verification
   Prerequisite
   Our certified technician will check your government-issued photo ID to verify your identity and help you fill out the required demographic information on your fingerprint card.
2. Hand Prep
   Step 1
   You will be asked to wash your hands. We recommend avoiding heavy lotions right before your appointment, as oily skin can cause the ink to smudge.
3. The Ink & Roll
   Step 2
   The technician will lightly coat your finger with ink and guide your hand, rolling each finger individually onto the card from "nail to nail" in a smooth, continuous motion. This guarantees the edges (the deltas) of your prints are completely visible.
4. Flat Impressions
   Step 3
   After rolling individual fingers, you will press your four fingers together, and then your thumbs, straight down onto the card without rolling. These "flat" or "plain" impressions verify the sequence of the rolled prints.
5. Clean Up
   Final Step
   Once your cards are complete, we will provide you with heavy-duty wipes or soap and water to quickly dissolve the ink. Our ink is specifically designed to wash off easily.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

To make your visit as fast and seamless as possible, please remember to bring:

• A Valid Government-Issued Photo ID (such as a Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport).
• Your Fingerprint Cards (if your requesting agency provided them to you). If they did not, please let us know ahead of time; we usually keep standard FD-258 cards in stock.
• Healthy Hands: If you have severe cuts, open wounds, or heavy calluses on your fingertips, please let us know. If possible, wait until minor cuts have healed so the scanner or ink can capture your ridges clearly.