If you need a background check for employment, licensing, or immigration purposes, you’ll likely need to be fingerprinted. But which method is right for you: Live Scan or ink fingerprinting?
At FastFingerprints, we offer both services depending on your specific requirements. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between Live Scan and traditional ink fingerprinting, when each is used, and how to choose the right one.
🆚 What’s the Main Difference?
The biggest difference is how your fingerprints are captured and submitted:
| Method | How It Works | Submission Type |
| Live Scan | Digital scanner captures fingerprints | Submitted electronically to the state or FBI |
| Ink Fingerprint Cards | Fingers are rolled in ink and stamped onto a card | Mailed to the requesting agency |
✅ What Is Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Live Scan is an electronic fingerprinting method that captures your prints digitally and submits them directly to a government agency, like:
- Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
📌 Best For:
- State licensing in Ohio or Florida
- Employment background checks
- Real-time submission and faster results
- Agencies that require digital fingerprinting
🕒 Processing Time:
Results are usually returned in 1–7 business days, depending on the agency.
🌎 Where Available:
Live Scan is offered at FastFingerprints locations in Ohio, Florida, and other select states.
🖋️ What Is Ink Fingerprinting?
Ink fingerprinting is the traditional method where your fingerprints are rolled in ink and transferred to an official FD-258 fingerprint card. These cards are then mailed to the requesting agency.
📌 Best For:
- Out-of-state or federal licensing
- Immigration or visa applications
- Licenses for states that don’t accept Live Scan
- Jobs requiring fingerprints on physical cards
🕒 Processing Time:
Depends on the mail service and receiving agency—typically 7–14 business days or more.
🌎 Where Available:
FastFingerprints offers ink card fingerprinting by appointment at select locations and through mobile services.
🔍 How to Know Which You Need
Here’s how to determine whether to choose Live Scan or ink fingerprinting:
| Situation | Recommended Method |
| Ohio state license or job | Live Scan (BCI) |
| Florida background check | Live Scan (FDLE) |
| FBI national check for Ohio or Florida | Live Scan |
| Applying for a license in another state | Ink Fingerprint Card |
| U.S. immigration or international adoption | Ink Fingerprint Card |
| Submitting to federal agencies outside your state | Ink Fingerprint Card |
💡 Still unsure? Your licensing board or employer should provide clear fingerprinting instructions, including whether they require an ORI number for Live Scan or a mail-in card.
🏆 Why Choose FastFingerprints?
- Approved provider for BCI, FDLE, and FBI background checks
- Live Scan and ink fingerprinting options
- Quick, secure digital submissions
- Same-day and mobile appointments
- Over 20 years of trusted fingerprinting services
We take the guesswork out of fingerprinting—just bring your ID and agency instructions, and we’ll handle the rest.
📍 Schedule Your Appointment Today
👉 Book online now
📞 Or call 614.457.8900 to ask which fingerprinting method is right for your situation.