If you have been asked to provide an FD-258 fingerprint card for a background check, employment, licensing, or immigration, you may be wondering exactly what it is and where to get one in Dallas. This guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is an FD-258 Card?
The FD-258 is the official fingerprint card developed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is a two-card set that captures rolled and flat impressions of all ten fingers. The cards are used to submit fingerprints to the FBI and state agencies for criminal background check processing.
The FD-258 is required by a wide range of agencies and organizations. Unlike digital fingerprinting or live scan, the FD-258 is a physical ink card that can be mailed to the requesting agency.
Who Needs an FD-258 Card?
- Applicants for federal employment or security clearances
- Teachers, childcare workers, and healthcare professionals in Texas
- Real estate license applicants in Texas
- Insurance license applicants
- Immigration applicants for certain visa categories
- Adoptive parents undergoing background checks
- Firearms dealers and applicants for federal firearms licenses (FFL)
- Anyone applying to work with vulnerable populations
- Volunteer organizations requiring federal background checks
FD-258 vs Live Scan Fingerprinting: What Is the Difference?
Live scan fingerprinting captures your fingerprints digitally and submits them electronically to the requesting agency. It is faster and more common for state-level background checks in Texas.
The FD-258 card is a physical ink card that must be mailed to the agency requesting the background check. It is typically required when the receiving agency does not accept electronic submissions, such as many federal agencies and out-of-state organizations.
How to Get an FD-258 Card in Dallas
What to Bring to Your Fingerprinting Appointment
- Valid government-issued photo ID — driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID
- Blank FD-258 cards if your agency provided them (some agencies require their own cards)
- The name and address of the agency to receive your fingerprints if you need us to address the envelope
- Payment — fingerprinting services start at competitive rates
How Many FD-258 Cards Do I Need?
Most agencies require two completed FD-258 cards — that is why the standard set comes in pairs. Some agencies may request three cards. Check your paperwork carefully and let us know how many sets you need when you arrive. We recommend getting an extra set if you are applying to multiple agencies.
How Long Does It Take to Get Results After Submitting FD-258 Cards?
After you mail your completed FD-258 cards to the FBI or requesting agency, processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks for FBI background checks. State-level checks processed through the Texas DPS may be faster. The timeline is set by the receiving agency, not by the fingerprinting facility.
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