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FBI-Approved LiveScan Technology
An FD-258 fingerprint card is the standard physical fingerprint card required by federal agencies, immigration authorities, out-of-state licensing boards, and firearms dealers whenever an electronic submission won't satisfy the request.
ABQ Fingerprinting captures your fingerprints digitally on certified LiveScan equipment, then prints them directly onto official FD-258 card stock at your appointment. No ink, no rolling, no smudging. Every order includes two printed cards, rigid chipboard backing to prevent bending in transit, and a mailing envelope addressed and ready to send to your requesting agency.
Need your own personal FBI Identity History Summary rather than a physical card for an agency? That's a different service. Our FBI Background Check is a personal records request, not an employment background check, and results go directly to you. If you're not sure which one you need, call 877-340-8822 and select option 3.
⚠ NEW MEXICO STATE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
New Mexico state professional licensing (nursing, real estate, contractors, conceal carry licensing) requires fingerprinting through IdentoGO by IDEMIA. Call 877-467-9215.
ABQ Fingerprinting specializes in federal, out-of-state, and ATF fingerprinting not handled by IdentoGO.
What is an FD-258 Fingerprint Card?
The FD-258 is the fingerprint card format used by the FBI and federal agencies for hard-copy background check submissions. It contains fields for applicant identifying information and space for all ten rolled fingerprints plus four simultaneous impressions.
Agencies that can't accept electronic LiveScan submissions — many out-of-state licensing boards, some FFL and NFA channels, and some immigration and adoption cases — require this physical card.
ABQ Fingerprinting captures your prints digitally using LiveScan and prints them directly onto official FD-258 card stock on site, rather than rolling ink by hand. The result is a cleaner, more precise card with a rejection rate under 1%, well below traditional ink-rolled submissions.
FD-258 Fingerprinting, Start to Finish
Schedule Your Appointment
Book an appointment online at any time or call (877) 340-8822. Available at all six New Mexico locations. Mobile service available for groups of 15 or more.
Fingerprint Capture
Takes 5 to 10 minutes. Our certified technicians use FBI approved LiveScan equipment to capture all 10 digital fingerprints. Quality is verified on site, keeping our rejection rate under 1 percent.
On-Site Card Printing Your captured prints are printed directly onto official FD-258 card stock — two cards per order, with rigid chipboard backing and a mailing envelope included.
You're Ready to Submit Your cards are ready to mail or hand-deliver to your requesting agency the same day. No waiting on a mailed card, no re-inking.
What You Get With Your Fingerprinting Appointment
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Two Official Cards: Every order includes two FD-258 cards printed on official card stock, not photocopies.
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Chipboard Backing: Rigid backing included with every order to keep your cards from bending in transit.
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Mailing Envelope: A ready-to-address mailing envelope is included so your cards can go straight to your requesting agency.
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Digital Capture, Not Ink: LiveScan digital capture printed to card stock — no ink rolling, no smudged ridges.
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Under 1% Rejection: Clean, precise digital prints meet the same quality standard agencies expect, with a rejection rate under 1%.
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Same-Day Service: Cards are printed on site at the time of your appointment — no waiting for a mailed card.
Who Needs an FD-258 Card?
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Federal employment and security clearance applications
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USCIS immigration submissions — naturalization, green card, and asylum cases that require a physical card
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International adoption
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Out-of-state professional licensing boards that don't accept electronic submissions
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Federal Firearms License (FFL) applications
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NICS appeal and Voluntary Appeal File (VAF) submissions
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Card formats beyond FD-258: FD-1164, SF-87, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio Civilian, and Children Identification cards also printed on site
(If you need FD-1164 for a personal FBI Identity History Summary request, or you're not sure which card your agency wants, call 877-340-8822 and select option 3.)
ABQ Fingerprinting vs. Traditional Ink-Rolled Cards
ABQ Fingerprinting
Digital LiveScan, Printed On-Site
⚡ Capture Method: Certified LiveScan digital capture
🖨️ Print Quality: Clean, precise digital print to card stock
✅ Rejection Rate: Under 1%
🕐 Turnaround: Printed same day at your appointment
📋 What's Included: Two cards, chipboard backing, mailing envelope
🔄 Re-dos: Rare, thanks to digital capture
Traditional Ink-Rolled Cards
Hand-Rolled Submission
⚡ Capture Method: Hand-rolled ink
🖨️ Print Quality: Prone to smudging, over-inking, and light or partial prints
✅ Rejection Rate: Higher. Smudged or incomplete ridge detail is a leading cause of rejection
🕐 Turnaround: Same day, but quality issues can mean a repeat visit
📋 What's Included: Varies by provider
🔄 Re-dos: Common when prints are smudged or incomplete
FD-258 Fingerprinting Services Across New Mexico
Frequently Asked Questions — FD-258 Fingerprint Cards
What is an FD-258 fingerprint card?
The FD-258 is the standard fingerprint card used by the FBI and federal agencies for background check submissions. It contains fields for applicant information and space for all ten fingerprints plus four simultaneous impressions. ABQ Fingerprinting captures your fingerprints digitally using LiveScan technology and prints them directly onto official FD-258 card stock on site.
How many FD-258 cards do I receive?
Every order includes two FD-258 cards printed on site, along with rigid chipboard backing to prevent bending in transit and a mailing envelope ready for submission to your requesting agency.
Do you use ink rolling for FD-258 cards?
No. ABQ Fingerprinting uses certified LiveScan digital capture technology printed onto official FD-258 card stock — not ink rolling. This produces cleaner, more precise impressions with a rejection rate under 1%, significantly lower than traditional ink-rolled cards.
How long does it take to get my FD-258 card?
Your FD-258 cards are printed on site at the time of your appointment. Same-day service is available at all six New Mexico locations. Walk-ins are welcome.
What agencies accept FD-258 fingerprint cards?
FD-258 cards are accepted by federal agencies, out-of-state licensing boards, USCIS for immigration applications, international adoption agencies, the ATF, and many other organizations requiring a physical fingerprint card submission. If your agency requires a specific card format, contact us at 877-340-8822 and select option 3.
Do you print other fingerprint card formats besides FD-258?
Yes. ABQ Fingerprinting also prints FD-1164, SF-87, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio Civilian, and Children Identification card formats on site. Contact us at 877-340-8822 and select option 3 to confirm availability for your specific card type.
Can I walk in without an appointment for an FD-258 card?
Appointments are required and must be scheduled and paid for online in advance. Same-day appointments are available at all six New Mexico locations in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Las Cruces, Taos, Farmington, and Carlsbad. Book online at abqfingerprinting.com or call 877-340-8822.
What should I bring to my FD-258 fingerprinting appointment?
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport, and know the name of the agency you are submitting the card to. Payment is collected online at the time of booking. Appointments take approximately 5 to 10 minutes.