All About FD-258 Fingerprint Cards — What They Are and Where to Get Them in New Mexico

If you've been asked to submit fingerprints for a background check, federal employment, immigration, adoption, or professional licensing, you've likely been told to get an FD-258 fingerprint card. This is the standard fingerprint card used by the FBI and accepted by most federal agencies, licensing boards, and professional organizations across the United States. Here's everything you need to know — including where to get them in New Mexico.

What is an FD-258 fingerprint card?

The FD-258 is the official FBI fingerprint card used to capture and submit a complete set of fingerprints for identity verification and background checks. The card contains 14 impression boxes:

— Ten individual rolled impressions, one for each finger

— Four plain (slap) impressions: left four fingers together, right four fingers together, left thumb, and right thumb

The card also includes fields for personal information (name, date of birth, sex, race), signature, date, and the requesting agency's ORI number. Every field must be completed accurately — incomplete or illegible cards are rejected and must be redone.

Close-up of a detailed fingerprint on paper, highlighting the unique ridges and loops used for identification in forensic analysis.

Who needs an FD-258 fingerprint card?

FD-258 cards are required for a wide range of federal and out-of-state purposes, including:

— Federal employment and security clearances

— Immigration and naturalization (USCIS)

— Adoption proceedings (domestic and international)

— Out-of-state professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate, social work)

— NICS appeal and Voluntary Appeal File (VAF) submissions to the FBI

— Apostille background checks for international use

— Any agency or organization that requires FBI-channeled fingerprints

Note: New Mexico state professional licensing (nursing, real estate, contractors, security guards) is handled through IdentoGO by IDEMIA — call 877-467-9215 for state licensing. FD-258 cards are for federal and out-of-state requirements.

Fingerprinting station setup with FD-258 card

Other federal fingerprint cards — FD-1164 and SF-87

While the FD-258 is the most common federal fingerprint card, ABQ Fingerprinting also produces two additional card formats:

FD-1164 — Used primarily for Department of Defense and military-related background checks. Required for certain federal contractor positions and DoD facility access. Same digital capture process, printed on certified card stock.

SF-87 — The Standard Form 87 fingerprint card used for federal employment and security clearance investigations processed through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Required for many civilian federal jobs and contractor positions requiring a federal background investigation.

Not sure which card your agency requires? Bring your agency's instructions or ORI number and call 877-340-8822 — we'll confirm the correct format before your visit.

Digital capture vs. ink rolling — what's the difference?

Traditional FD-258 cards were produced by rolling inked fingers directly onto the card — a messy process prone to smudging, over-inking, and rejection.

ABQ Fingerprinting uses LiveScan digital capture technology — your fingerprints are captured electronically and printed directly onto certified FD-258 card stock. The result is a clean, precise card that meets all FBI specifications with a near-zero rejection rate. No ink, no mess, no second visits.

This matters because rejected fingerprint cards delay your application by weeks. Digital capture eliminates that risk.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID. Must be current and not expired.

If your requesting agency provided an ORI number, agency form, or specific instructions, bring those as well. Not sure what to bring? Call 877-340-8822 before your visit and we'll confirm exactly what you need.

How quickly will I get my cards?

Cards are printed on-site before you leave. Most appointments take 15 minutes or less. If you need your cards submitted electronically for an FBI background check (DO 556-73), results are returned in 24–72 hours via our approved channeler VetConnex.

Fingerprint archiving is also available — store your prints for 1, 2, or 5 years and order reprints at any time without returning for a new appointment.

 Where to get FD-258 fingerprint cards in New Mexico

ABQ Fingerprinting offers FD-258 fingerprint cards at six locations statewide:

Albuquerque — Wyoming Professional Building, 3620 Wyoming Blvd NE Suite 117. Call 505-414-1787.

Las Cruces — HTM Security Services, 1065 S Main St Suite B, Sun Belt Plaza. Call 575-524-6904.

Rio Rancho — Beyond Mail and Print, 4405 Jager Dr NE Suite C4, Enchanted Hills Plaza. Call 505-464-1136.

Taos — 9 to 5 Ship and Print, 710 D Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Cruz Alta Shopping Center. Call 575-751-1313.

Farmington — Safety LLC, 612 E Murray Drive. Call 505-860-5727.

Carlsbad — Courtesy Sporting & Pawn, LLC, 1095 North Canal St. Call 575-302-3255.

Mobile fingerprinting available statewide for groups of 15 or more. Call 877-340-8822.

 Frequently asked questions

Q: How many FD-258 cards do I need?

A: Most agencies require two cards. Some require only one. Check your agency's instructions before your appointment — we can produce as many cards as required in a single visit.

Q: Can I get FD-258 cards for an ATF NFA application?

A: If you are submitting a paper Form 4 by mail, yes — FD-258 cards are required. If you are submitting electronically via ATF eForms, you need an ATF-EFT file instead. Not sure which applies to you? Call 877-340-8822.

Q: What if my cards are rejected?

A: Rejection is rare with digital capture. If your receiving agency rejects a card for any reason, bring the rejection notice and we will reprint your cards. Archived customers can order reprints without a new appointment.

Q: Do I need an appointment?

A: We recommend scheduling and paying online at abqfingerprinting.com before your visit — it's the fastest way to get in and out. Walk-ins are welcome at all locations. A QR code is available on-site at each location to register and pay from your smartphone. Call 877-340-8822 with any questions.

Q: Is fingerprint archiving available?

A: Yes. ABQ Fingerprinting offers fingerprint archiving plans starting at 1 year ($75) Archived prints can be reprinted at $20 per card without scheduling a new appointment.

Need FD-258 fingerprint cards in New Mexico?

Schedule online at abqfingerprinting.com or walk in to any of our six locations. A QR code is available on-site to register. Questions? Call toll-free 877-340-8822, opt 3.