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If you’ve ever said “I need a background check” or “I need a Live Scan,” you’re not alone — most people use those terms interchangeably. But what do they really mean?
Let’s break it down.
1. Fingerprinting and Background Checks — They Go Hand-in-Hand
When someone says they need a background check, it almost always means a fingerprint-based background check. Your fingerprints are taken and submitted to a law enforcement or licensing agency — usually the California Department of Justice (DOJ), the FBI, or another state’s system.
So:
- Fingerprinting is the process.
- Background check is the result (what the agency receives).
2. What Is Live Scan?
Live Scan is simply digital fingerprinting.
Instead of using ink, your fingerprints are captured on an electronic scanner and securely transmitted to the DOJ, FBI, or another agency.
Best for:
- California background checks (DOJ, FBI)
- Florida FDLE submissions
- Nursing, notary, education, real estate, security licenses
💡 Live Scan = digital fingerprinting used for background checks.
3. What Is Ink Card Fingerprinting?
Ink card fingerprinting (sometimes called “wet prints”) is the traditional method using black ink on a physical card — most often the FBI FD-258 form.
The card is then mailed to the agency or organization requesting your background check.
Best for:
- Out-of-state or federal licensing
- Immigration or visa processes
- International employment or travel documents
💡 Ink Card = paper fingerprinting used when digital submission isn’t accepted.
4. So, What Should You Ask For?
If your employer, licensing board, or recruiter asks for a Live Scan — they mean digital fingerprinting for a background check.
If they ask for ink cards or provide an FD-258 form, they mean manual fingerprinting that you’ll mail to the agency yourself.
At A1 Live Scan & Notary Services, we make it easy to figure out which one you need — and we handle both!
5. In Summary
| Term | Meaning | Purpose |
| Fingerprinting | The process of capturing your fingerprints | Used to run a background check |
| Background Check | The record search performed using your fingerprints | Determines your clearance |
| Live Scan | Digital fingerprinting sent electronically | Used by DOJ, FBI, FDLE |
| Ink Card | Traditional fingerprinting using ink on FD-258 card | Mailed to out-of-state or federal agencies |
Need Help Deciding?
📍 A1 Live Scan & Notary Services — Downtown Los Angeles
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A1 Fingerprinting Tips — Helping you understand every step of the process.