If you’ve been told you need fingerprints for a new job, professional license, or background check, you probably have one important question: Do I need Live Scan or traditional ink fingerprinting?
The answer depends on what your employer, licensing board, or requesting agency requires.
At Safe Scan Fingerprinting, we help Georgia residents complete their fingerprinting requirements with confidence. Here’s what you should know before scheduling your appointment.
What Is Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Live Scan fingerprinting uses an electronic scanner to capture your fingerprints digitally.
Instead of applying ink to your fingertips, a technician places your fingers on a specialized scanning device. The system captures your fingerprints and checks the quality of the images.
Depending on the service and receiving agency, your fingerprints may be submitted electronically or used to produce printed fingerprint cards.
Benefits of Live Scan fingerprinting include:
- No messy ink on your hands
- Digital fingerprint capture
- Immediate image-quality feedback
- Electronic submission when supported by the requesting agency
- A convenient process that typically takes just minutes
Live Scan is often used for employment screening, professional licensing, and certain FBI or state background checks.
What Is Ink Fingerprinting?
Traditional ink fingerprinting involves placing your fingerprints on a physical card, commonly an FD-258 fingerprint card.
Some organizations still require physical fingerprint cards rather than electronic submissions.
These may include employers, licensing agencies, international organizations, and government departments with specific submission instructions.
At Safe Scan, we only capture your fingerprints digitally and print them on an FBI FD-258 card or other state or federal cards.
Which Fingerprinting Method Is Right for You?
The most important step is to check the instructions provided by the organization requesting your fingerprints.
If they ask for electronic submission through an approved system, you may need Live Scan.
If they specifically request an FD-258 card, your fingerprints will be captured digitally and printed on a card.
Some organizations have additional requirements, such as a specific agency number, document format, or approved submission channel.
Never assume that one fingerprinting method will be accepted for every purpose.
If you’re unsure, contact Safe Scan before booking. Our team can help you identify the service that matches your paperwork.
What Should You Bring to Your Appointment?
Before visiting, prepare the following:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Any fingerprinting instructions supplied by your employer or agency
- Your agency’s ORI number, if applicable
- Any required forms or reference numbers
Having this information ready helps reduce the possibility of scheduling the wrong service or needing another visit.
Where Can You Get Fingerprinted in Georgia?
Safe Scan Fingerprinting serves customers throughout Metro Atlanta and surrounding Georgia communities.
Our services include:
- Live Scan fingerprinting
- Ink and printed fingerprint cards
- FBI background checks
- FDLE fingerprinting for eligible Florida licensing requirements
- Mobile fingerprinting for businesses and groups
Whether you’re completing a background check for employment or preparing documents for a professional license, our goal is to make the process straightforward and convenient.
Schedule Your Fingerprinting Appointment
Don’t let uncertainty about fingerprinting delay your next step.
Safe Scan Fingerprinting can help you determine which service you need and schedule an appointment at a convenient Georgia location.
Ready to get started?
Visit www.safescanfingerprinting.com to request an appointment or call 877-741-5997 for assistance.
