Out-of-State Fingerprinting Requirements

If you are applying for licensing, employment, or certification outside of Florida, your fingerprints may need to be submitted using a specific method. Many out-of-state agencies do not accept Live Scan submissions and instead require ink fingerprint cards or agency-specific cards.

This page explains how out-of-state fingerprinting works and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to rejections or delays.

This information applies to individuals who need fingerprinting for:

• Out-of-state professional licensing
   
• Employment in another state
   
• Federal or national agencies
   
• Background checks for relocation
   
• Agency-specific requirements
   

Out-of-state fingerprinting instructions are set by the requesting agency, not by the fingerprinting provider.

Live Scan fingerprinting submits prints electronically to specific state systems. Many states, boards, and agencies cannot receive Live Scan submissions from Florida.

When Live Scan is not accepted, agencies typically require:

• FD-258 FBI fingerprint cards, or
   
• State-specific or agency-specific fingerprint cards
   

Submitting the wrong format may result in rejection and require re-fingerprinting.

The FBI FD-258 fingerprint card is the most commonly accepted format for out-of-state and federal fingerprint submissions. FD-258 cards are often required for:

• Professional licenses issued outside Florida
   
• Federal applications
   
• Firearm-related requirements
   
• Expungements or record reviews
   
• National background checks
   

FD-258 cards must be completed accurately to reduce the risk of rejection.

Some states and agencies require fingerprints on their own official card, such as:

• State law enforcement cards
   
• Federal agency cards
   
• Professional board-issued cards
   

If your agency requires a non-FD-258 card, you must bring the blank card and instructions provided by the agency. These requests are handled case by case and should be confirmed before booking.

 Before scheduling fingerprinting for out-of-state use, confirm:

• Whether Live Scan is accepted
   
• Whether an FD-258 card is required
   
• Whether a state-specific or agency card is required
   
• How many fingerprint cards are needed
   
• Any special instructions from the requesting agency
   

Booking the wrong service may cause delays or require a repeat visit.

Fingerprinting appointments require:

• A valid, government-issued photo ID
   
• Any fingerprint cards required by the agency
   
• Written instructions from the requesting agency
   
• Payment for additional cards if more than one set is needed
   

If you are unsure what to bring, contact us before booking.

No. Many out-of-state agencies require fingerprint cards and do not accept Live Scan submissions.

FD-258 cards are widely accepted, but you must follow the instructions provided by the requesting agency.

Only if the agency allows it. Some agencies require their own fingerprint card format.

No. Guessing often leads to rejections and delays.

 Need fingerprinting for out-of-state requirements? Contact us before booking to confirm the correct service.