If an employer, licensing board, federal agency or application tells you to submit fingerprints, one of the first questions to answer is:
Do they require an electronic fingerprint file or a physical fingerprint card?
Two terms you may encounter are EFT and FD-258.
They aren't interchangeable, and submitting the wrong format can create unnecessary delays.
What Is an EFT Fingerprint File?
EFT stands for Electronic File Transfer.
Instead of receiving a physical fingerprint card, fingerprint information is provided electronically in a specific file format.
Bluestar Diagnostics currently provides an ATF Fingerprinting EFT File service with an approximately 20-minute appointment.
EFT files are particularly relevant to certain ATF/NFA electronic filing processes.
What Is an FD-258 Fingerprint Card?
FD-258 is the standard fingerprint card commonly associated with FBI fingerprint submissions.
The card contains identifying information along with rolled and flat fingerprint impressions.
FD-258 cards can be required for a variety of purposes, including certain:
- Professional licensing applications
- Out-of-state licensing requirements
- Federal background checks
- Immigration-related processes
- Personal FBI record requests
- Agency applications
Bluestar provides dedicated FD-258 fingerprint card services.
Is EFT the Same as FD-258?
No.
The fundamental difference is the submission format.
An EFT is an electronic fingerprint file, while an FD-258 is a fingerprint card.
The organization requesting your fingerprints determines which format you need.
How Do I Know Which Fingerprinting Service to Choose?
Look at the instructions supplied by the requesting organization before scheduling.
Specifically, look for wording such as:
“EFT file”
“FD-258”
“FBI fingerprint card”
“ink fingerprints”
“electronic fingerprints”
If your instructions specifically require an FD-258 card, don't assume that another fingerprinting format will satisfy the requirement.
Likewise, if your application requires an EFT file, a physical fingerprint card may not meet that requirement.
What Should I Bring to My Fingerprinting Appointment?
Bring a valid government-issued ID and the instructions or documentation supplied by the organization requesting your fingerprints.
Reviewing those requirements beforehand can help ensure the appropriate fingerprint format is completed.
Where Can I Get EFT or FD-258 Fingerprinting in Dallas or Plano?
Bluestar Diagnostics offers professional fingerprinting services serving individuals who need fingerprinting for licensing, background checks, applications and other requirements.
Both dedicated ATF EFT fingerprint-file and FD-258 fingerprint-card services are available through Bluestar.
Schedule Fingerprinting
Before booking, confirm exactly which fingerprint format your requesting agency requires.
Schedule your fingerprinting appointment with Bluestar Diagnostics in Dallas or Plano and bring your agency instructions with you.