FD-258 Fingerprinting in Arlington, VA or Mobile in DC, Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland: Fast, Easy Fingerprint Cards (2026)

October 20, 2026 · DC Mobile Notary™ — Arlington, VA

Quick answer

The FD-258 is the FBI's standard applicant fingerprint card. Licensing boards, the ATF and the FBI itself ask for it when they want your fingerprints on paper. DC Mobile Notary™ captures your prints digitally on live scan, checks them on the spot, and prints them straight onto FD-258 cards: clean, classifiable prints in about 10–15 minutes.

Come to our Arlington office at 5315 Langston Boulevard, with free parking, or book a mobile appointment and we come to you anywhere in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland. Call 202-247-0837.

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FD-258 fingerprinting at a glance

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Who asks for FD-258 fingerprint cards

• The FBI, for an Identity History Summary (FBI background check) requested by mail. The FBI publishes the FD-258 as an accepted card for these requests.
• The ATF, for National Firearms Act applications filed on paper. ATF rules for Form 4 transfers call for two completed FD-258 cards for the applicant or for each responsible person. We also prepare electronic fingerprint (EFT) files for eForms.
• State licensing boards, especially for applicants who live out of state: nursing, real estate, teaching, law, securities and other professional licenses.
• Employers, adoption agencies and other organizations that run fingerprint-based background checks on paper.

Your agency's instructions decide which card to use, how many copies you need and where to send them. Some agencies mail you pre-printed cards with their own ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) number. If yours did, bring them.

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Live scan print-to-card vs. traditional ink

A rejected fingerprint card can set a licensing or background check application back by weeks. Clear prints the first time avoid that.

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In office: our Arlington fingerprinting office

Book ahead so a technician and a live scan device are held for you. Same-day appointments are often available. Call to check.

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Mobile: we come to you in DC, Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland

Can't get to Arlington? Our mobile team brings a portable live scan device to your home, office, law firm, hospital or care facility. Mobile appointments cover:

• Washington, DC
• Northern Virginia: Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County and surrounding areas
• Maryland: Southern Maryland and the Maryland suburbs, including Montgomery and Prince George's counties

Mobile visits work well for groups, too: a family applying for visas together, or a team that needs cards for licensing. See live scan fingerprinting for all our mobile services.

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How to get FD-258 cards done right

1. Read your agency's instructions. Note the card type, the ORI number, the reason for fingerprinting, how many cards you need and where to send them.
2. Book an appointment at our Arlington office or a mobile visit.
3. Bring your photo ID and any cards or forms your agency sent.
4. We capture and check your prints on live scan, then print your FD-258 cards.
5. Complete the personal details on each card in black ink and sign where required. We'll help you check nothing is missing.
6. Mail the cards flat, not folded, with your application.

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Want your FBI background check faster than mailing a card?

If you're requesting your own FBI background check, you may not need a paper card at all. U.S. citizens and green card holders can submit electronically through an FBI-approved channeler at our DC or Arlington office, and most reports come back the same business day as a signed PDF. See same-day FBI background check. If you're using the report abroad, we add the U.S. Department of State apostille in 9 business days. See FBI apostille.

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Other fingerprinting we handle

• FBI departmental order live scan for Identity History Summaries
• ATF fingerprinting: FD-258 cards and EFT files for Form 1 and Form 4
• FDLE fingerprinting for Florida licensing and employment background checks

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Book FD-258 fingerprinting

Washington, DC office: 2001 L Street NW, Suite 545, Washington, DC 20036
Arlington, VA office: 5315 Langston Boulevard, Suite B, Arlington, VA 22207
Phone: 202-247-0837 | Email: support@dcmobilenotary.com

→ Schedule fingerprinting
→ Our Arlington office
→ Same-day FBI background check

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Frequently asked questions

What is an FD-258 fingerprint card?
The FBI's standard applicant fingerprint card. Agencies such as the FBI, the ATF and state licensing boards use it to run fingerprint-based background checks.

Where can I get FD-258 fingerprinting near Arlington or Washington, DC?
At our Arlington office, 5315 Langston Boulevard, Suite B, Arlington, VA 22207, by appointment. We also offer mobile fingerprinting in DC, Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland.

How long does FD-258 fingerprinting take?
About 10–15 minutes per person.

Are live scan printed cards accepted instead of ink?
Most agencies that use the FD-258 accept cards printed from a live scan capture. If your agency specifically requires rolled ink, check with them before your appointment.

What should I bring?
A valid, unexpired government photo ID, plus any pre-printed cards or instructions your agency sent you.

How many FD-258 cards do I need?
Your agency decides. The ATF, for example, asks for two cards per applicant or responsible person on paper Form 4 applications. Tell us how many you need when you book.

Do you come to my home or office?
Yes. Mobile FD-258 fingerprinting covers Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland, including Southern Maryland and Montgomery and Prince George's counties.

Can you fingerprint a group?
Yes. We fingerprint families and teams in one visit, at our office or at your location.

Is there a faster way to get my FBI background check than mailing an FD-258?
Yes. U.S. citizens and green card holders can submit electronically through an FBI-approved channeler at our office. Most reports come back the same business day.

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Official sources

• FBI — Applicant Fingerprint Form (FD-258): https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/identity-history-summary-request-fd-258-110120
• FBI — Identity History Summary Checks FAQs: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/more-fbi-services-and-information/identity-history-summary-checks/identity-history-summary-checks-faqs
• 27 CFR § 479.85 — ATF application to transfer (Form 4) fingerprint requirement: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-27/part-479/section-479.85

This article is general information about document authentication and fingerprinting procedures, not legal advice. Government hours, fees and requirements change. Confirm what your receiving authority requires before you submit.