Introduction
When applying for certain permits or licenses, such as firearm registration, you may be required to provide your fingerprints. The FD-258 card, issued by the FBI, is a standard form for this purpose. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to correctly roll your fingerprints at home.
1. Preparing Your Materials
a. FD-258 Fingerprinting Cards:
- Obtain these cards from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). They are usually provided for free.
- Ensure the card has the correct ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) address for the processing center.
b. Ink:
- Opt for inkless fingerprinting ink. It’s cleaner and easier to manage.
- For instance, the Lee Inkless Fingerprint Pad is a popular choice.
c. Fingerprint Cardholder (Optional):
- This tool can stabilize the card during the fingerprinting process, preventing smudges.
2. Filling Out the FD-258 Card
- Complete the personal information section before taking your prints to avoid smudging.
- Fields marked with a red ‘X’ should be left blank.
- Ensure details like your full name, date of birth, and address are accurately filled in.
- For the ORI field, if you’ve sourced your card from the ATF, it should be pre-printed. If not, manually enter the ORI address.
3. Rolling Your Fingerprints
a. Preparation:
- Clean your hands and ensure they are free of any lotions or oils.
- As an example, imagine you’re stamping a seal on an important document; you’d want a clear and smudge-free impression.
b. Technique:
- Start with your right thumb, progressing to your pinky, then repeat for the left hand.
- Gently roll your finger across the ink pad just once, making sure to cover all the ridges and valleys in your fingerprint with ink.
- Test the print on a scrap piece of paper. Adjust the pressure if needed.
- Roll your finger on the designated box on the FD-258 card. Ensure the movement is smooth from one side of the nail to the other.
c. Spot Prints:
- These are straightforward imprints without rolling. Simply press your fingers on the designated areas.
4. Post-Fingerprinting Steps
- Clean your fingers thoroughly after each print to prevent unintended smudges.
- If you’re applying for a permit that requires multiple trustees, ensure each trustee provides their fingerprints on separate cards.
- Always prepare multiple cards in case of errors.
5. Mailing Your Fingerprints
- Once your application reaches the processing status, you’ll receive a cover letter with a unique control number.
- Mail the completed FD-258 cards, along with the cover letter, to the address provided.
- It’s advisable to use a padded envelope to prevent any damage to the cards.
FAQs
- Can I get my prints taken at the local police station?
- Indeed, numerous local police departments offer fingerprinting services. They sometimes even create digital prints that can be printed on several FD-258 cards for future needs.
- What if my prints get rejected?
- The ATF will notify you. You’ll need to resubmit a new set of prints.
- Do I need to provide new prints for every application?
- Yes, every application requires a fresh set of fingerprints.
Conclusion
Fingerprinting might seem daunting, but with the right tools and technique, it’s a straightforward process. Whether you’re applying for a firearm permit, a job that requires background checks, or any other purpose, ensuring clear and accurate fingerprints is crucial. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to try a few times before finalizing your prints.