FD-258 FBI Fingerprint Card: Download & Fill Instructions

FD-258 FBI Fingerprint Card: Download & Fill Instructions – The FBI Applicant Fingerprint Card, officially known as FD-258 (sometimes referenced in older Air Force or Department of Justice contexts as DJFD Form 258 or linked to AF Form 307 processes), is the standard blue card used for non-criminal (civil) fingerprint submissions to the FBI. It supports background checks for employment, licensing, security clearances, volunteer positions, and other purposes requiring FBI criminal history checks.

This form captures rolled and plain fingerprint impressions along with personal identifying information. It is widely required for U.S. federal, state, and local processes, including certain Air Force or Department of Defense-related applicant screenings, where a Privacy Act Statement (often associated with AF Form 307 or printed on/attached to the card) informs individuals of their rights and the uses of their data.

What Is the FBI FD-258 Applicant Fingerprint Card?

The FD-258 is a physical card (typically blue for civil/applicant submissions) accepted by the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. It is used when Live Scan electronic fingerprinting is not available or when a hard-copy card is specifically required by the requesting agency.

Primary uses include:

Pre-employment background checks for law enforcement, corrections, or criminal justice positions.
Professional licensing (e.g., nursing, teaching, security guards, real estate).
Security clearances or positions of trust.
Volunteer work involving vulnerable populations.
Certain immigration, adoption, or firearms-related (ATF/NFA) processes.
Air Force or military-affiliated applicant screenings where manual cards are submitted.

The card includes fields for name, aliases, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship, address, physical descriptors (height, weight, eye/hair color, race, sex), Social Security number (if known), and reason fingerprinted. Both sides feature spaces for the ten rolled fingerprints and four simultaneous “plain” impressions per hand.

Note on “DJFD Form 258” and “AF Form 307”: Older military or Civil Air Patrol documentation may refer to the FBI fingerprint card as DJFD Form 258. AF Form 307 appears connected to Air Force-specific Privacy Act or physical/medical processing contexts that accompany fingerprint submissions. The core document remains the FBI FD-258, with the Privacy Act Statement typically printed on the reverse or provided separately to comply with federal requirements.

Privacy Act Statement (Often Linked to AF Form 307 Context)

Federal law requires applicants to receive a Privacy Act Statement before submitting fingerprints. This explains:

Authority: Primarily 28 U.S.C. 534, plus other federal/state statutes, Executive Orders, or regulations depending on the purpose.
Principal Purpose: To enable fingerprint-based background checks against the FBI’s Next Generation Identification (NGI) system for employment, licensing, security clearances, or similar determinations.
Routine Uses: Fingerprints and data may be shared with the requesting agency, FBI, or other authorized entities. Results help determine suitability.
Voluntary Nature: Providing fingerprints is generally voluntary, but failure to do so may prevent processing of your application.
Redress Rights: Information on how to review or challenge your FBI criminal history record.

The statement ensures compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974. Applicants must acknowledge receipt in many cases. The back of the FD-258 card or an accompanying document (sometimes referenced in Air Force forms) contains or references this information.

How to Obtain and Download the FD-258 Fingerprint Card?

The most current official version is available directly from the FBI:

Download the FD-258 card PDF from the FBI website (search for “Applicant Fingerprint Form FD-258”). Use high-quality printing on appropriate card stock if your agency requires a physical card.

Provided links (for reference; verify compatibility with your agency):

These appear to be Air Force e-publishing resources that may include guidance on physical processing or forms related to applicant fingerprinting and Privacy Act requirements. Always cross-check with your specific agency or the FBI for the latest revision (current revisions are dated around 10/31/2023 with OMB No. 1110-0046 expiring 05/31/2028).

Many law enforcement agencies, sheriff’s offices, or authorized fingerprinting vendors stock blank FD-258 cards.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the FD-258 Card?

Important: Follow instructions from your requesting agency (e.g., employer, licensing board, or Air Force recruiter). Some fields may be pre-filled or completed by the technician. Use black ink, print legibly, and do not fold or damage the card.

Typical required fields (verify current card version):

Name (NAM): Last, First, Middle (exactly as on your ID).
Aliases (AKA): All other names used (maiden, former, nicknames if applicable).
ORI (Originating Agency Identifier): Provided by the requesting agency—critical for routing.
Date of Birth (DOB).
Place of Birth.
Citizenship.
Sex, Race, Height, Weight, Eye Color, Hair Color.
Address.
Social Security Number (SOC): If known/required.
Reason Fingerprinted: Be specific (e.g., “Employment – [Position/Agency]”, “Licensure – Nursing”, or code provided by agency).
Signature of Person Fingerprinted: Sign in the presence of the technician (do not pre-sign).
Date Fingerprinted and Signature of Official Taking Fingerprints.

Fingerprinting Technique:

Rolled impressions: Each finger rolled nail-to-nail.
Plain impressions: All four fingers simultaneously + thumbs.
Ensure clear, complete prints (no smudges). Technicians are trained to meet FBI quality standards.

If errors occur, many agencies will reject incomplete or poor-quality cards and may require resubmission.

Where to Get Fingerprinted?

Local police/sheriff’s departments.
Authorized Live Scan providers (they can often print to FD-258 if needed).
Private fingerprinting services (ensure they use the current FD-258 and follow FBI guidelines).

For Air Force or DoD-related processes, follow guidance from your recruiter or servicing personnel office.

Common Tips and Best Practices (USA Applicants)

Confirm the exact version and requirements with the requesting agency—rules vary by state and purpose.
Bring multiple forms of ID (driver’s license, passport, birth certificate) to the appointment.
Check for any required fees or additional forms (e.g., waiver, Privacy Act acknowledgment).
Processing time for FBI checks varies; results are usually sent to the submitting agency, not directly to you.
If you have a criminal history, the check will reveal it—be prepared for agency-specific adjudication.

Privacy and Rights: You have the right to review and challenge inaccuracies in your FBI identity history summary. See the FBI’s official resources on Identity History Summary Checks for procedures.

Need the Form or More Help?

For the official FBI FD-258:

Visit FBI.gov and search for “FD-258” or “Applicant Fingerprint Form.”

Always use trusted government sources (FBI.gov, Justice.gov, or your state licensing board) for the most current instructions. Requirements can update, so verify directly with the agency requiring your background check.

If you are an Air Force applicant or involved in a DoD process, contact your recruiter or refer to current Air Force e-publishing guidance (including the linked physical.pdf resources) for any service-specific instructions that supplement the standard FD-258.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal or official advice. Procedures change; consult official FBI or agency sources for your specific situation.