Fingerprinting Services in Miami: What You Need to Know
Fingerprinting is often a prerequisite for obtaining an FBI background check, which is itself frequently required before an apostille can be issued on that background check. Understanding how fingerprinting fits into the apostille process can save significant time and prevent costly errors.
Related: Apostille for FBI background check — complete guide
Two Types of Fingerprinting
Live scan fingerprinting captures fingerprints electronically and transmits them directly to the FBI or Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Results are returned faster than ink fingerprinting. Live scan is the standard method for most background check requests in Florida.
Ink fingerprinting (hard-copy card) uses traditional ink on a fingerprint card (FD-258). This method is required when submitting fingerprints directly to the FBI by mail for an Identity History Summary (background check letter). The FBI does not accept live scan submissions for the Identity History Summary — the FD-258 card must be mailed.
The FD-258 Card and the FBI Identity History Summary
The FBI Identity History Summary — the document commonly called an "FBI background check" or "FBI clearance letter" — is obtained by submitting an FD-258 fingerprint card to the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS) by mail, along with the required fee. The FBI returns a letter confirming either no criminal record or listing the applicant's history. This letter is then submitted to the US Department of State for apostille.
Approved Channelers
The FBI authorizes approved channelers to process Identity History Summary requests. Channelers can accept live scan submissions and typically return results faster than direct mail submission to the FBI. Miami Dade Apostille can advise on whether a channeler is appropriate for your specific situation and timeline.
How Fingerprinting Connects to the Apostille Process
- Obtain ink fingerprinting on an FD-258 card (or use an approved channeler)
- Submit to the FBI (directly or via channeler) to obtain the Identity History Summary letter
- Submit the FBI letter to the US Department of State for apostille
- Obtain certified translation if required by the destination country
Where to Get Fingerprinted in Miami
Fingerprinting services in Miami are available at police departments, UPS stores, and private fingerprinting providers. Miami Dade Apostille can advise on providers that offer FD-258 ink fingerprinting for FBI submission. Call 1-800-631-9171 for current recommendations.
Coordinate your FBI apostille from start to finish
We handle the full process — from advising on fingerprinting to submitting to the US Department of State and returning the apostilled document.
Ready to move forward? Book an appointment or call us directly.