Who asks for fingerprints, and why
Employers and licensing boards use fingerprints to run a criminal history check that's tied to you rather than to a name, which is why a name-based check isn't accepted for most licenses. Immigration and adoption agencies use them for the same reason.
Common reasons in the Portland area include nursing and health care licensing, teaching and school volunteering, child care and foster care, real estate and insurance licensing, security and private investigator work, banking and finance roles, adoption home studies, immigration filings, ATF applications, and personal FBI record requests.
Which type of fingerprinting you need
Live scan captures your prints digitally and sends them electronically. Ink cards, including the FD-258, put your prints on a physical card that gets mailed. The agency requesting the check decides which it accepts, and some name a specific vendor you must use.
Bring the instructions you were given. If they list an ORI number, a reason code, or a vendor name, follow them exactly. Prints submitted under the wrong code are rejected, and you pay again.
What happens at your appointment
We check your ID and the details on your form, clean and prepare your hands, then roll each finger individually and take the flat impressions. Most appointments run 15 to 20 minutes.
We check each impression as we go. If a finger comes out light or smudged, we redo it before you leave rather than letting the agency reject it weeks later.
Getting clear prints the first time
Moisturize the day before your appointment, but skip lotion on the day. Wash and dry your hands right before, remove rings, and avoid heavy manual work that morning.
Some people have naturally faint prints from age, medication, chemotherapy, dialysis, or years of manual or chemical work. Tell us and we'll slow down and use different techniques. If an agency still rejects them, many accept a written explanation, and we can reroll at no charge.
Children, groups, and accessibility
We fingerprint children for adoption, guardianship, and travel documents when a parent or guardian is present with ID. For groups of employees or volunteers, we can take everyone in one visit at our office or yours.
If mobility or a medical condition makes coming to us difficult, we can come to you.
What we can't do
We can't tell you what a background check will show, run a check ourselves, or speed up a government agency. We capture and submit prints. The agency controls the result and the timing.
Free archive service
We keep your fingerprint record on file. If an agency rejects a card, asks for a second copy, or you need the same prints for another application later, we reprint or resubmit without a new appointment and without charging you again for the capture.
Agency, FBI, and card fees are set by those offices and still apply. Tell us the original appointment name and date when you call.
Everything in one place
Fingerprinting, the FBI background check, notarization, witnesses, certified translation, the apostille or authentication request, passport photos, and tracked shipping are all done by our own team, in our own offices.
That matters because these steps have an order. A translation done before the apostille usually has to be redone. A document notarized in the wrong state cannot be apostilled here. When one team handles the chain, those mistakes do not happen, and you make one call instead of coordinating four businesses against one deadline.
Country guides
Requirements depend on where your documents are going.
Prices for fingerprinting
- Fingerprint cardsAdditional cards are $30 each.$55
- Ink fingerprint cardsFD-258, FD-1164, and SF-87 cards in ink, state cards for Ohio, Maryland, and New Jersey, or any card that requires ink.$75
- FBI background check$135
- Florida Level 2 electronic submission (FDLE)Includes the ORI fee. Bring your ORI number or your agency instructions so we submit under the right code. FDLE and FBI processing fees are charged by the agency.$120
- Archive service, reprints and resubmissionsWe keep your fingerprint record on file so a reprint or resubmission does not need a new appointment. Agency and card fees still apply.Free
Mobile fingerprinting for 1 to 2 people is $250, plus $75 per card. Florida Level 2 electronic submission is $120, including the ORI fee. See all prices.
Questions about fingerprinting
Where can I get fingerprinted in Beaverton?
At Oregon Apostille Fingerprinting Notary, 2644 SW 178th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97003. We also offer mobile fingerprinting across the Portland metro. Call (971) 514-3743 to schedule.
How long does a fingerprinting appointment take?
Usually 15 to 20 minutes. Groups take longer, so tell us how many people are coming.
What do I need to bring?
A current government-issued photo ID, plus any forms, cards, or instructions from the agency requesting your prints, including an ORI number or reason code if they gave you one.
What if my fingerprints get rejected?
Rejections usually happen when prints are faint or smudged. Call us and we'll reroll them with extra care. Government and agency fees for a resubmission are set by them, not us.
Can you fingerprint children?
Yes, with a parent or guardian present who has photo ID. We do this for adoption, guardianship, and travel documents.
My prints are always hard to read. Can you help?
Often, yes. Faint prints from age, medication, or manual work need slower rolling and different techniques. Tell us in advance so we can allow extra time.
Do you run the background check?
No. We capture and submit fingerprints. The FBI, a state agency, or a channeler runs the check and controls the timing and the result.
What if I need another copy later?
We keep your fingerprint record on file, so reprints and resubmissions do not need a new appointment and we do not charge again for taking your prints. Agency and card fees still apply. Call (971) 514-3743 with the name and date of the original appointment.
Fingerprinting and background checks
People who book one of these often need another. All of them are available at our offices, and most by mobile appointment.
- Live Scan (Electronic Fingerprinting)
Digital fingerprint capture and electronic submission, with ink cards when an agency requires them.
- Mobile Fingerprinting
Fingerprinting at your home or business, for individuals or groups.
- FD-258 Fingerprint Cards
Ink-rolled FD-258, FD-1164, SF-87, and state cards for travel nurse licenses, FBI, ATF, and more.
- FBI Background Check Fingerprinting (via FBI-Approved
Channeler Partners)
Fingerprints for your FBI Identity History Summary, submitted through an FBI-approved channeler.
- Insurance Licensing Fingerprinting and NAIC Affidavit
Notarization
Mobile FD-258 fingerprinting and NAIC biographical affidavit notarization for officers, directors, and key personnel.
- ATF Fingerprints (EFT) for Form 1
EFT fingerprint files for ATF eForms Form 1 uploads, plus FD-258 cards for paper filings.
- Florida Live Scan (FDLE) Fingerprinting for Level 2 Background
Checks
Fingerprints for Florida Level 2 background checks from Oregon, sent electronically or on FD-258 cards.
- North Carolina Fingerprint Cards, DCDEE and State Agencies
FD-258 cards for North Carolina DCDEE child care and state agency background checks.
- Oregon Expungement (Set-Aside) Fingerprint Cards
FD-258 cards for Oregon set-aside motions, ready to mail to Oregon State Police.
Also used by employers
Clients booking fingerprinting often need these too.
Where we offer fingerprinting
At our Beaverton office and by mobile appointment across the Portland metro area.
Last updated 2026-09-10