How to Get a Fingerprint Card in Arizona: Everything You Need to Know

copperstatenotaryc
May 6
4 min read

Whether you're applying for a professional license, seeking employment, or submitting documents for international use, chances are you’ll be asked to provide a fingerprint card at some point. In Arizona, fingerprinting is a routine requirement for various agencies and industries—from healthcare and childcare to real estate and legal services.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to get a fingerprint card in Arizona, including what it is, who needs it, and how to get your fingerprints taken quickly and correctly. You’ll also learn how Copper Star Notary, Fingerprinting & Apostilles, located in Peoria, AZ, can help streamline the process.

What Is a Fingerprint Card?

A fingerprint card is a physical document that captures your rolled fingerprints, typically submitted to agencies like the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), the FBI, or other licensing and regulatory bodies.

The most common card used in Arizona is the FBI FD-258 fingerprint card, which is accepted nationwide for most background check and identity verification purposes.

Common Reasons You Might Need a Fingerprint Card

You may be required to submit a fingerprint card for:

State Licensing (e.g., nursing, teaching, real estate, security)
Employment background checks
Adoption or foster care applications
Concealed carry weapon permits (CCW)
Court-ordered name changes
Immigration, visas, or international travel
Out-of-state or federal agency requirements
Apostille or document authentication requests

If you're unsure whether you need a fingerprint card, always refer to the requesting agency’s instructions—or reach out to us, and we can help point you in the right direction.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Fingerprint Card in Arizona

1. Confirm the Requirements

Before you schedule your fingerprinting appointment, confirm the following with the requesting agency:

Which fingerprint card to use (usually the FD-258)
Whether ink & roll is acceptable (some agencies require live scan)
Number of fingerprint cards needed
Whether you need a card pre-filled by the agency
Where and how to submit the completed card

If no card is provided, Copper Star Notary provides FD-258 cards at no extra cost during your appointment.

2. Schedule an Appointment with a Fingerprint Technician

You have a few options when it comes to fingerprinting in Arizona:

Mobile Fingerprinting Services
In-Office Fingerprinting Locations
Law Enforcement Agencies (limited availability)

At Copper Star Notary, Fingerprinting & Apostilles, we offer ink & roll fingerprinting services by appointment at our Peoria office. If you’re unable to travel, we may be able to come to you—just ask about our mobile availability.

We make the process clean, professional, and fast. Most appointments take less than 30 minutes.

Tip: Many local police departments no longer offer public fingerprinting. Private technicians are often your most convenient option.

3. Bring Valid Identification

Please bring one valid, government-issued photo ID, such as:

Arizona driver’s license
U.S. passport
Military ID
State ID
Permanent resident card (Green Card)

We’ll verify your ID before completing the fingerprinting process.

4. Get Your Fingerprints Taken

At your appointment, we will roll each of your fingerprints in ink and capture them on the FD-258 card. We also fill out the top portion of the card with your personal information.

We take extra care to ensure:

All fingerprints are properly rolled and legible
There are no smudges or misprints
Your information is clearly and correctly written

You’ll leave with a fully completed fingerprint card, ready to submit to the appropriate agency.

5. Submit Your Completed Fingerprint Card

Once your card is complete, it’s your responsibility to submit it to the requesting agency. Some may require that you mail it in with payment or additional documents. Others may allow in-person submission.

Always follow the agency’s exact instructions. We’re happy to help explain the process if you need guidance.

What’s the Difference Between Ink & Roll and Live Scan?

Ink & roll is the traditional method of fingerprinting, where each finger is physically rolled in ink and pressed onto a fingerprint card.

Live scan is a digital method where your fingerprints are scanned electronically and either submitted online or printed onto a card.

While some Arizona agencies accept live scan only, ink fingerprinting is still widely accepted—especially for:

Licensing and certification
Out-of-state or federal submissions
International use and apostille services

At Copper Star Notary, we specialize in ink & roll fingerprinting on the FD-258 card, which is accepted across all 50 states and by most government agencies.

Can I Get Multiple Fingerprint Cards at One Appointment?

Absolutely! If you need more than one fingerprint card—for example, for different state boards or employers—we can roll multiple sets at the same time.

Let us know in advance, and we’ll prepare the extra cards for you. We always recommend requesting at least two in case one is rejected due to smudging or unreadable prints.

Do You Need an Apostille for Your Fingerprint Card?

If your fingerprint card will be submitted to a foreign country, you may need it to be apostilled or authenticated.

We offer apostille courier services for Arizona and can coordinate apostille processing for all 50 states. Let us know the country where your documents will be submitted, and we’ll help make sure everything is processed properly and on time.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Fingerprint Card?

At Copper Star Notary, Fingerprinting & Apostilles, we offer transparent and competitive pricing:

First FD-258 Fingerprint Card: $45
Each Additional Card (same visit): $15

FD-258 fingerprint cards are included at no extra charge during your appointment. If you’re requesting a mobile appointment, a travel fee may apply—please contact us for a quote.

Why Choose Copper Star Notary in Peoria, AZ?

We’re a locally owned and operated business proudly serving Peoria and surrounding communities like Glendale, Sun City, Surprise, El Mirage, and more.

Clients choose us because:

✅ We’re fast, accurate, and reliable

✅ We offer flexible appointments—including evenings and weekends

✅ We provide in-office and mobile services

✅ Our pricing is fair and transparent

✅ We also offer notary and apostille services for a one-stop experience

Book Your Fingerprinting Appointment Today

Getting a fingerprint card in Arizona doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right guidance and an experienced fingerprint technician, the process can be simple, fast, and accurate.

Whether you need one fingerprint card or several, we’re here to help.

📍 Copper Star Notary, Fingerprinting & Apostilles

9720 W. Peoria Ave, Suite 118,

Peoria, AZ 85345

📞 623-238-1322

Use the booking feature on our website or reach out directly to schedule your appointment today.