When it comes to background checks, fingerprinting is one of the most reliable ways to verify an individual’s identity and history. However, the method used to capture those fingerprints has evolved over time. While traditional ink fingerprinting was once the standard, LiveScan fingerprinting has quickly become the preferred choice for many agencies, employers, and organizations.
If you’re wondering whether LiveScan is the better option for your fingerprinting needs—or if traditional ink still holds value—let’s break down the key differences between the two methods. We’ll compare the accuracy, speed, cost, and overall convenience to help you understand why LiveScan is the modern choice for fingerprinting.
What Is Traditional Ink Fingerprinting?
Traditional ink fingerprinting is the process of inking the fingers and pressing them onto paper to create an imprint of each fingerprint. This method has been used for decades and is still employed in some cases today, especially for individuals applying for jobs or licenses that require hard-copy fingerprint cards (such as FD-258 forms used by the FBI).
Key steps in traditional ink fingerprinting:
- Ink is applied to the individual’s fingers using a pad.
- The fingers are pressed onto a piece of paper or fingerprint card to create a readable print.
- The fingerprint card is then submitted for background checks.
Traditional ink fingerprinting has been used for everything from criminal background checks to passport applications, and although it’s still an option, it has some limitations compared to the newer LiveScan technology.
What Is LiveScan Fingerprinting?
LiveScan fingerprinting is a digital fingerprinting system that uses optical sensors to capture and record the fingerprint image electronically. The image is then sent directly to the requesting agency (such as the FBI or state department) for analysis and background checks.
Key steps in LiveScan fingerprinting:
- The individual places their fingers on a glass plate or scanner.
- The LiveScan machine captures the digital fingerprint images.
- The digital data is transmitted to the appropriate agency (such as the FBI or state DOJ) in real-time for background screening.
Unlike traditional ink, LiveScan is entirely paperless, fast, and efficient.
1. Speed and Efficiency
One of the most notable differences between LiveScan and traditional ink fingerprinting is the speed at which the fingerprinting process occurs. Here’s how they compare:
- LiveScan: The process is quick, typically taking only 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Once your fingerprints are captured, they are transmitted immediately to the agency that requested the background check. This means that results can be processed faster, often in as little as 48 to 72 hours, depending on the agency.
- Ink Fingerprinting: The process can take much longer. In addition to the time spent applying ink and pressing fingers onto paper, there’s also the time required for manual processing and mailing. Once the fingerprint card is submitted, it may take several weeks to receive results, especially if it’s being processed at the federal level.
Winner: LiveScan – Because of its immediate electronic transmission, LiveScan is far faster and more efficient than traditional ink fingerprinting.
2. Accuracy
Both methods capture fingerprint impressions, but LiveScan offers a significant advantage in terms of accuracy.
- LiveScan: The digital technology used in LiveScan automatically checks for quality and clarity before sending the fingerprints for processing. If the image is unclear or unreadable, it can be re-scanned on the spot. This reduces the chances of errors and rejections that could delay the background check.
- Ink Fingerprinting: Ink fingerprinting is more prone to smudging, incomplete prints, or errors in recording. If the print isn’t clear or if the fingers aren’t properly aligned, the result could be rejected, requiring the individual to return for another round of fingerprinting. This can cause unnecessary delays in the process.
Winner: LiveScan – LiveScan is more accurate and reduces the risk of errors or rejected prints due to its digital nature.
3. Cost
In terms of cost, traditional ink fingerprinting can often be the more affordable option, depending on where it’s performed.
- LiveScan: While LiveScan fingerprinting tends to cost a bit more than ink fingerprinting, the price is often justifiable when you consider the speed, accuracy, and reduced likelihood of having to redo the process. Fees can vary based on the provider and the agency requesting the fingerprinting, but the convenience of digital submission can outweigh the additional cost.
- Ink Fingerprinting: Ink fingerprinting is generally cheaper, especially when done through local police stations or government offices. However, the extra time spent handling and mailing the fingerprint card can result in indirect costs (e.g., missed deadlines, delayed approvals).
Winner: Traditional Ink – Ink fingerprinting is typically less expensive upfront, but LiveScan’s speed and accuracy might save you costs in the long run.
4. Convenience
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience matters, especially when it comes to something like fingerprinting, which may be required for work, licensing, or other essential tasks.
- LiveScan: One of the biggest advantages of LiveScan is that it’s paperless. The process is clean, fast, and doesn’t involve the hassle of filling out or mailing paperwork. LiveScan providers often offer flexible scheduling, including mobile services that can come directly to your location for group appointments.
- Ink Fingerprinting: Ink fingerprinting can be less convenient, requiring individuals to travel to a police station or government office, and it often involves waiting in line. The paper cards can also be lost or damaged during transit, resulting in the need to repeat the process.
Winner: LiveScan – With mobile options and digital submissions, LiveScan offers a much more convenient experience.
Conclusion: Which Is Better?
In the comparison between LiveScan fingerprinting and traditional ink fingerprinting, LiveScan is the clear winner for most purposes, offering superior speed, accuracy, and convenience. Although ink fingerprinting remains a viable option in some cases, LiveScan is increasingly becoming the standard for criminal background checks, licensing applications, and employment screenings.
If you need to get fingerprinted for a background check, it’s worth choosing a LiveScan service—you’ll save time, reduce the chance of errors, and streamline the process overall. We recommend newport beach livescan.
