If you can’t easily get to an office, you might wonder whether you can take your own fingerprints at home. The short answer: you can buy an ink kit and try, but self-taken prints are rejected often, and some agencies require a trained or authorized person to take them. The more reliable option is to have a mobile fingerprinting technician come to you.
Want fingerprints taken at your home or office? Our mobile fingerprinting service covers the Portland metro, starting at $250 for up to 2 people. Book an appointment or call 503-212-0678.
Can you take your own fingerprints for the FBI?
For a personal FBI Identity History Summary, the FBI does not strictly require a specific person to take your prints, but it does require clear, complete prints on an FD-258 card. Many licensing boards and employers are stricter and require prints taken by law enforcement or an approved fingerprinting provider, with the technician’s signature on the card. Always check your agency’s instructions first.
Why DIY prints are often rejected
- Smudging: too much ink, or the finger slipping during the roll
- Incomplete rolls: the print must go from nail edge to nail edge
- Wrong boxes: fingers placed in the wrong order
- Light or faint prints: too little ink or pressure
- Missing technician details: blank “Signature of official taking the fingerprints” box
A rejected card can add weeks to your timeline, since you have to be printed again and resubmit. See what to do if your fingerprints are rejected.
Mobile fingerprinting: the at-home option that works
With mobile fingerprinting, a trained technician brings the cards and equipment to your home, office, hospital room or care facility. It is a good fit for:
- People with limited mobility, illness or a disability
- Seniors and care-facility residents
- Busy parents and professionals who can’t take time off
- Businesses onboarding several employees at once
- Families who need several people printed in one visit
Mobile service starts at $250 for up to 2 people. FD-258 card fees apply on top ($35 for the first card, $30 for each additional card). See full pricing.
Other ways to save a trip
- Use Live Scan if your agency accepts it. There is no card to mail, and results are often faster.
- Let us handle the whole FBI request through our FBI background check service, so you only make one visit.
- Book the first appointment of the day or a Saturday slot, Saturday 9am to 2pm.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Is there an app or scanner to take FBI prints at home?
Consumer phone apps and scanners are not accepted for FBI or licensing checks. Prints must be on an approved card or taken on certified Live Scan equipment.
Can a friend or family member take my prints?
Some agencies allow it for personal FBI requests, but many do not, and rejections are common. Check your instructions before you try.
How soon can a mobile technician come?
It depends on the schedule and your location. Call 503-212-0678 for the next available visit.
Related reading: Choosing a live scan fingerprint provider · Fingerprint clearance card disqualifications
