The FBI fingerprinting process is a method used to collect, analyze, and store an individual's fingerprints in the FBI’s national criminal database, primarily for background checks, identification, and law enforcement purposes. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how the process works:

Fingerprints can be collected in two primary ways:

• Ink and Paper: Traditional method where fingers are rolled in ink and pressed on a fingerprint card.

• Live Scan (Digital): Modern, electronic method using a fingerprint scanner. This is faster and more accurate.

Fingerprints must be captured on FD-258 fingerprint cards (or electronically) with all ten fingers, including plain and rolled impressions.