How to Fill Out an FD-258 Card

A step-by-step guide to applying your fingerprints at home

📄 Download Blank FD-258 Form

Print this form on standard 8.5" x 11" paper. No special paper needed!

Download PDF Form

⚠️ Important Information

You only need to fill out the fingerprint sections at the bottom of the card. OpenEFT does not require any personal information (name, date of birth, SSN, etc.). Leave all text fields blank and focus only on getting clear fingerprint impressions.

Fingerprinting Steps

1

Gather Your Materials

You'll need:

  • Printed FD-258 form
  • Ink pad (available at office supply stores)
  • Paper towels or baby wipes for cleanup
  • A flat, hard surface
2

Locate the Fingerprint Boxes

At the bottom of the FD-258 form, you'll see three sections:

  • Left Four Fingers Taken Simultaneously (left slap)
  • Right Four Fingers Taken Simultaneously (right slap)
  • Two Thumbs (left and right thumbs)
3

Apply Right Four Fingers

Press your right index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers together onto the ink pad. Then press them straight down onto the "RIGHT FOUR FINGERS" box. Keep your fingers flat and pressed together.

4

Apply Left Four Fingers

Repeat the same process with your left index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers in the "LEFT FOUR FINGERS" box.

5

Apply Both Thumbs

Press each thumb onto the ink pad individually, then press straight down in their respective boxes in the "THUMBS" section. Keep them flat - do not roll.

6

Scan or Photograph

Once the ink is completely dry (wait 2-3 minutes), scan the form or take a clear, well-lit photo. Make sure all four corners of the card are visible and the image is not cropped. You want a bit of the surface you placed the card on, it will make it easier to select the cards corners later

📺 Video Tutorial: Fingerprinting Technique Using a 10 Print Card

▶ Watch Video Tutorial

Note that Brandon looks like he really doesn't want to be there

💡 Tips for Success

  • Clean your hands before starting - oils and moisture can affect print quality
  • Press straight down - all fingerprints are flat impressions, not rolled
  • Don't use too much ink - a thin, even coating works best
  • If your first attempt doesn't look clear, try again with a fresh form
  • Make sure the ink is completely dry before scanning to avoid smudging
  • Take your photo in good lighting with the entire card visible
  • Do not crop the photo - you'll need to select a bounding box around the card later, which is difficult if the image is pre-cropped
  • Keep the card flat and avoid shadows when photographing