Live Scan vs Ink Fingerprinting for California Nurses (2026 Guide)
- Ryan Martin
- Mar 21
- 4 min read
If you're applying for a California nursing license, one of the most important steps is completing your fingerprint-based background check.
But many applicants run into the same question:
Should you use Live Scan or ink fingerprinting?
The answer depends entirely on where you are located—and choosing the wrong method can delay your license by weeks or even months.
This guide breaks down the options for Colorado Springs and Colorado applicants using official guidance from the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and California Department of Justice (DOJ).
Why Fingerprinting Is Required
The California Board of Registered Nursing requires all applicants to complete fingerprinting before a license can be issued.
Fingerprint submissions are used to conduct a state and federal background check through:
California Department of Justice (DOJ)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
According to the California Department of Justice, fingerprint images are used to search criminal history databases, and results are sent directly to the requesting agency.
👉 This means your license cannot be issued until your fingerprint results are received and cleared.
What Is Live Scan Fingerprinting?
(Colorado Springs Fingerprinting DOES have Livescan machines however they can only be used for channeling fingerprints for Colorado licenses to the CBI)
Live Scan is an electronic fingerprinting method where your prints are captured digitally and transmitted directly to the DOJ and FBI.
According to the BRN’s official fingerprint instructions:👉 Live Scan fingerprinting instructions
Key Features of Live Scan:
Digital fingerprint capture
Sent electronically to DOJ/FBI
Faster processing (often within a week)
Must be completed at a location California
The BRN explicitly states that Live Scan is the preferred method because results are received faster.
What Is Ink Fingerprinting (FD-258 Card)?
(Colorado Springs Fingerprinting includes FD258 ink fingerprinting cards with every appointment to record your prints to mail out of state for licensing like with the BRN)
Ink fingerprinting uses a physical FD-258 fingerprint card, where fingerprints are rolled in black ink and mailed to the BRN.
The BRN states that this method is used when applicants are outside California:👉 Manual fingerprint (FD-258) instructions
Key Features of Ink Fingerprinting:
Physical fingerprint card
Completed by law enforcement or trained providers
Must be mailed to the BRN
Required for out-of-state applicants
If you're applying from outside California, you can also read our full step-by-step guide here:👉 https://www.coloradospringsfingerprinting.com/post/california-brn-fingerprinting-for-out-of-state-nurses-2026-official-guide
Live Scan vs Ink Fingerprinting (Side-by-Side)
Feature | Live Scan | Ink Fingerprinting (FD-258) |
Location | California only | Anywhere |
Method | Digital | Ink on card |
Submission (channeling) | Electronic | Mailed |
Processing Speed | Faster | Slower |
BRN Preference | Preferred | Alternative |
Which One Should You Use?
Use Live Scan if:
You are physically in California
You want the fastest processing time
You want to reduce the risk of rejection
Use Ink Fingerprinting if:
You are outside California
You cannot travel to a Live Scan provider
You are applying remotely
The BRN confirms that applicants outside California may use the FD-258 ink fingerprint card method and recommends using a fingerprinting professional to reduce the chance of rejection
Processing Time Differences (What to Expect)
Live Scan:
Typically processed within days to a few weeks
Ink Fingerprinting:
Often takes two weeks or longer due to mailing and manual processing
What Happens If Your Fingerprints Are Rejected?
Fingerprint rejections can happen, especially with ink fingerprinting.
According to the DOJ:
Fingerprints may be rejected if quality is too low
Applicants may need to resubmit prints
Additional review may be required before results are finalized
The BRN also notes that poor print quality is the most common reason for rejection.
Common Causes of Rejection:
Smudged or faint prints
Missing information
Incorrect ORI number
Damaged fingerprint cards
👉 If rejected, your application remains incomplete until new fingerprints are submitted. *Colorado Springs Fingerprinting offers free additional services should your fingerprints be rejected with proof of rejection
Important Rules from the BRN
According to the BRN fingerprint requirements:
Live Scan must be completed in California
Out-of-state Live Scan is not accepted
Fingerprints cannot be reused from another agency
The correct ORI number must be used
Where to Get Fingerprinting Done
If you're applying from out of state, using a professional fingerprinting provider helps ensure your prints meet submission standards.
At Colorado Springs Fingerprinting, we help California nursing applicants with:
FD-258 fingerprint cards
Proper fingerprint rolling technique
Ensuring all required fields are completed
Preparing cards for secure mailing
👉 Book here:https://www.coloradospringsfingerprinting.com
FAQ: California Nursing Fingerprinting
Can I do Live Scan outside California?
No. Live Scan must be completed at a California-approved location.
Is ink fingerprinting accepted by the BRN?
Yes. The BRN accepts FD-258 fingerprint cards for out-of-state applicants.
Which method is faster?
Live Scan is significantly faster because it is submitted electronically.
What happens if my fingerprints are rejected?
You will need to resubmit fingerprints, which can delay your license.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Live Scan and ink fingerprinting isn’t complicated—but it directly impacts how fast you get licensed.
In California → use Live Scan
Out of state → use Ink on FD-258
Following the official BRN and DOJ guidance ensures fewer delays and a smoother licensing process.
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