Who Needs Ink Card Fingerprinting? Common Industries & Requirements

Ink card fingerprinting is required across a wide range of industries and life situations. Whether you're starting a new job, applying for a professional license, or working with vulnerable populations, chances are you'll need to be fingerprinted at some point. Here's a breakdown of who needs ink card fingerprinting and why.

Healthcare & Social Services

Anyone working in a healthcare or social services setting is typically required to undergo a background check via fingerprinting. This includes:

  • Nurses, medical assistants, and home health aides
  • Physicians and allied health professionals
  • Social workers and case managers
  • Childcare and elder care workers

State licensing boards and employers in these fields commonly require an FD-258 card submitted to the FBI or a state agency.

Education

Teachers, administrators, and school staff are required to be fingerprinted in most states before working with students. This applies to:

  • Public and private school teachers
  • School counselors and administrators
  • Substitute teachers and paraprofessionals
  • Coaches and after-school program staff
  • Volunteers who have regular contact with students

Real Estate & Finance

Many licensing boards in real estate and financial services require fingerprinting as part of the application process:

  • Real estate agents and brokers (required in most states)
  • Mortgage loan officers
  • Insurance agents and brokers
  • Securities and investment professionals (FINRA-regulated roles)

Legal & Law Enforcement

Attorneys, paralegals, and anyone seeking admission to the bar may be required to submit fingerprints. Law enforcement applicants — including police officers, corrections officers, and security personnel — are almost universally required to be fingerprinted.

Federal Employment & Security Clearances

Federal government employees and contractors requiring access to sensitive information must be fingerprinted as part of the background investigation process. These applicants typically use an SF-87 card, provided by the hiring agency. This includes:

  • Federal civilian employees
  • Defense contractors
  • Positions requiring Secret or Top Secret clearance

Immigration & Naturalization

USCIS requires fingerprinting as part of several immigration processes, including:

  • Green card (permanent residency) applications
  • Naturalization (citizenship) applications
  • Visa applications requiring background checks
  • Adoption proceedings involving foreign nationals

Firearms Purchases

Certain firearms purchases and concealed carry permit applications require fingerprinting, depending on state law and the type of license being sought.

Volunteer Work

Organizations that work with children, the elderly, or other vulnerable populations often require volunteers to be fingerprinted, even if they are unpaid. This is common in:

  • Youth sports leagues and mentorship programs
  • Religious organizations with youth programs
  • Hospitals and hospice facilities
  • Nonprofit organizations

Not Sure If You Need Fingerprinting?

If your employer, licensing board, or agency has asked you to get fingerprinted, we're here to help. At Easyway Fingerprinting & Notary, we complete all major ink card types — FD-258, SF-87, Maryland state cards, and employer-provided cards — for $65 per card.

Book your appointment today at our Mount Vernon, NY location, or request mobile fingerprinting if you need us to come to you.

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