Frequently Asked Questions About Fingerprinting in Alabama

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)  of Alabama Fingerprint Solutions

Quick Answers About Fingerprinting in Alabama

Alabama Fingerprint Solutions provides professional fingerprinting services for individuals, businesses, licensing agencies, government requirements, and background checks. Our services include:

  • FBI Background Checks
  • FDLE Fingerprinting
  • ATF EFT File Creation
  • FD-258 Fingerprint Cards
  • Mobile Fingerprinting
  • Apostille Support
  • DoD SWFT Fingerprinting
  • Ink and Live Scan Fingerprinting

Appointments are required for all services.

We serve clients throughout Alabama, including Huntsville, Madison, Birmingham, Hoover, Montgomery, Mobile, and surrounding communities.

Appointment Questions

Do I need an appointment for fingerprinting?

Yes. Alabama Fingerprint Solutions requires appointments for all fingerprinting services. Scheduling an appointment helps ensure equipment availability and minimizes wait times.

No. All services are provided by appointment only. Demographic information is required for the process, and we collect it when you register for an appointment.

Appointments can be scheduled online through our website. We will collect demographic information needed for your service and take payment when you schedule an appointment.

Fingerprinting appointments typically last between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the requested service. However, some individuals may be more challenging to fingerprint, resulting in longer appointment times.

A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or military ID, is typically required.

FBI Background Check Questions

What is an FBI background check?

An FBI background check, also known as an FBI Identity History Summary, provides information from the FBI’s national criminal history database.

Yes. Alabama Fingerprint Solutions can capture and submit fingerprints for FBI background check purposes.

Common reasons include:

  • Employment screening
  • Professional licensing
  • Immigration applications
  • International travel
  • Foreign work visas
  • Adoption requirements

Processing times vary based on submission methods and FBI workload.

Yes. Many clients obtain FBI background checks for international employment, residency, visa, and citizenship applications.

Yes. We provide FD-258 fingerprint cards commonly used for FBI submissions.

FDLE Fingerprinting Questions

Can I get FDLE fingerprinting in Alabama?

Yes. Many Alabama residents require fingerprinting for Florida employment, licensing, healthcare, and regulatory requirements.

Yes. Many Alabama residents require fingerprinting for Florida employment, licensing, healthcare, and regulatory requirements.

An ORI number is a unique identifier used to direct fingerprint results to the correct Florida agency, licensing board, or employer. ORI numbers are only issued to government agencies. They are also issued to agencies that submit fingerprints for background checks. Local police departments and state agencies that do background checks will have their own ORI numbers.

Yes. Providing the correct ORI number ensures your fingerprints are routed properly. The department/agency/board you are seeking a license from should supply you with an ORI number.

We can often help identify where to locate your ORI number, but the applicant is ultimately responsible for obtaining the correct information from the requesting agency.

All but a few FDLE-related fingerprinting services can be completed electronically.  The only one we are aware of is for concealed carry permits.

ATF EFT File Questions

What is an EFT file?

An EFT file is a digital fingerprint file used by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for electronic submissions.

No. You can choose to submit fingerprint cards by mail. But many applicants choose EFT files because they simplify electronic ATF submissions and shorten the process.

Yes. We provide EFT file creation services for ATF applicants. After your appointment, you will receive your EFT by email.

Your EFT file will be delivered electronically after processing to your email account.

Yes. Applicants often use the same EFT file for future ATF submissions. We know of no time limitation on EFT files.

Not usually. EFT files can only be used for Forms 1 and 4 and their Gun Trust counterparts. Other ATF forms may require fingerprint cards. You should verify current ATF requirements.

Fingerprint Card Questions

What is an FD-258 fingerprint card?

The FD-258 is the standard fingerprint card used by the FBI and many government agencies.

Yes. We’ll give you two FD-258 cards at the end of your appointment. You can order more copies if needed.

Yes. We print fingerprint cards generated from electronic fingerprint scans. 

Only at our Madison office or by mobile services and only by special arrangment. Give us a call at 833-PRINT10 to discuss your particular needs.

The number depends on the requirements of the agency requesting your fingerprints. Most customers need only one or two cards. When customers need more than that, it is because they are applying for licenses in several states.

Yes. Additional cards can be provided during your appointment or after. You will have an opportunity to order additional cards when you make your appointment.

Apostille Questions

What is an apostille?

An apostille is a certification used to authenticate documents for use in countries participating in the Hague Apostille Convention.

Not per se. Fingerprint cards can be used to obtain an FBI background check. The background check can then be submitted to the US Department of State for an apostille.

Many countries require an apostilled FBI background check for immigration, employment, residency, or citizenship purposes. You should check with the country you are planning to enter for specific requirements.

Yes. We regularly assist clients in preparing documents for apostille processing.

There are many. Requirements vary by country, but apostilles are frequently required for international employment, visas, residency permits, and immigration applications.

Mobile Fingerprinting Questions

Do you provide mobile fingerprinting services?

Yes. Mobile fingerprinting services are available for groups and organizations. We charge travel fees for mobile services. Call us at 833-PRINT10 to discuss your particular needs. 

Yes. Mobile fingerprinting is available for businesses, healthcare organizations, schools, government agencies, and other groups.

Requirements vary based on location and travel distance. Call us at 833-PRINT10 to discuss.

Mobile services may be available throughout Alabama, depending on scheduling and operational requirements. We can even travel outside of Alabama.

Yes. Mobile appointments must be scheduled in advance.

DoD SWFT Questions

What is DoD SWFT fingerprinting?

SWFT stands for Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission, a Department of War system used for transmitting fingerprint records.

Yes. We provide fingerprint capture services that are transferred to government systems through an approved channel.

Bring any instructions provided by your sponsoring agency along with a valid government-issued photo ID.

Alabama Location Questions

Where can I get fingerprinted in Huntsville, Alabama?

Alabama Fingerprint Solutions serves clients throughout the Huntsville area by appointment at Ship Huntsville, a shipping service provider where you can have your fingerprints applied to cards and mail them from the same location.  Ship Huntsville often has a notary on site – call ahead if you require notarizations.

Ship Huntsville, 805 NE Wellman Ave, Huntsville, AL 35801

Appointments are available for Madison-area residents and businesses at our home office on Madison Blvd. Notary services are available here but call ahead at 833-PRINT10 to make sure that we can help with your specific needs. We’re on on the second floor in suite 200A – go up the stairs on the right.

Alabama Fingerprint Solutions, 8840 Madison Blvd, Madison, AL 35758

Fingerprinting services are available for clients throughout the Birmingham metropolitan area at Hoover Shipping Center, a shipping service provider where you can have your fingerprints applied to cards and mail them from the same location.  Hoover Shipping often has a notary on site – call ahead if you require notarizations. They also have a very nice gift shop.

Hoover Shipping Center, 2539 John Hawkins Pkwy #101, Hoover, AL 35244

Appointments are available for Montgomery-area clients at Rapid Testing Solutions. This is a drug testing lab that serves employers who require drug testing for their employees.

Rapid Testing Solutions, 4822 Woods Crossing, Montgomery, AL 36106

Mobile-area fingerprinting appointments are available by schedule at Fastest Labs of Mobile. They are a drug testing lab serving businesses and government agencies that need to test their employees.

Fastest Labs of Mobile, 1212 Montlimar Dr Ste C, Mobile, AL 36609

General Fingerprinting Questions

Are fingerprints retained by Alabama Fingerprint Solutions?

Fingerprint handling and retention policies depend on the service requested and applicable legal requirements. In general, we keep fingerprint files for at least a month, but we can retain them longer if you anticipate needing more cards in the future and want to avoid being fingerprinted again.

If the receiving agency rejects the fingerprints, we can discuss available resubmission options. Give us a call at 833-PRINT10 to go over your specific requirements.

No. Fingerprints are used for licensing, employment, immigration, adoption, security clearances, volunteer work, and many other purposes.

Yes. We regularly assist clients who need fingerprints for agencies and organizations located outside Alabama. We can transmit electronically to Florida, but for every other state we provide fingerprint cards. Some states have their own fingerprint cards (Maryland, Ohio, Illinois,…) – if you need to submit to one of those states, you will need to provide the cards.

Yes. We can provide FD-258 fingerprint cards commonly used for Canadian criminal record check submissions.

No. Hazmat applicants must use an approved TSA enrollment provider.

No. Applicants whose agency requires Fieldprint must schedule directly through the Fieldprint system.

About Alabama Fingerprint Solutions

Alabama Fingerprint Solutions provides fingerprinting services throughout Alabama, including:

  • FBI Background Checks
  • FDLE Fingerprinting
  • ATF EFT Files
  • FD-258 Fingerprint Cards
  • Mobile Fingerprinting
  • Apostille Support
  • DoD SWFT Fingerprinting

Appointments are required for all services. Contact Alabama Fingerprint Solutions to schedule your fingerprinting appointment today.