:::Frequently Asked Questions

:::How do I fill out my fingerprint card(s)?

Back To Top

These are general instructions for filling out all fingerprint cards. Please see industry specific instructions below for additional information. Click here for printable instructions in .doc format.

Type or print all information in BLACK INK only. Do not fold the fingerprint card.
Incorrect or incomplete information may result in delay or rejection

SIGNATURE OF PERSON FINGERPRINTED
Signature must match the name printed at the top of the card
RESIDENCE OF PERSON FINGERPRINTED
Enter complete residential address, no PO boxes
DATE & SIGNATURE OF OFFICIAL TAKING FIGERPRINTS
Leave blank, official will sign here
EMPLOYER AND ADDRESS
Enter potential employer and address
REASON FINGERPRINTED
See your instructions or enter position or license sought, leave blank if you are unsure
NAME NAM
Last Name First Name Full Middle Name
ALIASES AKA
Maiden names and any other names used legally in the past for any amount of time, not including nicknames
ORIGINATING AGENCY IDENTIFIER ORI
Enter requesting agency's ORI number
CITIZENSHIP CTZ
Enter most recent country of citizenship
YOUR NO. OCA
Leave blank
FBI NO. FBI
Leave blank
ARMED FORCES NO. MNU
Leave blank
SOCIAL SECURITY NO. SOC
Nine digits, no dashes or slashes
MISCELLANEOUS NO. MNU
Leave blank
SEX
M: Male
F: Female
RACE
Enter appropriate code, you must choose one:
A: Asian
B: Black, African American
I: Alaskan Native, Eskimo, American Indian
W: Caucasian, Mexican, Latin, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central/South American, and other Spanish Culture or origin, regardless of race
HEIGHT HGT
Enter height in three (3) digits(If 6'0", write 600)
WEIGHT WGT
Enter weight in three (3) digits (If 95lbs, write 095)
EYES
Enter the appropriate code:
BLK: Black
BLU: Blue
BRO: Brown
GRY: Gray
GRN: Green
HAZ: Hazel
MAR: Maroon
PNK: Pink
HAIR
Enter the appropriate code:
BAL: Bald
BLK: Black
BLN: Blond
BRO: Brown
GRY: Gray
RED: Red
SDY: Sandy
WHI: White
DATE OF BIRTH DOB
Six digits, no dashes
PLACE OF BIRTH POB
Outside the U.S.: Enter country name only
Within the U.S.: Enter City and two digit postal abbreviation of the state (e.g. Seattle WA)

::: Industry specific instructions

Back To Top

::: Teacher certification (SPI Certification) requires the following:

Back To Top

Washington State College/University Applicants: School name and address

::: Mortgage Broker Applicants require the following:

Back To Top

Two FBI applicant (FD-258) fingerprint cards. Blank fingerprint cards are also available from DFI upon request.

Complete all of the descriptive information on the front of each card.

In the box entitled “Employer and Address” print:

Department of Financial Institutions
Mail Stop 41200

In the “Reason Fingerprinted” box print:

Mortgage Broker License
RCW 19.146.205

Print the mortgage broker company name on the back of the card in the upper right hand corner.

::: Gambling License applicants require the following:

Back To Top

One FBI applicant (FD-258) fingerprint card.

Complete all of the descriptive information on the front of each card.

In the “Reason Fingerprinted” box print:

Gambling License Applicant
RCW 9.46.070

In the “ORI” box print:

WA0341000
ST GAMBLING COMM
OLYMPIA, WA

::: Escrow Applicants/Officers require the following:

Back To Top

Two FBI applicant (FD-258) fingerprint cards. Blank fingerprint cards are also available from DFI or our office upon request.

Complete all of the descriptive information on the front of each card.

In the box entitled “Employer Name and Address” print your employer's name and address

In the “Reason Fingerprinted” box print:

Mortgage Broker License
RCW 19.146.205

Print the mortgage broker company name on the back of the card in the upper right hand corner.

::: NASD requires the following:

Back To Top

Follow your employer's instructions. NASD requires 1-6 barcoded NASD cards. Follow the general instructions for filling out your fingerprint cards.

::: LPO examination requires the following:

Back To Top

You will need one fingerprint card

See general instructions for filling out your fingerptint card.

For employer and address, print:

Washington State Bar Association
2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 400
Seattle, WA 98121-2330

Follow your instructions for reason fingerprinted box

::: Do you do Live-Scan fingerprints?

Back To Top

At this time we do not offer Live-Scan fingerprinting.

::: How do I apply for my passport?

Back To Top

BFS is not an authorized passport acceptance agency. We sell passport and immigration photos, please see the schedule of charges for applicable fees.

For passport information, contact the Department of State.

::: I have very dry hands or flat fingerprints, what do you suggest I use to produce clear prints?

Back To Top

We suggest that you drink plenty of water, wash your hands with warm water and a dishwashing liquid (i.e. Palmolive or Dawn). Dry your hands and apply a moisturizing lotion (i.e. Cornhuskers or Jergens).

::: Do I need an appointment?Back To Top

No appointment is necessary for walk-ins. If you wish to schedule a call out please call us at 425.603.1033.

::: Do you fingerprint children?

Back To Top

We have two options for child fingerprinting: Child fingerprint card that includes a palm print, a photo, and space for the child's name, addres, and date of birth or a standard FBI FD-258 card with a photo.

Please see the schedule of charges for applicable fees.

::: How do I set up a BFS charge account for my employees?

Back To Top

To set up a charge account please fill out a BFS charge account sheet and mail it to our office.

OR

Send your employees to our office with the following information:

After your account is established, simply send your employees to our office.

::: What do I need to bring with me when I get fingerprinted?

Back To Top

Read your instructions carefully, different licenses and certifications require different cards and additional fingerprint requirements. See specific instructions for more information.

To be fingerprinted you will need the following information and items:

::: What forms of ID are acceptable?

Back To Top

Acceptable forms of ID are:

Children 13 through 17 years of age must present school picture ID. If school picture ID is not available, then a birth certificate and a parent affidavit is acceptable.

::: What do I do if my fingerprint cards are rejected?

Back To Top

We guarantee our prints to pass inspection by the FBI and the Washington State Patrol. If your fingerprnt cards are rejected, return to our office with your receipt or rejected cards and we will reprint you for free until they pass. We do not offer refunds.

::: Other Industry Specific Instructions.

Back To Top

Read and follow all instructions provided by your employer. Information boxes, excluding "Reason Fingerprinted," "Employer Name and Address," and "ORI," are generally the same for all industries.

::: Canadian immigration cards require the following:

Back To Top

For more information on Canadian Immigration, please contact the Canadian Embassy.

Send your completed fingerprint card and processing fee to:

Federal Bureau of Investigation
Criminal Justice Information Services Division
Attn: SCU, Mod. D-2,
1000 Custer Hollow Road,
Clarksburg, West Virginia, U.S.A., 26306

The processing free must be made by certified check or money order payable to "Treasury of the United States".

::: Where do I find a guarantor for my Canadian passport/immigration papers?

Back To Top

Canadian passport and immigration applications require a guarantor's signature on the application and photos. If you have not known an eligible guarantor for at least two years, a notary public can act as your guarantor, but you must provide a complete form PPT 132 "Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor" available from any Canadian passport office. "

The "Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor" form must be sworn or declared before, and signed by, a person authorized by law to administer an oath or affirmation. If completed outside Canada, a qualified official includes a Canadian or British diplomatic or consular representative, or a qualified local official.

Eligible guarantors for Canadians residing in the United States

Your guarantor must:

For more information on Canadian Immigration, please contact the Canadian Embassy.