Understanding Ink & Roll Fingerprinting in Virginia: What Your Clients Need to Know

What is “Ink & Roll” Fingerprinting?

Ink & roll fingerprinting is the traditional method of capturing a person’s fingerprints — using ink on a fingerprint card (also known as a fingerprint card or FD-258 or equivalent) and physically rolling each finger onto the card to produce the print. The result is a tangible card that can be submitted to agencies for background checks, licensing, immigration, or other official purposes.

Some clients may still require this method because:

• It is accepted by many state, federal, and international agencies that specify a paper fingerprint card rather than a digital capture.

• The “ink & roll” method has a familiar, tried-and-true status for certain applications.

• The client may need a hard copy print for submission or archiving.

Even in the Washington DC / Maryland / Northern Virginia region, some providers highlight that “we still do Ink & Roll — the gold standard for official fingerprinting” when others have migrated fully to digital. dmvfingerprintingservice.com+1

When and Why Ink & Roll Is Used in Virginia

In Virginia, fingerprinting is needed for various purposes — non‐criminal justice background checks, licensing, employment in certain sectors (e.g., health, direct care positions), or even visa/immigration processes. For example:

• The Virginia State Police (VSP) list locations for fingerprinting “for non-criminal justice purposes.” Virginia State Police+1

• The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) states that individuals submitting applications must submit fingerprints via approved methods. dcjs.virginia.gov

• Some businesses that assist clients note that ink fingerprints “are generally required for … employment, licensing or other purposes.” Virginia VA Notary

How Ink & Roll Works — Step-By-Step

Here’s how the process typically unfolds for a client visiting your service:

1. Pre-Appointment: Confirm what type of fingerprint submission the agency requires. Does the form specify “FD-258 card” or “ink & roll” versus “Live Scan digital”?

2. Bring ID: The client must bring valid photo identification (and often one additional form of ID) as required by VSP/agency standards. Virginia State Police

3. Ink & Roll Capture: You provide the ink pad, fingerprint card, and professional technique to roll each finger’s print neatly onto the card. Good prints get the job done; smudged or unclear prints may lead to rejection.

4. Submission or Delivery: Depending on the requirement, you may hand the card to the client, or you may submit it to the agency (or to a background check vendor) on their behalf.

5. Aftercare: Wipe the client’s fingers to remove ink; provide instructions regarding any further steps they must take (e.g., mailing the card, online tracking).

Why Your Notary Business Should Offer Ink & Roll

As a notary servicing Virginia clients, offering ink & roll fingerprinting can be a value-added service for several reasons:

• Broader appeal: Some clients may need both notarial acts and fingerprinting (for employment, licensing, immigration, etc.). Providing both under one roof is convenient for them.

• Differentiation: Many competitors may have moved exclusively to digital fingerprinting. By keeping ink & roll, you capture clients who specifically require that format.

• Revenue stream: Adding fingerprinting services can diversify your income, especially if you market it as “notary + fingerprinting” or “complete clearance service.”

• Client convenience: Clients appreciate one stop-shopping. If they need a notarization and then fingerprinting in one visit, you save them time and routing.

Important Compliance & Practical Tips

• Always verify the agency requirement ahead of time: whether they accept ink & roll, digital Live Scan, or both. Mis-matched formats may lead to delays.

• Follow the identification and form-submission rules carefully. For example, VSP-listed locations accept ink fingerprint cards and specify the required ID. Virginia State Police+1

• Ensure high quality prints: poor quality can result in rejections, which means remakes and client dissatisfaction.

• Maintain professional equipment and supplies: good ink pads, properly formatted cards, a clean workspace. Some services highlight the difference in their ink pad quality. Virginia VA Notary

• If you’re offering mobile services (off-site), make sure you’re compliant with Virginia’s mobile fingerprinting rules and any privacy/security standards for biometric data.

• Clearly communicate to the client: turnaround times, additional fees, whether you submit or the client must submit, any copies they need to keep.

• Consider integrating it with your notary service offerings in your marketing: “We also provide professional ink & roll fingerprinting for licensing/background checks.”

Common Questions from Clients

Q. “Is a thumbprint required in a notary journal in Virginia?”
No — for notarization journals in Virginia, a thumbprint is not required by law. National Notary Association+1
Q. “Why would I need ink & roll if digital fingerprinting exists?”
Some agencies (state, federal, international) still require the paper card format; some clients are applying for visas, professional licenses, or background checks that explicitly ask for the FD-258 card format.
Q. “How much does ink & roll cost in Virginia?”
The cost can vary by provider; for example, the VSP lists $10 for the first card in their non-criminal justice fingerprinting schedule. Virginia State Police
Q. “Can I just do everything online or digitally?”
Only if the agency accepts digital/live-scan fingerprints. Always confirm the submission requirement before proceeding.
Q. “Can my notary certify the fingerprint card for me?”
Not necessarily — a notary’s certification of a fingerprint card is separate from the fingerprint capture service; you’ll need to check what the specific agency’s requirements are. National Notary Association

How We Can Help You

At Edwards Notarial Services, LLC (Prince George, VA & surrounding Virginia areas), we offer professional ink & roll fingerprinting services alongside our notarial services. Whether you are applying for a professional license, undergoing a background check, pursuing immigration paperwork, or just need clean fingerprint cards, we can assist.

• Clean, clear prints using quality equipment

• Convenient scheduling and fast service

• Guidance on what format your agency requires

• One visit for all your notary + fingerprint needs

Get in touch to schedule your fingerprint session and let us help take the stress out of the process.