If you've been handed a form number — FD-258, FD-1164, SF-87 — and told to "get this card done," the letters and digits can feel cryptic. Good news: you don't have to become an expert. Each card has a specific purpose, and the one you need has already been chosen for you. Here's a plain-English guide so you walk into your appointment confident.
First rule: the requesting agency decides
You don't pick your card — the agency requesting your background check does. The card type is spelled out in the instructions they gave you, whether that's an employer, a licensing board, or a federal office. So before anything else, find those instructions. They're the single most important thing to bring, and they answer the "which card" question for you.
FD-258 — the standard blue FBI card
The FD-258 is the one most people need. It's the standard blue FBI applicant fingerprint card, used for the bulk of employment and licensing background checks. If you're getting fingerprinted for a job, a professional license, a certification, or a general FBI check, this is almost always the card in play. We keep these on hand, and your card service includes two of them.
FD-1164 — the federal personnel security card
The FD-1164 is more specialized. It's a federal personnel security card used in specific clearance and security contexts, and it comes with its own set of instructions from the office requesting it. One important detail: for the FD-1164, the client must supply the card. If your instructions call for an FD-1164, bring the physical card with you to your appointment, along with any accompanying paperwork, and we'll roll your prints on it.
SF-87 — the federal employment card
The SF-87 is a federal employment fingerprint card, assigned for certain government positions. Like the others, it's not something you choose — it's assigned to you as part of a specific federal hiring or clearance process. If you've been given an SF-87 requirement, your instructions will make that clear.
Quick summary
- FD-258 — standard blue FBI applicant card. Most common. Two included with our card service.
- FD-1164 — federal personnel security card. Specialized; comes with instructions. Client supplies the card.
- SF-87 — federal employment card. Assigned for certain government roles.
What to bring — every time
Two things make your appointment smooth: your instructions (they name the card and any codes) and a valid government-issued photo ID. If your instructions call for the FD-1164, add the physical card to that list. Fingerprint Cards are $75 with two included. Additional fees may apply and will be discussed during the appointment.
Not sure? We'll help you read it
Oregon Fingerprinting is an independent provider — not IdentoGO or Fieldprint — so you're dealing with a real person who can look at your instructions and tell you exactly what to bring. We're women- and minority-owned and State of Oregon COBID certified (MBE, WBE, ESB), with same-day appointments and walk-ins across Portland Metro and Clark County, WA.
A few common questions
How do I know which fingerprint card I need?
The agency requesting your background check decides. The card type is listed on the instructions they gave you — bring those to your appointment.
What is an FD-258 card?
The FD-258 is the standard blue FBI applicant fingerprint card. It's the most common card and is used for most employment and licensing background checks.
What are the FD-1164 and SF-87 cards?
The FD-1164 is a federal personnel security card used for specialized clearance situations, and it comes with its own instructions. The SF-87 is a federal employment card assigned for certain government positions.
How much do fingerprint cards cost?
Fingerprint Cards are $75 with two included. For an FD-1164, the client must supply the card. Additional fees may apply and will be discussed during the appointment.
Bring your instructions — we'll handle the card
FD-258, FD-1164, or SF-87 done right the first time. Same-day appointments and walk-ins across Portland Metro and Clark County, WA.