Ink & Roll Fingerprinting Service in Ontario
What is ink & roll fingerprinting?
Ink & Roll Fingerprinting is the traditional method of capturing fingerprints using ink and a physical fingerprint card. Each finger is coated with ink and then rolled onto a card to leave a clear impression. This method has been used for decades for criminal background checks, immigration, and identity verification.
How It Works
Prepare the Fingerprint Card – Usually an FBI FD‑258 (for USA) or RCMP C216C (for Canada).
Apply Ink – Each finger is coated with a thin layer of ink.
Roll the Finger – The technician rolls the finger from one side to the other on the card to get a full fingerprint impression.
Flat Impressions – In addition to rolled prints, technicians may also take flat impressions (pressing the finger straight down).
Review – The card is checked for clarity and completeness before submission.
Why Ink & Roll is Used
Required when digital/live-scan systems are not accepted.
Accepted by many foreign authorities for FBI, immigration, or licensing.
Useful when a physical card submission is mandatory.
Pros & Cons
Pros Cons Accepted worldwide for legal/official purposes Messy (ink can stain hands) Does not require electricity or computers Longer process than digital Can be used when digital scanning is unavailable Errors may require re-submission Accepted by FBI, RCMP, and some other authorities Processing by mail may take longer ✅ In short:
Ink & Roll Fingerprinting is the manual, traditional method of capturing fingerprints for legal and official purposes, mostly replaced now by digital scanning in many countries—but still required in some cases.If you want, I can make a step-by-step visual guide showing exactly how Ink & Roll fingerprints are taken, which is easy to understand for first-time applicants.
Process
What to Bring
Cost
Results
Process
1. Document Verification
Present valid government ID (passport, CNIC, driver’s license).
Technician verifies your identity and ensures the fingerprint card is correctly filled with your details.
2. Finger Preparation
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
Remove lotions, ink stains, or cuts to ensure clear prints.
Technician may apply ink to each finger using a roller.
3. Rolling the Fingers
Each finger is rolled from one side to the other on the card to capture the full ridge pattern.
Flat impressions may also be taken (pressing the finger straight down).
4. Quality Check
Technician examines the fingerprints for clarity, completeness, and smudges.
If a print is not clear, it is re-taken immediately.
5. Completing the Card
Fill in all required fields:
Full name, date of birth, place of birth
Address and contact details
Purpose of fingerprinting / agency reference number
Attach photos if required.
6. Submission / Delivery
FBI FD-258: Usually mailed to the FBI or submitted via an authorized channel.
RCMP C216C: Submitted electronically or by mail to RCMP for Canadian police check.
Agency may seal, sign, and stamp the card for authentication.
7. Acknowledgement
You receive a receipt or tracking reference if available.
Keep this for follow-up with the agency or authority.
8. Processing & Results
Processing time depends on the receiving authority:
FBI: 7–14 business days (can be longer if mailed internationally)
RCMP: 3–10 business days (no record) / 15–30 business days (if a record exists)
Results are sent to the applicant or the requesting organization.
What to bring
1. Yourself (the Applicant)
You must appear in person for fingerprinting.
Fingerprints cannot be taken by someone else on your behalf.
2. Valid Identification
Bring at least one or two government-issued IDs:
Passport (mandatory for most cases)
CNIC / National ID (if in Pakistan)
Driver’s License (if accepted by the agency)
IDs must be originals, not photocopies.
3. Fingerprint Card / Forms
FBI: FD-258 or FD-1164 card
Canada: RCMP C216C card
Completed forms with your personal details, if required.
4. Request / Authorization Letter
Letter or email from employer, immigration authority, or embassy
Include application number, reference number, or case ID
Shows why fingerprints are being taken and to whom results should be sent
5. Optional / Case-Specific Items
Passport-size photos (if the card requires attaching them)
Any additional documents requested by the authority
Cost
Click here to see price list in Ontario and Alberta
Sample
Below is a sample image of the Philippines ink fingerprint card
