Comparing EFT to FD-258: What Your Business Needs to Know

Electronic file versus printed card

An EFT (electronic fingerprint transaction) is the digital package agencies expect for livescan. An FD-258 is the printed fingerprint card still used when a program has not moved fully electronic or when an out-of-state request still wants paper.

If your software can generate both from the same capture, you stop recapturing applicants. Florida-style FDLE workflows are electronic first. Cards still appear for some federal or legacy requests.

When each one wins

Use electronic submission whenever the agency accepts it. It is faster, easier to track, and easier to resubmit. Print FD-258 when the request explicitly requires a card and your channel cannot send EFT.

Do not market “we only do cards” as a strategy. It caps your customer mix. Do not promise FBI NGI status from an FDLE TCN lookup either—those are different systems. Capture once, export the format the requester actually needs.