Blog /
Fingerprinting in Maine comes in two flavors: electronic Live Scan and traditional ink cards. Knowing which one your agency wants is the most important step, so let's sort it out.
Maine Live Scan (Electronic)
For many Maine licensing and employment background checks, the state uses IdentoGO for electronic fingerprinting. You register online, pay the fee your agency sets, and visit an IdentoGO location where your prints are captured digitally and sent straight to the Maine State Bureau of Identification and the FBI.
Key points from the state and IdentoGO:
- In-state applicants are generally expected to use Live Scan.
- Mail-in card scanning is generally for out-of-state residents, or for people who physically can't be printed digitally.
- Fees vary by agency. For example, the Maine Board of Nursing lists its own fee. Check your agency's page instead of assuming a number.
Notary Java is not an IdentoGO enrollment center. If your agency requires Maine Live Scan, we'll point you to IdentoGO and won't sell you a service you don't need.
When You Need Ink Cards
Ink cards are still common for:
- Out-of-state licenses (nursing, teaching, real estate, securities, and so on) that send you an FD-258
- FBI Identity History Summary requests on the FD-1164
- Foreign visas, residency, and adoption files that ask for an FBI check
- Maine card-scan mail-in submissions, when you qualify
That's where our fingerprinting services come in. We roll ink prints carefully on the card you bring, at our South Portland office or at your home or business.
Tips for Clear Prints
Before the Appointment
- Use lotion for a day or two, but not the morning of your appointment.
- Avoid heavy lifting or rough work that can wear down your ridges.
- Bring at least two cards if your agency allows it, in case one is rejected.
At the Appointment
- Relax your hands and let us guide the roll.
- Bring your government-issued photo ID.
- Fill in personal details in black ink, or ask us to walk you through them.
Serving Southern Maine and Beyond
We print clients from Portland, Falmouth, Gorham, Scarborough, and Saco, and we travel farther when needed. Busy offices sometimes book a single visit to print several new hires at once.
Keep Reading
- FD-258 vs FD-1164: Which Fingerprint Card Do You Need?
- A Traveling Notary Serving All of Maine
- What ID Do You Need for a Notarization in Maine?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ink cards for an in-state Maine license?
Usually not. Most in-state Maine checks go through IdentoGO Live Scan. Follow your agency's instructions.
What if my card gets rejected?
Rejections usually come from low-quality prints. We take our time to get clear rolls, and having a second card on hand helps if a reprint is needed.
Do you travel for fingerprinting?
Yes. We can roll ink cards at your home, office, or another agreed location in Southern Maine.
Can you fingerprint children or elderly clients?
Often, yes. Very young children and people with worn ridges can be harder to print, but we'll do our best and tell you honestly how the prints look.
Book Your Appointment
Call or text 207-808-0550 to schedule with Notary Java. We are based at 50 Market Street, #400, South Portland, ME 04106, and we come to you across Greater Portland, York and Cumberland counties, and beyond. If you need documents printed, use the Upload Document Now (Send Documents) button in our contact section, or email files to SigningService@NotaryJava.com. That inbox is for sending documents only, so please call or text to book.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change and vary by agency and country, so confirm with the receiving office or your attorney.