**NOTE** This is for NON-CPL General Fingerprints Only. This general fingerprinting service may not be used to schedule concealed pistol license fingerprints. Concealed pistol license fingerprints must be processed as part of your Original Concealed Pistol License application and there will be a prompt at the end of your application process to schedule them. Click Here for our CPL Application and Fingerprint Portal.
General Information
Fingerprinting services are offered on an appointment basis at South Sound 911’s public counter (3580 Pacific Ave. Tacoma WA 98418). The service is offered during normal business hours. Photo identification is required (driver license, passport, etc.) at the time of service.
The public counter provides inkless (digitally scanned) fingerprints on an FBI FD-258 card provided by our office. If you require ink fingerprints or need your prints applied to a fingerprint card supplied to you by the requesting agency, you will need to contact another fingerprinting service provider or visit the Washington State Patrol’s office in Olympia.
In most instances, fingerprints cannot be sent electronically; the completed FD-258 fingerprint card will be provided to you. It will be your responsibility to submit the fingerprint card(s) to the requesting agency or business and obtain the proper ORI (a 9-digit originating agency identifier assigned by the FBI).
Our office only electronically transmits fingerprints for original concealed pistol license (CPL) applicants, local background checks needed for South Sound 911/Pierce County employment, contractors/vendors, and for certain licenses referred from the Pierce County Auditor’s Office and City of Tacoma (taxi, entertainers, peddlers, etc.).
All fees are non-refundable.
Pricing:
- $10.00 for the first card, $3.00 for each additional card.
- Fingerprinting for a Pierce County Business License (entertainers, taxi, peddlers, etc.) is $43.00.
- Fingerprinting for a Firearm Dealer License is $10.00.
- Fingerprinting for a Firearm Dealer Employee background is $31.00
- Fingerprinting for a City of Tacoma Business License (for-hire, security, solicitor/peddler, etc.) is $43.00
- Fingerprinting for a contractor/vendor background is $31.00
Please review the following information regarding privacy related to backgrounding:
Reschedule Appointment:
If you need to reschedule your appointment, please do so using the ORDER TRACKER. You will need your order number (ex. C6H7YTLGK), the email address used during the application process (ex. customername@gmail.com), and the password you created during the application process.
Click the "Let's get Started" button to apply for fingerprints.
Fingerprinting Requirements: must meet ALL requirements
At your scheduled fingerprint appointment, you will need to provide Photo Identification. Accepted photo identification is:
- A current passport
- A current Washington state driver’s license
- A current Washington state identification card
- Equivalent out of state identification
- Law enforcement identification
- Military identification card
Frequently Asked Questions:
May I request a copy of my fingerprints taken on a previous visit?
No. Fingerprints are not kept on file. If you want copies for future use, we suggest purchasing extra cards when you visit.
What if my fingerprints are "rejected?"
While digital fingerprints typically produce better fingerprint images, sometimes when a person submits their prints to the requesting party, they may be “rejected” or “unclassifiable” for a variety of reasons. If the fingerprints you obtained from South Sound 911 are rejected, you can visit our office during business hours and we will take your fingerprints once more, at no charge. Please bring documentation showing that your prints were rejected. We do not issue refunds for rejected fingerprints.
Very smooth or dry skin, or those with “worn down” fingertip ridges are more difficult to print. The best thing you can do to reduce the chances of having your fingerprints rejected is to moisturize. This will reduce dryness and help skin ridges heal. However, please refrain from using lotion the same day you are fingerprinted. (Lotion has great benefits with long-term use, but may leave a residue on fingertips which make the printing process more challenging.)
May I bring my own fingerprint card or one provided to me by another agency?
No. South Sound 911 provides inkless (scanned) fingerprints that prints directly onto an FBI FD-258 fingerprint card. We are unable to print onto other fingerprint cards.
Can your office provide ink fingerprints?
No. South Sound 911 provides inkless (digitally scanned) fingerprints only. If you require black ink fingerprints, you will need to contact a private business which provides fingerprinting services.
Alternatively, you may also visit the Washington State Patrol office in Olympia (3000 Pacific Ave., Suite 202; Olympia, WA 98501). We recommend that you call their office at 360-534-2000 to verify current services, pricing, hours, and procedures/policies. As of this writing, their office can provide ink or digital fingerprints.
Will you send/email my fingerprints to the state/federal/other agency that is requesting them?
In most instances – no. Your fingerprints will be provided to you; it will be your responsibility to submit the fingerprint card(s) to the requesting agency or business.
South Sound 911 only electronically transmits fingerprints for original concealed pistol license (CPL) applicants, for local criminal history inspections needed for South Sound 911/Pierce County employment, contractors/vendors, and for certain licenses referred from the Pierce County Auditor’s Office and City of Tacoma (taxi, entertainers, peddlers, etc.).
For More Information, Contact:
South Sound 911
Main Office Address:
3580 Pacific Ave.
Tacoma WA 98418
Telephone: (253) 287-4900
Email: CPL@southsound911.org
For Technical Support, Contact:
Permitium Software
Email: help@permitium.com
Phone: (855) 642-2453
