FAQ: Fingerprint Card

Fingerprints are required of all applicants for licensure, except the renewal of a Kentucky nursing license.  Applications will not be processed for licensure until KBN receives notification from the Kentucky State Police (KSP) that your completed fingerprint card and the $16.50 fee were received.  If you are reinstating a license, your license will not be reinstated until the criminal background report is received from the FBI.

• Complete the biographical data on the fingerprint card and take the card to any law enforcement agency in any state, a KSP post, or UPS Store for the fingerprinting process.
• Send the completed card to the Kentucky State Police with the processing fee. (See the instruction sheet for the address.)
• It may take 4-8 weeks for KBN to receive a report from the FBI.

Fingerprint Card Instructions [PDF Format - 40KB]

Q:  Who must submit a fingerprint card?
A:  All applicants for licensure, except for the renewal of a license, are required to submit fingerprints.

Q:  How do I get a fingerprint card?
A:   Use the online Fingerprint Card Request Form to have a fingerprint card mailed to you.  If the agency doing your fingerprinting has fingerprint cards that do not have an ORI number, employer address, or reason for fingerprinting listed on the card, you may submit that card.  If you decide to use another agency's fingerprinting card, make sure that the card number on the back is FD-258 and contact KBN for the ORI number to submit the fingerprint card to the Kentucky State Police.

Q:  What if my state's law enforcement only does digital fingerprints?
A:   If your local law enforcement can print your digital fingerprint images on either an FD-258 fingerprint card or on an 8 x 11 paper, KSP will accept the printed version.  If they cannot be printed to either a card a blank piece of paper, you must find an agency that will do the "ink and roll" fingerprinting to the FD-258 card. 

Q:  What is the cost for fingerprinting?
A:  There is a $16.50 fingerprinting processing fee for the FBI to conduct the fingerprint search.  Make your check or money order payable to the Kentucky State Police (KSP).  Send the check with your completed fingerprint card to the KSP. 

Q:  What information must I complete on the fingerprint card?
A:  You must complete all the biographical data on the top of the card and your SSN.  You and the person taking the fingerprints must sign the card or it will be returned to you for completion.

Q:  Where do I get my fingerprints taken?
A:  Any Kentucky State Police post, most law enforcement agencies or UPS stores will do the fingerprinting process.  Metro Corrections does fingerprinting…..Mon-Fri from 10-2 and the fee is $10.00.
The following link provides a List of Sheriff and Police Departments by state/county.  

Q:  What if my fingerprints are a low quality?
A:  If the FBI cannot read your fingerprints, another fingerprint card will be sent to you.  Have the fingerprinting process repeated.  Do not submit another $16.50 when returning the second fingerprint card to KBN. 

Q:  Can I receive a license before the fingerprint report is received?
A:  No, KBN must have the criminal history report returned from the FBI before you can be licensed as a nurse in Kentucky.

Q:  How long does it take for KBN to receive the fingerprint report from the FBI?
A:  It takes 4-8 weeks for the FBI to send a criminal history report to KBN after the fingerprint card and fee has been received.  Please consider this time frame when applying for a Kentucky nursing license.