Buying guides
We run fingerprinting operations, so these guides answer the questions buyers actually ask us: what the certifications mean, what equipment really costs, and how to buy used without getting burned. No fluff, and we tell you when we sell the thing we are describing.
FAP Levels Explained: FAP 10 to FAP 60
What FBI FAP levels mean: capture areas from FAP 10 to FAP 60, single vs slap vs roll capture, and which level fits background checks, mobile ID, and booking.
FBI Appendix F vs PIV vs Mobile ID: Which Certification Do You Need?
The difference between FBI Appendix F, PIV, and Mobile ID FAP certifications, which one your workflow actually requires, and how to verify a scanner on the FBI CPL.
Best FBI-Certified Fingerprint Scanners in 2026
An operator's honest roundup of FBI-certified fingerprint scanners we run and sell: Kojak, DactyScan84c, CS500f, RealScan G10, Watson Mini, and Hamster Pro 20.
How Much Does a Livescan Machine Cost in 2026?
Real 2026 livescan pricing: bare ten-print scanners from about $500 used to $3,500 new, turnkey systems at $5,000 to $15,000+, plus software and state fees.
Used Livescan Equipment Buying Guide
How to buy used livescan equipment without getting burned: platen checks, firmware, why software licenses do not transfer, and how operator grading beats auctions.
Livescan Requirements by State: CA, FL, TX and Beyond
How state livescan programs actually work: CA DOJ certified rollers and fees, FDLE device and submitter approval, TX FAST, and what that means for buying a scanner.
FFL Fingerprinting for NFA eForms: Scanner and Software Setup
What an FFL needs to capture fingerprints for eForm 4: an FBI-certified scanner, EFT-generating software like 10Scan, and a simple in-store workflow that converts.