FAP fingerprint certification levels, explained
If you are choosing a mobile fingerprint scanner, you will meet the labels FAP10, FAP20, FAP30, FAP45, FAP50 and FAP60. They are not marketing grades: each one is a precise FBI requirement that decides what a scanner can capture, and what it can be used for. This guide explains the levels in plain language and shows which one fits your mission.
What does FAP mean?
FAP stands for Fingerprint Acquisition Profile. The FBI created these profiles for mobile identification devices. The number tells you the size of the capture area and how many fingers can be captured at once, and each profile belongs to one of two image-quality standards.
FAP10 to FAP60 at a glance
| Level | Capture area | Fingers | Standard | Typical use | GripID device |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAP10 | 0.5 x 0.65 in (12.7 x 16.5 mm) | 1 | PIV-071006 | Basic one-to-one verification | - |
| FAP20 | 0.6 x 0.8 in (15.2 x 20.3 mm) | 1 | PIV-071006 | Compact verification, KYC onboarding | FAP20 XP |
| FAP30 | 0.8 x 1.0 in (20.3 x 25.4 mm) | 1 | PIV-071006 | Field identity checks | FAP30 IB |
| FAP40 | 1.6 x 1.5 in (40.6 x 38.1 mm) | 1 to 2 | PIV-071006 | Two-finger verification | - |
| FAP45 | 1.6 x 1.5 in (40.6 x 38.1 mm) | 1 to 2 | Appendix F | Investigations, one-to-many matching | FAP45 IB |
| FAP50 | 3.2 x 2.0 in (81.3 x 50.8 mm) | 1 to 4 | Appendix F | Four-finger enrollment, border control | FAP50 IB, V10 |
| FAP60 | 3.2 x 3.0 in (81.3 x 76.2 mm) | 1 to 4 | Appendix F | Highest-quality enrollment, palm capture | FAP60 IB MNX, FAP60 JN |
PIV-071006 or Appendix F: which standard do you need?
PIV-071006 is designed mainly for one-to-one verification: checking that a person is who they claim to be against a single record. It covers FAP10 to FAP40 and suits access control, KYC and quick field checks.
Appendix F sets stricter image-quality rules for scanners whose prints will be searched one-to-many against large databases such as AFIS. It covers FAP45, FAP50 and FAP60, and it is the standard to look for when you enroll people or run investigations.
Which FAP level fits your mission?
- Field identity checks: a pocket-size FAP30, such as the FAP30 IB, for law enforcement and patrols.
- KYC and remote onboarding: a compact FAP20, such as the FAP20 XP, for telecom, banking and government services.
- Investigations and crime scenes: a FAP45 dual-finger scanner, the FAP45 IB.
- Border checkpoints: a FAP50 four-finger scanner or the multimodal V10, for border control.
- National enrollment programs: a FAP60 device such as the FAP60 IB MNX, for national eID programs.
Frequently asked questions
What does FAP stand for?
FAP stands for Fingerprint Acquisition Profile, a set of requirements defined by the FBI for fingerprint scanners, based on capture area, number of fingers and image quality.
What is the difference between FAP30 and FAP45?
FAP30 captures a single finger on a small sensor and follows the PIV-071006 standard, which is designed mainly for one-to-one verification. FAP45 captures one to two fingers on a larger sensor and follows Appendix F, which supports large-scale one-to-many matching against AFIS databases.
Which FAP level is best for border control?
Border enrollment usually calls for FAP50 or FAP60, which capture four fingers on a larger area for higher-quality records. Combined with iris and face capture, as on the GripID V10, they give the highest identity assurance.
Which FAP levels does GripID cover?
GripID offers devices at FAP20, FAP30, FAP45, FAP50 and FAP60 levels, from the pocket-size FAP30 IB to the FAP60 IB MNX full-palm scanner. The FAP30 IB, FAP45 IB and FAP50 IB are FBI certified. They pair with any smartphone, tablet or computer.
Is FAP certification the same as NIST or ICAO compliance?
No. FAP is an FBI certification program for fingerprint scanners. NIST and ICAO define other image-quality and travel-document standards, and several GripID devices also meet ICAO requirements.