Getting your fingerprints taken can feel like a big step. It may bring up stress, fear, or old memories. That is understandable. Rest assured, fingerprinting is a normal part of the record clearing process in some states. It is simply a step needed to confirm who you are. They help make sure the right record matches the right person, so you can move forward in your record clearing process.
This guide is to help you understand the process.
Why you may need them
Agencies, courts, employers, and licensing boards often use fingerprints to confirm identity. Your name and date of birth help, but they do not always tell the whole story. Some people share the same name. Some records include typos. Some records use old names, nicknames, or missing details. Fingerprints help match you to the right record.
The FBI requires fingerprints for an Identity History Summary because they help confirm the person who requests the record.
There are many reasons someone needs them, including: a state background check, an FBI background check, a job, a professional license, a volunteer role, immigration paperwork, adoption or foster care screening, a court process, or record sealing, expungement, set-aside, pardon, or another record clearance process.
The steps can change by state and by purpose. So before you go, make sure you know exactly why you need them and the specific guidelines related.
If you’re working on record clearance, fingerprints can help a court, agency, attorney, or legal team review the correct record. If you’re asked to complete this step, it’s to help move your case forward.
Know the purpose for your fingerprints
Fingerprinting does not work the same way for every request. You may need a certain form, code, provider, or mailing step. It’s essential to start your process understanding the purpose and the requirements related so you don’t have to repeat any steps.
Before you schedule, find out:
- Who asks for the fingerprints
- Why they need them
- Whether you need digital fingerprints or an ink card
- Whether you need a form
- Whether you need a service code, ORI number, agency code, or case number
- Where the results need to go
- Whether you need to mail anything
- Whether you have a deadline
Do not guess. If you use the wrong code or go to the wrong place, the agency may not accept your fingerprints and you may need to pay again.
Here are a few examples:
In Arizona, the Arizona Department of Public Safety explains that a fingerprint clearance card and a fingerprint criminal history check follow different processes. The agency, employer, or licensing board should tell you which one you need.
In Pennsylvania, some people need to register through IdentoGO and use the right service code. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services explains that service codes help connect fingerprints to the correct purpose.
In Oregon, some set-aside requests require a fingerprint card and an Oregon State Police form. The Oregon State Police set-aside request form lists what you need to include.
In Utah, the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification offers public fingerprint services, but different requests may require different steps.
The main point is simple: know the reason before you schedule.
Understanding Live Scan vs. an ink card
You usually get fingerprints in one of two ways: Live Scan or an ink card.
Live Scan fingerprints
Live Scan uses a digital scanner. A technician scans your fingers and may send the prints electronically.
Many agencies use Live Scan for jobs, licenses, volunteer checks, state background checks and some court or agency processes.
Live Scan can move faster than mailing a paper card but you still need the right provider and the right code for your request.
Ink fingerprint cards
Ink fingerprinting uses a paper card. A technician rolls each finger in ink, or uses another approved method, and places the prints on the card.
You may need an ink card when the agency asks for a paper card, you live out of state, Live Scan is not available, the request must go by mail or the process requires an FBI card.
A common card is the FBI FD-258 fingerprint card.
Live Scan is not always better. Ink cards are not always worse. Use the option your instructions require.
How appointments for fingerprints work
While the process changes based on state and purpose for getting fingerprints, there are general guidelines that are helpful to know.
Find the right location
Where you go depends on your state and the reason you need fingerprints.
Common fingerprinting locations are police departments, sheriff’s offices, state police offices, court-approved vendors, identoGO locations, private fingerprinting companies, mobile fingerprinting services and some post offices.
For some FBI record requests, USPS offers fingerprinting at certain Post Offices. You need to check the location and register first.
Some locations only handle certain types of requests. Before you go, make sure the location can process fingerprints for your exact purpose.
Scheduling an appointment
Most locations require an appointment, but some allow walk-ins. Before you go, check the location’s website or call ahead. Ask if you need to schedule, what hours they take fingerprints, what ID you need to bring, and whether they can handle your type of fingerprint request.
Even if walk-ins are allowed, an appointment is usually the safer choice. It can help you avoid long wait times and make sure the right staff person is there to take your fingerprints. If you need a service code, form, or agency number, have that ready before you schedule.
Bring the right items
Read your instructions before your appointment.
You may need:
- A valid photo ID
- Driver’s license, State ID, Passport, Military ID or another approved government ID
- Your fingerprint form
- A service code, ORI number, agency code, or purpose code
- A case number or application number
- Your appointment confirmation
- Payment
- A mailing address, if you need to mail a card
- Any instructions from the agency, court, employer, licensing board, or legal team
It can also help to have clean, dry hands. If your fingerprints do not scan clearly, the technician may try again, or, your prints may be rejected after submission and you’ll need to repeat the process.
What happens at the appointment
Most appointments follow a simple process.
First, the technician checks your ID. Then they review your form or code. After that, they take your fingerprints. For Live Scan, you place your fingers on a digital scanner. For an ink card, the technician rolls your fingers on a paper card.
The appointment usually takes only a short time. You normally do not need to explain or say anything about your record. You are there to complete a fingerprint step.
Before you leave, ask for proof that you completed the appointment for safe measure.
What to do after your appointment
After the appointment, save your proof. It may come in the form of a receipt, confirmation number, transaction number, TCN, ATI number, copy of your form, copy of your fingerprint card or a mailing tracking number.
If the provider sends your fingerprints electronically, they may go straight to the agency. If you use an ink card, you may need to mail it with a form and payment. If you work with a legal team, send them proof if they ask for it. Then, watch for the next step.
Follow the instructions you’re given exactly to avoid repeating any steps.
Common mistakes to avoid
Small mistakes can slow down your process. Here are the most common ones.
Scheduling before you know the purpose
Do not schedule until you know why you need fingerprints.
Guessing the code
Do not guess your service code, ORI number, agency code, or purpose code. The wrong code may send your fingerprints to the wrong place.
Using the wrong provider
Not every provider works for every request. Check before you go.
Forgetting your form
Some appointments require a form. Bring it with you.
Bringing the wrong ID
Check what ID the provider accepts before the appointment.
Losing your receipt
Keep your receipt or confirmation number. You may need it later.
Thinking old fingerprints always work
Many agencies require new fingerprints for each request. A past fingerprint appointment may not work for a new process.
Worrying if the agency rejects your fingerprints
An agency may reject fingerprints if they look blurry or hard to read. This usually means you need to submit new fingerprints. It does not mean you are in trouble.
FAQs
Does getting fingerprints mean I am turning myself in?
No. A fingerprint appointment for a background check, job, license, court process, or record clearance request usually serves as an administrative step. It is not the same as turning yourself in.
Can getting fingerprints create new charges?
The appointment itself does not create new charges. Charges come from alleged conduct, not from getting fingerprints taken.
If you think you may have an active warrant, pending case, or urgent legal issue, talk to an attorney before going to a law enforcement location.
Will someone arrest me when I go?
Most people go to fingerprint appointments to complete a required step. If you are worried about a warrant or open case, ask an attorney before going.
Do I have to explain my record?
Usually, no. The fingerprint technician usually only needs your ID, form, code, and fingerprints.
Why do they need fingerprints if they already have my name?
Fingerprints help prevent mix-ups. They help make sure the right person matches the right record.
Can I use fingerprints from another appointment?
Usually, no. Many requests require new fingerprints tied to a specific purpose, form, or code.
Is Live Scan better than an ink card?
It depends. Live Scan is digital and may move faster. Ink cards are paper and may work better for some mailed requests. Follow the instructions you receive.
What happens if the agency rejects my fingerprints?
You may need to submit new fingerprints. This can happen when the prints are not clear. It is common and fixable.
If your fingerprints are rejected because they are blurry, follow the rejection notice. Many agencies or vendors let you get new fingerprints at no extra charge if you return within the required time and bring the right paperwork. But this is not always guaranteed. Ask the provider before you schedule the second appointment to avoid a mix up or paying more than you have to.
Follow your state instructions
Fingerprint rules change by state. They can also change based on the reason you need to get them. Even in the same state, the process may change depending on whether they are for a job, license, court filing, background check, or record clearance process.
Before you schedule, check the type you need, the correct provider, the correct form, the correct code, the cost, where the results go and whether you need to mail anything.
Once you have those details, schedule the appointment.
Ready to start?
You now know the basic steps. One completed fingerprint appointment can move your process forward. Start today!