Certifix Live Scan is a leading nationwide provider of FBI fingerprint-based background checks, with more than 1,200 convenient locations across the United States.
We capture your fingerprints using either traditional FD-258 fingerprint cards or electronic Live Scan, ensuring they are submitted securely and accurately to the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) for processing.
Getting started is simple—enter your city, state, or ZIP code into our location finder to view a map of nearby Certifix Live Scan sites and schedule your FBI background check with ease. Fast, reliable results with no hidden fees.
Work or Student Visa
Many foreign governments require an FBI background check as part of their visa or immigration process, especially for employment, residency, or student visas.
Foreign Travel or Work Abroad
Some countries request an FBI Criminal History Summary before issuing long-term stay permits, teaching certifications, or work authorizations.
Personal Review
Individuals often request their FBI record to verify what information exists in their criminal history file or to ensure its accuracy before applying for jobs, licensing, or travel.
Adoption Requirements
International and some domestic adoption agencies require an FBI background check to ensure the safety and suitability of prospective parents.
Attorney Requests
Attorneys may request an FBI background check on behalf of clients for legal matters, immigration cases, or personal review.
Challenge or Correct Errors
If you believe your FBI criminal record contains incomplete or inaccurate information, obtaining your report is the first step to submitting a correction (known as a “challenge”).
Court-Related Matters
Courts may require individuals to obtain an FBI background check for various legal proceedings, including record expungement, name changes, or compliance reviews.
This is the fingerprint-based criminal history record the FBI keeps on individuals. It includes arrests, charges, and dispositions reported to the FBI and is the only FBI background check the public can request. It’s commonly used for personal review, visas, foreign travel, adoption, and correcting or updating records.
Certain employers, state boards, and federal agencies can request FBI fingerprint checks for authorized purposes such as licensing, compliance, or regulated employment. These results come directly from FBI criminal history databases but can only be obtained by authorized organizations—not individual applicants.
For government and military roles requiring classified access, federal agencies conduct full background investigations that include an FBI fingerprint check. The FBI provides criminal history information as part of the broader national security review process.
NICS is used by licensed firearms dealers to screen gun buyers. It is a name-based background check operated by the FBI to identify prohibited purchasers. This is not a fingerprint check and cannot be requested for personal or employment use.
An FBI background check and an Identity History Summary (IHS) both rely on fingerprint data maintained by the FBI, but they are used for different purposes and have distinct limitations. An IHS is the personal “rap sheet” individuals can request for their own review, while FBI background checks for employment, licensing, or government use must be requested by authorized agencies and are not available directly to the public.
An FBI background check is a fingerprint-based search requested by authorized agencies—such as employers, licensing boards, or government entities—to obtain criminal history information for official purposes. These checks may include data reported to the FBI as well as information shared through state and local agencies, depending on the requesting authority. They are used for employment, licensing, security, and other regulated needs.
An Identity History Summary (IHS), often called a "rap sheet," is a personal criminal history report that only includes information maintained by the FBI. Individuals request an IHS for personal review, international travel or visas, adoption, or to correct or update their record. It is not used for employment or licensing unless specifically allowed by an agency.
You can submit fingerprints to the FBI in two ways. The preferred method is electronic Live Scan submission, where your fingerprints are captured at any Certifix location and securely transmitted through an FBI-approved channeler for the fastest processing and highest image quality. If electronic submission is not available—or if you are not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident—you may submit fingerprints on an FD-258 fingerprint card. Certifix can capture your fingerprints electronically and print them onto an FD-258 card, which you then mail directly to the FBI. Our trained technicians ensure your prints meet FBI standards, whether captured electronically or on a fingerprint card.
You can visit any of our FBI fingerprinting locations for Live Scan fingerprinting, which enables fast and secure electronic submission. Our professional technicians are highly trained and ensure your fingerprints are captured accurately and meet all FBI quality standards.
You may submit your fingerprints to the FBI using an FD-258 or FD-1164 fingerprint card; however, accuracy is critical. While you can obtain the card yourself, the fingerprints must be captured by a qualified technician using proper equipment. The FBI may reject inked fingerprints that are smudged, unclear, or taken improperly, which can delay the processing of your background check. For the best results, the FBI recommends having your fingerprints captured by a trained professional—preferably using a Live Scan device to ensure image quality meets FBI standards.
Certifix Live Scan is a trusted nationwide provider with years of experience and millions of fingerprints processed. Our extensive location network, FBI Appendix F–certified systems, and high-quality fingerprinting services ensure fast, accurate, and secure FBI submissions.
Yes. The Certifix Live Scan system is FBI certified and meets the image quality requirements listed in Appendix F of the FBI’s Next Generation Identification (NGI) System Image Quality Specifications. This ensures your fingerprints meet the highest accuracy standards required by the FBI.
You can request an FBI background check either through an FBI-approved channeler—the preferred option for faster electronic submission and quicker results—or directly from the FBI, which requires completing the application form, submitting an FD-258 fingerprint card, and mailing your packet for processing.
Your FBI report will be delivered either online or by mail, depending on the delivery method you selected when requesting your background check.
Most fingerprinting appointments take 10–20 minutes, depending on the number of applicants and the location.
The time it takes to receive your FBI background check depends on how you submit your fingerprints. Using an FBI-approved channeler is the fastest option, with results typically available within 24–72 hours. Submitting your fingerprints directly to the FBI by mail takes longer, usually 3–6 weeks, depending on the FBI’s workload and mailing times.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport). If an agency provided you with any forms, bring those as well.
The FBI maintains millions of criminal and civil fingerprint records within its NGI (Next Generation Identification) system, one of the largest biometric databases in the world.
You can visit any Certifix Live Scan location nationwide. We capture fingerprints electronically or on FD-258 cards for FBI submissions.
Pricing varies depending on the service and submission method. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, visit the Certifix website or contact our support team.
Common reasons include employment, licensing, immigration, adoption, visas, personal review, or correcting information on your FBI record.
You can submit your fingerprints through Certifix, either via electronic Live Scan (preferred) or FD-258 fingerprint card, depending on eligibility and your chosen submission method.
An FBI background check includes criminal history information reported to the FBI, such as arrests, charges, and court dispositions.
How quickly you receive your FBI background check results depends on the submission method. Electronic submissions through an FBI-approved channeler are the fastest, with results typically available in 1–3 days. If you submit your fingerprint card directly to the FBI by mail, processing usually takes 3–6 weeks.
Not usually. FBI background checks must be requested by the individual, unless a legal representative or authorized entity has explicit permission.
Yes. Certifix provides nationwide fingerprinting services, including electronic submissions to the FBI and fingerprint card services for federal and international use.
Yes. Certifix offers FD-258 cards, fingerprinting supplies, and related materials through our online store with nationwide shipping.
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