Certifix Live Scan is a prominent nationwide provider of FBI fingerprinting services, with more than 1,200 convenient locations throughout the United States.
We provide both traditional ink fingerprint cards and advanced electronic live scan submissions, ensuring your prints are captured accurately and sent securely to the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS).
To schedule an appointment, just enter your city, state, or ZIP code in our locator tool—no hassle, no hidden fees, and results delivered quickly.
To find the nearest Certifix Live Scan location, individuals can enter a city, state, or zip code to view a map of nearby fingerprinting locations.
Employment
Many employers in the U.S.—particularly those seeking healthcare workers, educators, or caregivers—require an FBI background check to verify that candidates do not have any disqualifying criminal history.
Professional Licensing
State boards and licensing agencies, such as those in nursing, real estate, and finance, utilize FBI checks to verify the moral character of applicants and ensure they comply with regulatory standards.
Security Clearance
Federal and state agencies rely on fingerprint checks to evaluate risks when granting access to sensitive or classified information.
Immigration & Naturalization
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may request an FBI background check to verify the backgrounds of applicants for green cards and citizenship.
The IHS is the fundamental FBI record summary. It details arrests, convictions, and dispositions that the FBI maintains. It does not include non-criminal information such as education or employment history, and is frequently used for personal review or record updates.
The FCIC check integrates the FBI’s NCIC database with state and local law enforcement records. It may include information on sex offender registries and terrorist watch lists, making it suitable for high-security positions and regulated industries.
Specifically designed for government and military personnel, this check uses FBI fingerprint data to evaluate whether an individual poses a risk to national security. It is part of the clearance process for classified access.
Managed by the FBI, NICS is utilized by licensed firearms dealers to screen prospective gun buyers. It identifies felony convictions, domestic violence misdemeanors, and other offenses that are prohibited under federal law.
An FBI background check and an Identity History Summary (IHS) check are both types of criminal background checks, but they serve different purposes and have distinct limitations.
An FBI background check is a more thorough examination that gathers information from all levels of government, including federal, state, and local agencies. It can be utilized for employment, licensing, and various other purposes where a detailed background check is necessary.
An Identity History Summary (IHS) check is a less comprehensive check that only includes information from the FBI. It is primarily used for personal review or for correcting or updating an individual's criminal history record.
Live scan, also known as electronic fingerprinting, uses advanced scanning hardware to capture high-resolution fingerprint images.
These digital prints are transmitted instantly to the FBI’s CJIS, which accelerates the background check process and minimizes errors that are common with ink cards.
For employers and agencies requiring a quick turnaround, live scan is the preferred method.
To submit fingerprints to the California DOJ, you’ll need:
Visit any Certifix California location with these documents, or enroll and prepay online to receive a Token for expedited walk-in service.
For Florida DOJ or AHCA submissions:
This digital workflow ensures your fingerprints reach Florida state agencies securely and quickly.
Live scan is FBI-certified and legally equivalent to traditional ink cards. It delivers:
You have two options for submission: Live Scan Submission: — Visit any Certifix location for electronic capture and direct transmission—your prints are transmitted directly to the FBI’s CJIS. Ink Card Submission: — Order official FD-258 or FD-1164 cards, have your prints taken with an ink pad, and mail them to the FBI. Note: Mailing can add weeks to processing time. Our trained technicians will guide you through either method and verify print quality before submission.
You can visit any of our FBI fingerprinting locations for live scanning, which allows for electronic submission, Our professional technicians are highly trained and experienced in taking fingerprints. They will ensure that your fingerprints are taken correctly and accurately.
You can obtain FBI fingerprint cards, FD-258 or FD-1164. Next, utilize an ink fingerprint pad to capture your fingerprints on the FBI fingerprint card. Send the completed fingerprint card to the FBI. It's essential to recognize that you are responsible for ensuring your fingerprints are captured and submitted accurately. The FBI only accepts fingerprints obtained by a qualified individual using a live scan machine. If you attempt to capture your fingerprints using an ink-based fingerprint card, the FBI might not accept them. This may delay the process of receiving your background check results.
The cost of an FBI background check varies by provider, type, and detail level.
Overview of costs involved:
If you pay for your background check with a credit card, you may be charged a Credit card processing fees as 3%
The type of check you need will affect the price. For example, a basic background check will be less expensive than a comprehensive background check with all available information.
The level of detail you need in your background check will also affect the price. A basic report will be less expensive than a more comprehensive report with all available information.
If you need your background check quickly, you may be charged a rush fee.
If you pay for your background check with a credit card, you may be charged a credit card processing fee.
With years of experience and millions of people fingerprinted, Certifix Live Scan is a trusted name in the industry. Their nationwide service networks, certified systems, and a wide variety of fingerprinting products and services make them a reliable choice for your fingerprint based FBI Background Check.
Yes, the Certifix Live Scan system is certified by the California Department of Justice (DOJ), the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It meets the specifications listed in Appendix F of the FBI’s Next Generation Identification Systems Image Quality Specifications.
There are two ways to get an FBI background check:
► Through a third-party provider: Third-party providers like Certifix can be faster and more convenient, but they may charge a fee. To get an FBI background check through a third-party provider Certifix, you will need to submit your fingerprints and pay a fee.
► Directly from the FBI: To get an FBI background check directly from the FBI, you will need to fill out an application and submit your fingerprints. You can submit your fingerprints at a local FBI office or at a participating U.S. Post Office.
To obtain a copy of your FBI fingerprint clearance, follow the instructions given by the requesting agency or organization. They will guide you through the necessary steps.
The time required for fingerprinting at Certifix depends on factors such as the number of people being fingerprinted and the efficiency of the process. On average, it takes around 10 to 20 minutes per person.
The processing time for an FBI background check can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
► The type of background check requested
► The number of records that need to be searched
► The availability of records
► The workload of the FBI
In general, the FBI background check process takes 2-3 weeks. However, the processing time may be longer for more complex background checks or if the FBI is investigating your background.
Here is a breakdown of the average processing times for different types of FBI background checks:
► Basic FBI background check: 2-3 weeks
► Comprehensive FBI background check: 4-6 weeks
► Specialized FBI background check: 6-8 weeks
Yes, when going for FBI fingerprinting, you generally need to bring valid photo identification (e.g., driver's license, passport) and any specific documents provided by the requesting entity.
The FBI database contains millions of fingerprints, encompassing both criminal and non-criminal records. It's a substantial repository of valuable information.
You can get FBI fingerprints done at Certifix locations near you. We are an authorized fingerprinting service provider offering convenient and reliable FBI fingerprinting services. Visit our website or contact us to find the nearest Certifix location.
The cost of FBI fingerprinting at Certifix varies based on the specific service and location. Our pricing is competitive and varies depending on factors such as the type of background check required. Please visit our website or contact us directly to get accurate pricing information for FBI fingerprinting services
You might need an FBI background check for various purposes, such as employment, security clearances, immigration, or adoption.
To request your own FBI background check, you can submit your fingerprints for fbi background check through Certifix , either electronically or using fingerprint cards.
An FBI background check typically includes details about arrests, convictions, warrants, and other relevant criminal history information.
The processing time can vary, but it usually takes several weeks to receive the results of an FBI background check.
Generally, you can't request an FBI background check for someone else unless you have proper authorization or a valid reason, such as legal representation.
No, Certifix Live Scan has a nationwide network. They can electronically transmit fingerprints to the FBI, the State of California, or the State of Florida. Apart from this, they also offer a nationwide fingerprint card service which can be used with other state and federal agencies, subject to verification.
Yes, Certifix Live Scan offers an online store where you can purchase fingerprint cards and other supplies for personal use and law enforcement. You can easily complete the checkout and they offer nationwide shipping.
© 2025 Certifix, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy Terms of Use
