Certifix Live Scan provides FBI fingerprint-based background check services at more than 1,200 convenient locations nationwide.
Our trained technicians capture your fingerprints using traditional FD-258 fingerprint cards or electronic Live Scan, depending on your needs. Your fingerprints are securely prepared for submission to the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division for Identity History Summary processing.
Getting started is simple. Enter your city, state, or ZIP code to find a nearby location and schedule your FBI background check appointment. We make the process fast, secure, and straightforward, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
Work or Student Visa
Many foreign governments require an FBI background check as part of the visa or immigration process, especially for employment, long-term residency, or student visas.
Foreign Travel or Work Abroad
Some countries require an FBI Identity History Summary before issuing work permits, teaching credentials, residency approvals, or long-term stay authorizations.
Personal Record Review
Individuals may request their FBI criminal history report to verify what information appears on file or to confirm its accuracy before applying for employment, licensing, or travel.
Adoption Requirements
International and certain domestic adoption agencies require an FBI background check to confirm the suitability and safety of prospective parents.
Attorney or Legal Requests
Attorneys may request an FBI background check on behalf of clients for immigration cases, legal proceedings, expungements, or personal review matters.
Correcting or Challenging Errors
If you believe your FBI record contains incomplete or inaccurate information, obtaining your official report is the first step toward submitting a correction request, commonly referred to as a “challenge.”
Court-Related Matters
Courts may require an FBI background check for various legal proceedings, including name changes, record expungements, or compliance reviews.
Also known as an FBI criminal history report, the Identity History Summary is a fingerprint-based record maintained by the FBI. It includes reported arrests, charges, and case dispositions. This is the primary FBI background check available to individuals and is commonly used for personal review, visas, immigration, foreign travel, adoption, and record corrections.
Certain employers, state licensing boards, and federal agencies require FBI fingerprint-based background checks for regulated employment or professional licensing. These checks are submitted through authorized agencies and are not available for direct public request. Results are provided to the requesting organization.
For government and military positions requiring classified access, federal agencies conduct comprehensive background investigations that may include FBI fingerprint checks. These investigations are part of a broader national security review process and are coordinated through sponsoring government agencies.
NICS is a name-based background check system used by federally licensed firearms dealers to determine eligibility for firearm purchases. It is operated by the FBI but is not a fingerprint-based check and cannot be requested for personal, employment, or licensing purposes.
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, an FBI background check and an FBI Identity History Summary are not the same.
Both rely on fingerprint data maintained by the FBI. However, they are requested differently and used for different purposes.
An FBI background check is a fingerprint-based search requested by an authorized agency, such as an employer, licensing board, or government entity. The results are sent directly to the requesting organization and are used for official purposes like employment screening, professional licensing, security clearances, or regulated compliance. Individuals cannot request this type of background check on themselves for employment or licensing use unless directed by an authorized agency.
An Identity History Summary is a personal copy of your FBI criminal history record. Individuals may request this report directly for personal review, visa applications, foreign travel, adoption, or to verify and correct their record. This is the only FBI fingerprint-based record that members of the public can request for themselves.
You can submit fingerprints to the FBI in two ways: electronically through Live Scan or by mailing an FD-258 fingerprint card. Electronic submission is typically faster and reduces the risk of rejection due to poor image quality. Fingerprint cards may be used when electronic submission is unavailable or for international applicants.
Electronic Live Scan submission captures your fingerprints digitally and securely transmits them through an FBI-approved channeler for processing. This method offers faster turnaround times and higher image accuracy, reducing the likelihood of rejection.
Fingerprints may also be submitted on an FD-258 or FD-1164 fingerprint card and mailed to the FBI. Prints that are smudged, incomplete, or improperly captured may be rejected and delay processing. For best results, fingerprints should be taken by a trained technician using proper equipment.
Certifix is a trusted nationwide provider with thousands of locations and FBI Appendix F–certified systems. Our trained technicians ensure fast, accurate, and secure fingerprint submissions that meet FBI quality standards.
Yes. Our Live Scan systems meet the FBI’s Appendix F image quality requirements under the Next Generation Identification (NGI) standards, ensuring your fingerprints meet federal submission guidelines.
You can submit your fingerprints electronically through Certifix for fast processing or mail an FD-258 fingerprint card directly to the FBI. Electronic submission is typically faster and reduces the risk of rejection..
Electronic submissions are typically processed within 1–3 business days. Mailed fingerprint cards sent directly to the FBI generally take 3–6 weeks, depending on workload and mailing times.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. If an agency provided you with any required forms, bring those as well.
The total cost is $65 for fingerprint capture and submission, plus the $18 FBI processing fee. Your FBI report is available online at no additional cost and can be securely downloaded once completed. If you prefer a mailed copy, optional shipping is available: First Class Mail (5–7 days) is $5, Priority Mail (3–5 days) is $25, and Priority Mail Express (1–3 days) is $45.
An FBI Identity History Summary includes criminal history information reported to the FBI, such as arrests, charges, and court dispositions.
In most cases, no. FBI background checks must be requested by the individual unless an authorized representative has proper legal permission.
Yes. Certifix provides nationwide fingerprinting services, including electronic Live Scan submissions and FD-258 fingerprint card services.
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