How Fingerprinting Works

A simple step-by-step guide to Live Scan fingerprinting, FBI background checks, and mail-in fingerprint card services.

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Why Choose Certifix?

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Simple Enrollment Options

Enroll online when required or visit a participating location to begin your fingerprinting process. Services vary by state and agency requirements.

Accurate identification

Secure Identity Verification

Your identification is verified on-site, and fingerprints are captured using certified digital equipment for accuracy and compliance.

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Fast, Reliable Processing

Fingerprints are submitted electronically to the appropriate agency when required or printed onto an official FD-258 fingerprint card for mail-in applications, ensuring accurate and dependable processing.

Certifix Live Scan fingerprint capture for background checks and identity verification

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Fingerprint Rail™

The Fingerprint Rail™ is Certifix’s secure backend infrastructure that supports how fingerprint data is captured, validated, formatted, and transmitted as part of the fingerprinting process.

During your Live Scan appointment or fingerprint card service, the Fingerprint Rail™ helps ensure fingerprint submissions are processed consistently and in accordance with applicable state or federal program requirements, based on the service selected.

How to Get Fingerprinted

  • Choose Your State or Service

  • Find a Location

  • Getting Fingerprinted

Select your state or fingerprinting service to get started. Requirements vary depending on who is requesting your fingerprints.

  • California

    Bring your completed Request for Live Scan Service form or enroll online if available. Your fingerprints are submitted electronically to the California Department of Justice. If you are outside California, we can capture your fingerprints and print them onto an FD-258 card for mailing.

  • Florida

    Bring your ORI number provided by your employer or licensing agency. In many locations, you may walk in for service. Online enrollment is required for certain partner locations.

  • Other States (Mail-In Fingerprinting)

    If your state or agency requires a fingerprint card, we capture your fingerprints electronically and print them onto an official FD-258 card. Your completed card can be mailed to you or directly to the requesting organization.

  • FBI Background Check

    Enroll online and visit a participating location for fingerprint capture. Your fingerprints are submitted electronically to the FBI, and you will receive instructions to securely download your Identity History Summary report.

Fingerprinting is available at over 1,200 locations nationwide. Some locations accept walk-ins, while others require online enrollment.

  • California

    Bring your completed Live Scan form or required information provided by your employer or licensing agency. Many locations accept walk-ins, and online enrollment may be available for faster processing.

  • Florida

    Bring your ORI number provided by your employer or licensing agency. Some locations accept walk-ins, while others require online enrollment in advance.

  • Other States (Mail-In Fingerprinting)

    If your state or agency requires a fingerprint card, visit any participating location for Mail-In Fingerprinting (FD-258 Card) service. Your fingerprints will be captured electronically and printed onto an official FD-258 card for mailing.

  • FBI Background Check

    Online enrollment is required before visiting a participating location. After enrollment, visit a location for electronic fingerprint capture.

Learn what to bring and what to expect during your visit.

  • California

    Bring your completed Live Scan form or required information. After fingerprinting, you will receive an ATI number to track your submission.

  • Florida

    Provide your ORI number at the time of service. Your fingerprints are submitted electronically, and you will receive a Transaction Control Number (TCN) for tracking.

  • Other States (Mail-In)

    Your fingerprints are captured electronically and printed onto an official FD-258 fingerprint card. We will mail your completed card to you or to the organization requesting your fingerprints.

  • FBI Background Check

    Your fingerprints are submitted electronically to the FBI. Once processed, you will receive instructions to securely access and download your report.

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