How to Schedule and Prepare for Your Fingerprinting Appointment

What happens at a fingerprinting appointment

A fingerprinting appointment is where you go to have your fingerprints scanned and recorded for background checks. The appointment itself takes 5 to 15 minutes. A technician will roll each of your fingers on a digital scanner or ink pad, capture your prints, and verify they are clear enough to use. You walk out with a receipt or confirmation number that proves you completed the process.

Most fingerprinting appointments happen at IdentoGO locations, which are contracted by the FBI and state agencies to collect prints for criminal background checks, employment screening, licensing, and volunteer work. Some appointments are also available through local police departments or sheriff's offices, though availability varies by county.

The technician does not make decisions about your background or may be able to access for anything. They only capture and transmit your prints to the agency that requested them. Results come back to that agency, not to you directly.

Key Takeaways

• Most fingerprinting appointments are scheduled online through IdentoGO's website or by phone, and you can often book same-day or next-day slots.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — or the appointment will be cancelled.
• The appointment takes 5 to 15 minutes and costs between $10 and $20 depending on the type of background check and your state.
• Your fingerprints are sent to the FBI and your state agency, and results go to the organization that requested the check, not to you.

How to schedule your appointment

Go to the IdentoGO website and enter your zip code to find locations near you. The site shows available time slots for the next several weeks. You can book online immediately and receive a confirmation email with your appointment time, location address, and what to bring. If you prefer to book by phone, call IdentoGO at 844-467-2183.

Some states and counties also allow you to schedule through their own systems — for example, if you are getting fingerprinted for a state professional license, the licensing board may have its own scheduling portal. Check the letter or email that told you to get fingerprinted; it will say which system to use.

Appointment availability changes daily. If no slots appear for your location, check again the next day or search a nearby city. Many locations fill up weeks in advance, especially in urban areas, so book as soon as you know you need the appointment.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring one valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. If you do not have a photo ID, you cannot complete the appointment — the technician will cancel it and you will need to reschedule after you obtain one. Bring the confirmation email or confirmation number from your booking.

Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. The technician will ask you to sign a form confirming your identity and the reason for the fingerprinting. They will then scan or ink each finger and your thumbs, one at a time. If a print does not scan clearly, they will re-scan that finger. The whole process takes less than 15 minutes.

You will receive a receipt or confirmation number proving you completed the appointment. Keep this for your records. The fingerprints themselves are sent electronically to the FBI and your state agency within 24 hours. You do not receive a copy of your prints.

Cost and payment

Fingerprinting costs between $10 and $20 per appointment, depending on the type of background check and your state. IdentoGO locations accept cash, debit, and credit cards. Some state or county agencies cover the cost if you are getting fingerprinted for a government job or license, but you will be told in advance if that applies to you.

If you are paying out of pocket, bring cash or a card. There is no way to pay online before the appointment — you pay when you arrive.

How long results take and where they go

Your fingerprints are transmitted to the FBI and your state agency within 24 hours of your appointment. Results typically come back within 3 to 5 business days, though some agencies take up to two weeks. You do not receive the results directly — they go to the organization that requested the background check.

If you are getting fingerprinted for a job, the employer receives the results. If it is for a professional license, the licensing board receives them. If it is for volunteer work, the organization requesting the check receives them. You can ask that organization when to expect results and how they will notify you.

If results are delayed or you need to follow up, contact the organization that requested the check, not IdentoGO. IdentoGO only captures and transmits the prints.

What to do if you cannot make your appointment

Cancel or reschedule through the IdentoGO website or by calling 844-467-2183. You can change your appointment time or location up to 24 hours before your scheduled slot. If you miss an appointment without cancelling, you will need to book a new one.

If you are running late, call the location directly — the phone number is on your confirmation email. Some locations will hold your slot for 15 to 30 minutes, but do not count on it.

Common problems and how to fix them

If the technician says your prints did not scan clearly, they will re-scan your fingers at the appointment at no extra cost. If prints still will not scan — which can happen if your fingerprints are very faint or your hands are very dry — ask the technician whether you can try again the next day or whether you need to see a supervisor. Some locations have backup equipment or can refer you to another location.

If you arrive without a valid photo ID, the appointment will be cancelled. You cannot reschedule for the same day. Go home, get your ID, and book a new appointment online or by phone.

If you completed your appointment but results have not arrived after two weeks, contact the organization that requested the background check. They can follow up with the FBI or state agency. Do not contact IdentoGO — they have no access to results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring someone else's fingerprints or use an old fingerprint card?

No. You must appear in person and have your own fingerprints taken at the appointment. Fingerprints expire — most background checks require prints taken within the last 60 to 90 days. If your old prints are too old, you will need a new appointment.

What if I have scars or missing fingers?

Tell the technician before they start. They will scan the fingers you have and note any scars or missing digits on the form. The FBI and state agencies are used to processing prints from people with injuries or disabilities. Your background check will still be processed.

Do I need to wash my hands before the appointment?

Clean, dry hands scan better than dirty or wet ones. Wash your hands before you arrive, but do not use lotion or oil — those can make prints harder to scan. If your hands are very dry, the technician may have lotion available.

Can I get my fingerprints taken at a police station instead of IdentoGO?

Some police departments and sheriff's offices offer fingerprinting, but availability varies widely by county. Call your local police non-emergency line to ask whether they do fingerprinting and whether you need an appointment. IdentoGO locations are more widely available and usually have faster scheduling.

What happens if my background check comes back with a problem?

The organization that requested the check will contact you directly if there is an issue. You have the right to dispute inaccurate information. Contact that organization, not IdentoGO, to understand what the issue is and how to challenge it.