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How to Schedule Your IdentoGO Fingerprinting Appointment Online

What IdentoGO appointments are and where to book them

IdentoGO is the fingerprinting system run by Idemia, a private company contracted by most U.S. states to handle background check submissions. When you need fingerprints taken for a job, license, volunteer position, or court requirement, you typically book through their website at www.identogo.com rather than at a police station or sheriff's office.

The site lets you search for locations near you, pick a time slot, and pay the fee upfront. Most appointments take 10 to 15 minutes. You'll receive your fingerprint results by email within a few days, and they're sent directly to whoever requested them — your employer, licensing board, or court.

Not every state uses IdentoGO. A few still run their own fingerprinting systems through state police or county offices. If you land on identogo.com and your state isn't listed, contact the agency that asked for your fingerprints to find out where to go instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You book IdentoGO appointments online at www.identogo.com by entering your zip code to find nearby locations and available times.
  • You'll need to create an account, provide your personal information, and pay the fingerprinting fee (usually $10 to $15) before your appointment is confirmed.
  • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to your appointment — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work.
  • Results are emailed to you within a few business days and automatically sent to the agency or employer that requested your fingerprints.
  • If you need to reschedule or cancel, you can do so through your IdentoGO account up to 24 hours before your appointment.

Finding a location and checking availability

Start at www.identogo.com and enter your zip code in the search box on the homepage. The site will show you all IdentoGO locations within a radius, usually including service centers, pharmacies, and other retail locations that host fingerprinting. Each location shows its hours and how far away it is from you.

Click on a location to see available appointment times. IdentoGO displays openings for the next several weeks, so if nothing works this week, scroll forward to find a slot that fits your schedule. Times fill up faster in some areas than others — rural locations often have more open slots than city centers.

If no times appear near you, the location may be temporarily full or closed. Try searching a wider radius or checking back the next day, as cancellations open up regularly. Some states also have mobile IdentoGO units that visit different towns on a rotating schedule — the website will show those as separate locations with limited hours.

Creating your account and providing required information

Before you can book, you'll need to set up an IdentoGO account. Click "Create Account" or "Sign Up" and enter your email address and a password. You'll use this login for all future appointments, so write it down somewhere safe.

Next, fill in your personal details: full legal name, date of birth, address, and phone number. The system will ask why you need fingerprints — select the reason that matches your situation (employment, licensing, volunteer work, court order, or other). This information helps route your results to the right place.

You may also be asked for a case number or reference number if your fingerprints are for a specific job, license application, or court case. If you have one, enter it. If not, leave it blank — you can add it later if needed. Double-check all spelling, especially your name and date of birth, because errors here can delay your results.

Paying the fingerprinting fee

IdentoGO charges a fee for fingerprinting, usually between $10 and $15 depending on your state and the type of background check requested. Some employers or agencies cover this cost and provide you with a code to enter at checkout; others require you to pay out of pocket.

Payment happens on the website before your appointment is locked in. IdentoGO accepts credit cards and debit cards. Once you've paid, you'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details, location address, and a reference number. Save this email — you'll need the reference number when you arrive.

If you paid but your appointment was cancelled or you didn't show up, refund policies vary by state. Contact IdentoGO customer service through their website to ask about your specific situation.

What to bring and what to expect on the day

Bring one valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. IdentoGO will not fingerprint you without it, so if you forget your ID, you'll have to reschedule. Bring the ID in your name — the name on your ID must match the name you used to book the appointment.

Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. The technician will verify your identity, have you sign a consent form, and take your fingerprints digitally using a scanner. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your fingerprints are captured electronically and transmitted immediately to the system.

You don't need to bring anything else — no forms to fill out, no documents to submit. The technician handles everything. If you have questions about why your fingerprints were requested or what they'll be used for, ask before you leave, though the technician may not have those details.

Receiving your results and what happens next

Within a few business days, you'll receive an email at the address you used to create your account. The email will contain your fingerprint results or a link to download them. Results are also automatically sent to the agency or employer that requested your fingerprints — you don't have to forward them yourself.

If you don't receive an email within a week, log into your IdentoGO account and check the status of your appointment. Sometimes results are delayed if the fingerprints didn't scan clearly and need to be retaken. If that's the case, IdentoGO will contact you to reschedule.

Keep a copy of your fingerprint results for your records. Some employers or licensing boards ask you to provide proof that you were fingerprinted, and having the email or PDF makes that easy.

Rescheduling or cancelling your appointment

If you need to change your appointment time or location, log into your IdentoGO account and look for the option to reschedule. You can change your appointment up to 24 hours before it's scheduled. After that window closes, you'll need to cancel and book a new one.

To cancel, go to your account, find the appointment, and select cancel. If you cancel more than 24 hours before your appointment, you should receive a refund to the card you used to pay. If you cancel within 24 hours or don't show up, refund policies depend on your state — some allow one free cancellation, others don't refund at all.

If you miss your appointment and need to reschedule, you'll have to pay the fee again. It's worth setting a phone reminder the day before so you don't forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my state doesn't use IdentoGO?

A handful of states run their own fingerprinting systems through state police or county sheriff's offices. Contact the agency that requested your fingerprints — they'll tell you where to go. Some states use both IdentoGO and state-run locations, so you may have a choice.

Can someone else pick up my fingerprint results for me?

No. Results are emailed only to the address on your account and sent directly to the requesting agency. You can't have them mailed to you or given to another person at the location. If you need a copy for your own records, download it from your email.

What if the fingerprint scanner didn't work and I have to go back?

If your fingerprints didn't scan clearly, IdentoGO will email you asking you to return for a free retake. You don't pay again. Schedule a new appointment through your account or call the location directly to find out when they can fit you in.

Do I need to print anything before I go to my appointment?

No. Bring your ID and your confirmation email or reference number on your phone. The technician has access to all your information through the IdentoGO system and doesn't need printed forms.

How long do fingerprint results stay valid?

That depends on who requested them. Most employers and licensing boards accept results that are less than a year old. Court orders and some government positions may have different rules. Ask the agency that requested your fingerprints how long they're good for.

This guide is general information, not professional advice. Offices and providers set their own rules, so check the details with the one you’re seeing. See our Editorial Policy.