An FBI fingerprint background check and a “regular” (name-based) background check answer different questions. One matches your fingerprints against FBI records nationwide; the other searches databases and court records by your name and date of birth. Knowing which one you need saves time and money.
Need this done in the Portland area? PDX Fingerprinting offers FBI background check fingerprinting at our Beaverton, Hillsboro and Lake Oswego offices, plus mobile service across the Portland metro. Book an appointment online.
The difference at a glance
| FBI fingerprint check | Regular (name-based) check | |
|---|---|---|
| How it searches | Your fingerprints matched against FBI records | Your name, date of birth and sometimes SSN |
| Who usually asks for it | Licensing boards, government agencies, immigration abroad, FINRA, healthcare and childcare | Most private employers, landlords, volunteer groups |
| Coverage | Arrests reported to the FBI by agencies nationwide, with outcomes when reported | Depends on the vendor: county courts, state records, databases |
| Mistaken identity risk | Low, because fingerprints are unique | Higher, especially with common names |
| Extra information | Criminal history only | Can include employment, education, credit (with consent), driving record |
| Who can request | The person, or an authorized agency | Employers and screening companies, with your consent |
When you need an FBI fingerprint check
- A professional license (nursing, teaching, securities, real estate in many states)
- Moving, working or getting a visa in another country
- Adoption and foster care
- Federal jobs and security-sensitive positions
- Checking your own record before applying for something important
In these cases a name-based report will not be accepted. See our guides for nursing licenses, FINRA and immigration.
When a regular check is enough
Most private employers and landlords use a screening company that runs a name-based search. You don’t need to get fingerprinted for these; the company handles it with your consent. If the result says “Consider,” read what “Consider” means on a background check.
Which is more accurate?
Fingerprint checks are better at confirming who a record belongs to, so mix-ups between people with similar names are rare. But they only include what agencies reported with fingerprints, so an arrest with no reported outcome can look worse than it was. Name-based checks may find local court cases that were never fingerprinted, but they are more prone to mistaken identity.
Cost and turnaround compared
- FBI fingerprint check: requires an appointment to be fingerprinted. Electronic results often come back within days. Our complete FBI check is $135.
- Name-based check: can be run online without fingerprints and is often fast, but depends on which databases the screening company searches.
Your rights with each type
Name-based checks run by employers through screening companies are “consumer reports” under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The employer must get your written permission first, and if they plan to reject you because of the report, they must give you a copy and a chance to respond.
Fingerprint checks for licenses and government jobs follow their own rules. You can always request your own FBI record to see exactly what it says. See how to read your FBI report.
Which one will my employer use?
- Healthcare, schools, childcare, finance, government and security jobs usually require fingerprints.
- Most other private employers use name-based checks from a screening company.
- If you are not sure, ask HR whether you need to be fingerprinted and which form or code to bring.
Can I get both?
Yes. Some employers run a name-based check and a fingerprint check. If you want to know what your FBI record says before you apply, request your own copy through our FBI background check service.
Frequently asked questions
Is an FBI background check the same as a state background check?
No. A state check, like an Oregon State Police check, covers that state’s records. The FBI check covers records reported nationwide.
How long does an FBI fingerprint check take?
Electronic submissions often come back within days; mailed ink cards take longer. See how long fingerprints take to come back.
Can I get both?
Yes. Many people get their own FBI check first, then let an employer run its usual screening.
