Getting fingerprinted in Portland can cost anywhere from $15 to $295, depending on where you go and what is included. The cheapest card isn’t always the cheapest outcome: a rejected card, a missed ORI number or a six-week mail delay can cost far more than the fee. Here is how the main options compare in 2026.
Quick answer: For a simple ink card, a sheriff’s office is cheapest ($15–$33). For your own FBI record, USPS costs $50 plus the FBI’s $18 fee. For licensing, immigration, apostilles or anything time-sensitive, a full-service provider like PDX Fingerprinting ($35 per FD-258 card, $135 for a complete FBI background check) saves the most time and rework.
Portland fingerprinting price comparison (2026)
| Option | What it costs | What’s included | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clackamas County Sheriff | $15 per card | Ink/printed card only. Appointment required, Mon–Thu | Cheapest single card if you can make weekday hours |
| Washington County Sheriff | $33 | Printed cards only. Appointment required | Low cost, two cards |
| Oregon State Police (Salem) | $30 per card | Cards only; drive to Salem | People near Salem |
| USPS (select post offices) | $50 USPS fee + $18 FBI fee | Digital prints sent to the FBI for your own Identity History Summary only. FBI registration required first | Personal FBI record when a USPS site is nearby |
| PDX Fingerprinting | FD-258 card $35 (2nd card $30) · FBI background check $135 · FBI check + apostille $295 · Florida Live Scan $120 · Mobile from $250 (up to 2 people) | Card review before you leave, electronic FBI submission, out-of-state cards, apostille, mobile service | Licensing, immigration, apostilles, out-of-state cards, groups |
Sources: Clackamas County, Washington County Sheriff, PSU referral list (OSP fee), USPS Fingerprinting Services, FBI Identity History Summary, and our pricing page. Checked October 2026; government fees change, so confirm before you go.
The hidden costs nobody lists
1. The FBI fee is separate
Unless a provider submits for you, the FBI charges $18 for an Identity History Summary on top of the fingerprinting fee. Mailed cards take up to 15 days plus mail time; electronic submission after a USPS visit is about 48 hours.
2. Rejected cards mean paying twice
Smudged prints, the wrong reason code, missing ORI numbers or a folded card can all get a submission rejected. You pay to be printed again and lose weeks. See what to do if your FBI fingerprints are rejected.
3. Time off work
Sheriff’s offices run weekday-only hours, and most now require appointments. If you need to take half a day off, a $15 card can cost you far more in lost wages.
4. Apostilles and translations are extra steps
If your FBI check is going abroad, you’ll need an apostille from the U.S. Department of State. Doing it yourself means another mailing and another wait. Our FBI apostille service bundles the check and apostille for $295.
Which option should you choose?
- One ink card, no deadline: a sheriff’s office.
- Your own FBI record, simple U.S. use: USPS or PDX Fingerprinting’s FBI background check.
- Professional license (nursing, teaching, FINRA, out-of-state): a provider who checks the card before you leave. See Live Scan and ink fingerprinting.
- Visa, residency or work abroad: an FBI check with apostille.
- A team or office: mobile fingerprinting at your location.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest place to get fingerprinted in Portland?
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office lists $15 per card, by appointment, Monday through Thursday. Washington County Sheriff charges $33.
How much does USPS charge for fingerprints?
USPS charges $50, and the FBI’s $18 Identity History Summary fee is paid separately. USPS fingerprints can only be used for your own FBI record request, not for most licensing or employer programs. More detail in our USPS fingerprinting guide.
Is IdentoGO available in Portland?
IdentoGO enrollment centers serve specific programs such as TSA PreCheck and certain agency checks, and pricing is set by each program. If your agency gave you IdentoGO instructions, follow them. If not, any FBI-accepted provider can take your prints on the card your agency specifies.
Ready to skip the guesswork? Book an appointment at our Beaverton, Hillsboro or Lake Oswego office, or call 503-212-0678.
