USPS fingerprinting can only be used for one thing: requesting your own FBI Identity History Summary. If that is what you need, here is how the process works, what to bring, and when another option is faster.
Need this done in the Portland area? PDX Fingerprinting offers Live Scan and ink fingerprinting at our Beaverton, Hillsboro and Lake Oswego offices, plus mobile service across the Portland metro. Book an appointment online.
Do you need an appointment for USPS fingerprinting?
USPS requires you to register before you go. According to the USPS Fingerprinting Services page, you must first register with the FBI’s Identity History Summary program, then complete the USPS Fingerprinting Services registration form before visiting a participating Post Office. Only some Post Offices offer the service, so check the location list and call ahead.
What to bring
- A copy of your FBI Identity History Summary confirmation email
- One valid photo ID: state driver’s license, U.S. passport or passport card, or a Uniformed Services ID
- Payment for the USPS fee ($50); the FBI’s $18 fee is paid separately online
What USPS fingerprinting can’t do
- Ink FD-258 cards for licensing boards or out-of-state agencies
- Florida, FINRA, ATF/NFA or other agency-coded submissions
- SF-87 cards for federal jobs
- Apostilles or translations for use abroad
For any of these, you need a fingerprinting provider. Compare options in our Portland price comparison and USPS fingerprinting cost guide.
USPS vs. PDX Fingerprinting
| USPS | PDX Fingerprinting | |
|---|---|---|
| Use | Your own FBI record only | FBI checks, licensing, out-of-state cards, FINRA, ATF, SF-87 |
| Booking | Register with FBI and USPS first | Book online or call |
| Price | $50 + $18 FBI fee | FD-258 card $35; FBI background check $135 |
| Extras | None | Card review, apostille, translation, mobile service |
Faster options in the Portland area
- Same-day appointments: see same-day fingerprinting in Portland.
- Complete FBI check: we take your prints and submit your FBI request electronically ($135).
- FBI check with apostille: for visas and immigration abroad ($295).
- Mobile service: we come to you, from $250 for up to 2 people.
Common problems with USPS fingerprinting
- Arriving at a Post Office that does not offer fingerprinting
- Missing the FBI or USPS registration step before the visit
- Bringing ID that doesn’t match the name on the FBI request
- Needing prints for a job or license, which USPS cannot do
How USPS compares on cost and time
With USPS, you pay the FBI fee when you register and a separate USPS fingerprinting fee at the Post Office. Results come from the FBI, usually electronically. You also need to find a participating location and fit its hours.
At PDX Fingerprinting, our complete FBI background check is $135 and includes your fingerprints and the electronic submission, with same-day appointments at our Hillsboro, Beaverton and Lake Oswego offices. Read more in USPS fingerprinting cost.
Which option should you choose?
- Choose USPS if you only need your own FBI record, live near a participating Post Office and are comfortable registering online first.
- Choose a fingerprinting service if you need prints for a job, license, ink card or state Live Scan, or want help with forms, an apostille or a fast appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I walk in to a post office for fingerprints?
Plan on registering in advance and confirming that your Post Office offers the service. Walking in without the FBI confirmation and USPS registration usually won’t work.
How fast are USPS results?
The FBI says electronic results after a USPS visit typically come within about 48 hours.
Is there a faster local option?
Yes. We offer same-day appointments at our Beaverton, Hillsboro and Lake Oswego offices. Book here.
