What Is FBI Fingerprinting?
FBI fingerprinting is a biometric background check that involves submitting your fingerprints to the FBI to access your criminal history record. It’s commonly required for employment, immigration, or professional licensing purposes. The process ensures you are vetted through federal criminal databases for any past convictions or offenses.
Unlike a basic background check, FBI fingerprinting is more comprehensive. It accesses records maintained by the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division of the FBI. This database includes arrests, federal crimes, and even records from participating state law enforcement agencies.
Why You Need FBI Fingerprinting
FBI fingerprinting provides a trustworthy, national-level check of an individual’s criminal history. Many employers, federal agencies, and licensing boards rely on it to:
- Verify identity
- Ensure public safety
- Fulfill legal or regulatory requirements
- Screen applicants for sensitive roles
- Comply with government mandates
This process is especially crucial for individuals entering fields such as education, healthcare, childcare, and law enforcement—sectors where safety and trust are non-negotiable.
Who Requires FBI Fingerprinting?
You may need FBI fingerprinting for:
- Federal employment or contractors
- State and local government jobs
- Immigration and naturalization processes
- Adoption or foster parenting applications
- Licensing for healthcare, legal, education, finance & real estate
- Out-of-country travel, residency permits, or visa applications
Colleges, law schools, and even volunteer organizations may also request FBI fingerprint background checks to ensure safety and compliance.
The FBI Fingerprinting Process Explained
Here’s what to expect when you schedule FBI fingerprinting at PDX Fingerprinting:
- Appointment Booking – Use our easy online scheduling system or walk in during business hours.
- Identity Verification – Bring a valid government-issued photo ID such as a passport or driver’s license.
- Fingerprint Capture – We collect your fingerprints using Live Scan or traditional ink methods depending on your needs.
- Submission – Your prints are submitted securely to the FBI either electronically or by mailing ink cards.
- Results Delivery – You’ll receive your FBI background check results digitally or via mail in just a few days (or weeks, for ink submissions).
We guide you through every step to ensure accurate and fast processing.
Live Scan vs. Ink Fingerprinting
Depending on your use case, you’ll need one of the following:
| Method | Best For | Notes |
| Live Scan | Faster results, digital submission | Most commonly used for jobs & licenses |
| Ink Cards | Out-of-state or international applications | Required by certain government agencies |
At PDX Fingerprinting, we offer both Live Scan and ink fingerprinting—so you’re covered regardless of your needs.
Live Scan is ideal for quick turnarounds and is widely accepted by domestic employers and licensing boards. Ink fingerprinting, however, remains the gold standard for many international, government, or immigration-related processes.
How Long Do Results Take?
Most FBI fingerprint background checks take 1 to 5 business days if submitted electronically. Ink card submissions may take 2 to 6 weeks depending on mail service and processing volume.
PDX Fingerprinting prioritizes secure and timely submission of all fingerprint data, ensuring you meet deadlines for job applications, visas, or certifications without delay.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure smooth processing, avoid these common errors:
- Submitting smudged or incomplete prints
- Using an expired ID for identity verification
- Selecting the wrong reason code for your submission
- Not checking with the requesting agency whether ink or Live Scan is required
Our staff at PDX Fingerprinting double-checks every detail to prevent these issues.
FAQs
Q: How do I know which type of fingerprinting I need?
A: Check with your employer or agency—some require Live Scan, others need ink cards.
Q: Can I use FBI fingerprint results for multiple purposes?
A: Usually not. Most results are tied to a specific reason code (e.g., employment or immigration).
Q: Is FBI fingerprinting the same as a state background check?
A: No. FBI checks are nationwide and include federal data, whereas state checks are more limited.
Q: Do I need an appointment?
A: Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome at PDX Fingerprinting.
Q: Will the results be mailed to me or sent directly to the agency?
A: That depends on the reason for fingerprinting. We’ll clarify this with you before submission.
Summary
FBI fingerprinting is essential for anyone applying for jobs, visas, or licenses that require a thorough criminal background check. At PDX Fingerprinting, we provide fast, reliable FBI fingerprinting services—both ink and Live Scan—to meet your needs.
With same-day appointments, certified staff, and experience handling federal and international requirements, we’re your trusted partner for fingerprint-based background checks in Portland and beyond. Need FBI fingerprinting for employment, immigration, or licensing? Book your appointment today at PDX Fingerprinting or visit our office for fast and secure service.
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