How long fingerprint results take depends less on the fingerprinting itself and more on who is processing them and how they are sent. Electronic submissions can come back in a day or two; mailed ink cards can take weeks. Here are realistic 2026 timelines and how to avoid delays.
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.
Typical timelines in 2026
| Type of check | How prints are sent | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Your own FBI Identity History Summary | Electronic (after USPS or a provider) | About 48 hours to a few days |
| Your own FBI Identity History Summary | Mailed FD-1164 / FD-258 card | Up to about 2 weeks plus mail time |
| Licensing board using ink cards (out of state) | Mailed cards | Often several weeks |
| California board, out-of-state hard cards | Mailed cards | About 6 weeks (Medical Board of California) |
Sources: FBI, Medical Board of California.
What slows results down
- Rejected prints: smudged or low-quality prints mean starting over. See what to do if your prints are rejected.
- Wrong codes: a missing or incorrect ORI or reason code sends prints to the wrong place.
- Mail: paper cards add shipping time both ways.
- A record that needs review: if something shows up, the agency may take longer to decide.
- Agency backlogs: licensing boards and state units have their own queues.
How to get results faster
- Choose electronic (Live Scan) prints whenever the agency allows it.
- Double-check the card or code before your appointment.
- Use a provider who checks print quality before you leave.
- For use abroad, plan extra time for the apostille. See how long an FBI apostille takes.
Timelines by type of check
- FBI record requested electronically: often a few business days after your prints are submitted.
- FBI record requested by mail: several weeks or more, plus mailing time.
- State Live Scan for an employer or license: often a few days, but results go to the agency, not to you.
- Ink cards mailed to a licensing board: depends on the board’s own processing time, often several weeks.
- FBI report with apostille: add the U.S. Department of State’s processing time on top of the FBI results.
What to do if results are taking too long
- Check that your prints were not rejected. A rejection restarts the clock.
- Contact the agency that requested the check, not the fingerprinting office, since results go to them.
- Have your confirmation number, ORI or tracking number ready when you call.
- If you need to be printed again, book an appointment and bring any rejection notice.
Why prints get rejected (and how to avoid it)
- Smudged or faint prints from dry or worn skin
- Missing information on the card or form
- The wrong ORI number or card type
- Cards that are folded, damaged or filled in with the wrong ink
Our technicians check every print before you leave, which avoids most rejections. If you do get a rejection notice, bring it with you and book a new appointment. Read what to do if your prints are rejected.
Frequently asked questions
Who sends me the results?
For your own FBI check, the FBI sends them to you. For employer or licensing checks, results go to the agency, not to you.
Can I track my results?
For your own FBI check, you can check status in the FBI’s online system. For agency checks, ask the agency.
Can I pay to speed it up?
The FBI says you can’t pay extra for faster processing of a mailed request. Electronic submission is the main way to save time. See our expedited FBI background check.
