Many people search for “USPS fingerprinting” when they need fingerprints for a background check. The Postal Service does offer fingerprinting, but only at participating Post Offices and only for one purpose: requesting your own FBI Identity History Summary (your FBI record). It can’t be used for most job, license or state background checks. Here is how it works, what it costs and when another option is faster.
Need fingerprints in the Portland area? PDX Fingerprinting takes Live Scan and ink fingerprints at our Hillsboro, Beaverton and Lake Oswego offices, with no FBI pre-registration needed. Book an appointment online.
Does USPS offer fingerprinting?
Yes, at select Post Offices. USPS works with the FBI to capture fingerprints electronically for people requesting their own FBI record. Not every Post Office offers the service, so you have to check the location list on the USPS Fingerprinting Services page before you go. For step-by-step details, see do you need an appointment for USPS fingerprinting.
What USPS fingerprinting can be used for
- Your personal FBI Identity History Summary, for example for a visa, immigration abroad, adoption, or to review your own record
- Personal record challenges, when you want to see and correct what the FBI has on file
What USPS fingerprinting can’t be used for
- Oregon or other state Live Scan background checks for employers, schools or licensing boards
- FD-258 ink cards that an agency asks you to mail in, such as ATF, FINRA or out-of-state licensing cards
- Florida (FDLE), California or other state-specific submissions
- Federal job cards, such as the SF-87
If your instructions mention an ORI number, a specific state system or a paper card, USPS is not the right option.
How USPS fingerprinting works
- Submit your FBI Identity History Summary request online with the FBI and pay the FBI fee.
- Complete the USPS Fingerprinting Services registration.
- Visit a participating Post Office with your confirmation and a valid photo ID.
- Your prints are captured electronically and sent to the FBI.
- Get your results from the FBI, usually electronically.
How much does USPS fingerprinting cost?
You pay two separate fees: the FBI’s fee for the Identity History Summary, and a USPS fingerprinting fee paid at the Post Office. Both can change, so check the FBI and USPS websites for the current amounts before you go.
USPS vs. a professional fingerprinting service
- Purpose: USPS is only for your personal FBI record. A fingerprinting service handles FBI checks, ink cards, state Live Scan and out-of-state cards.
- Locations and times: USPS is limited to participating Post Offices. We offer same-day appointments at three Portland-area offices, plus Saturday hours.
- Help with paperwork: postal staff take prints but can’t advise on forms. We check your card details and print quality before you leave.
- Apostille: if your FBI report is going abroad, we can take care of the FBI request and the apostille together.
Our prices
- FD-258 ink fingerprint card: $35 (each additional card $30)
- FBI background check, including fingerprints and submission: $135
- FBI background check with apostille: $295
- Florida Live Scan: $120
- Mobile fingerprinting: from $250 for up to 2 people
See full pricing.
Related reading
- Do you need an appointment for USPS fingerprinting?
- Can you get FBI fingerprinting at the post office?
- How much does fingerprinting cost?
- Same-day fingerprinting in Portland
Frequently asked questions
Can I walk in to a Post Office for fingerprints?
Usually not. You need to register with the FBI and USPS first, and only participating Post Offices offer the service. Call the location before you go.
Can USPS fingerprint me for a job or license?
No. USPS fingerprinting is only for your own FBI Identity History Summary. Employer and licensing checks go through state Live Scan or a mailed fingerprint card.
Does USPS do FD-258 ink cards?
No. If an agency sent you an FD-258 card, you need a fingerprinting service or law enforcement agency that rolls ink cards.
Is a professional service faster?
Often yes. We offer same-day appointments, and our FBI background check service submits electronically.
Need help in person? Learn more about our fingerprinting services in Portland.
