Learn About IdentoGO Fingerprinting Appointment Scheduling

Understanding IdentoGO and Its Purpose

IdentoGO is a fingerprinting service operated by IDEMIA, a private company contracted to provide background check fingerprinting across the United States. The service operates physical locations in many states where individuals can visit to have their fingerprints taken and submitted to federal and state agencies. IdentoGO fingerprinting is different from ink fingerprinting done at local police stations—it uses digital scanning technology that creates electronic records sent directly to law enforcement and government databases.

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The fingerprinting process through IdentoGO typically serves several purposes. Individuals may need fingerprinting for employment background checks, professional licensing, volunteer work with organizations that serve vulnerable populations, housing applications, firearm permits, adoption proceedings, immigration matters, or criminal justice purposes. State and federal agencies use these fingerprints to conduct criminal history checks, check sex offender registries, and verify identity information.

IdentoGO operates hundreds of service centers nationwide. The company maintains locations in states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin, among others. Each location has different hours of operation and capacity for appointments.

The service charges fees for fingerprinting, typically ranging from $15 to $50 depending on the type of background check needed and state regulations. Some employers or organizations requesting the fingerprinting may pay these fees directly. Understanding what IdentoGO offers and how it works can help individuals prepare for the appointment process and know what to expect.

Practical Takeaway: Before scheduling an IdentoGO appointment, determine why you need fingerprinting. Different purposes (employment, licensing, volunteering, permits) may require different types of fingerprint submissions and may have different fees. Contact the organization requesting your fingerprints to confirm IdentoGO is the correct service and to understand any specific requirements.

How to Find Your Nearest IdentoGO Location

Finding a convenient IdentoGO service center begins with using the official location finder tool on the IdentoGO website. The website provides a searchable database of all active service centers across the country. You can search by state, city, or zip code to identify nearby locations. The search results show the address, phone number, and hours of operation for each location.

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Each service center maintains its own schedule, and hours vary significantly between locations. Some centers operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, while others offer extended hours including evenings and Saturday appointments. A few locations may be open on Sunday. When searching for locations, note the hours listed, as many centers close for lunch breaks or have limited availability on certain days. Peak times are typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays, when wait times can be longer.

Geographic accessibility differs by region. Urban areas typically have multiple IdentoGO centers within a few miles of each other, giving residents choice in scheduling. Rural areas may have only one or two centers serving a large region, requiring individuals to travel 30 minutes to an hour or more. Some individuals travel to a neighboring county or even a different state if their local center has insufficient appointment availability.

When contacting a service center directly by phone, staff can provide information about current wait times, appointment availability for specific dates, whether walk-ins are accepted, and any location-specific procedures. Some centers prioritize appointment holders and discourage walk-ins during busy periods. Phone lines are often busiest in mid-morning hours, so calling early in the day or late afternoon may result in shorter wait times to speak with staff.

The IdentoGO website also provides information about whether fingerprinting must be performed in person—it always does. You cannot submit fingerprints remotely or by mail. This means geographic location matters when planning your appointment, and you must physically travel to a service center.

Practical Takeaway: Use the IdentoGO location finder on their website to search for centers in your area. Note the hours of operation and contact information for your nearest location. If your closest center has limited hours, check whether other centers within reasonable traveling distance offer times that work better for your schedule.

Steps to Schedule Your IdentoGO Appointment

IdentoGO offers multiple methods for scheduling appointments. The primary method is through the online appointment system on the IdentoGO website. The online scheduler allows you to select your state, choose a service location, pick a specific date and time from available slots, and receive confirmation immediately. The system typically displays appointment availability for dates 1 to 4 weeks in advance, though this varies by location and demand. Peak times fill faster than off-peak times, sometimes with only a few slots remaining during lunch hours and mid-to-late afternoons.

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If online scheduling does not work for your situation, you may phone the service center directly. When calling, have the following information ready: the reason you need fingerprinting, which state or states require the fingerprints to be submitted, your full legal name, date of birth, and your availability. Staff will provide available appointment times and confirm your scheduling. Some locations also allow appointment requests via email, though response times by email are typically longer than phone responses.

Walk-in appointments are sometimes accepted but are not guaranteed. Policies about walk-ins differ by location. During business hours when the center is not at capacity, walk-ins may be accommodated, though wait times can range from 30 minutes to several hours. Centers that are at maximum capacity will not accept walk-ins and will direct people to schedule appointments online or call to book. If you do not have a confirmed appointment, arriving early increases the likelihood of being seen the same day.

When you receive appointment confirmation, save the confirmation number provided. Write down the appointment date, time, location address, and any special instructions. Confirmation numbers can be used to reschedule or cancel appointments if your circumstances change. Most centers allow cancellations or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the appointment time without penalty.

The appointment process itself is relatively brief—typically 10 to 20 minutes from arrival to completion, assuming minimal wait time. Bring valid identification with you. Acceptable forms of ID include driver's licenses, state ID cards, passports, military IDs, and government-issued identification documents. If you do not have acceptable identification, contact the center beforehand, as they may have specific guidance for your situation.

Practical Takeaway: Use the online appointment scheduling system for the most convenient option, as it is available 24/7 and provides immediate confirmation. If online scheduling does not work for you, contact your nearest center by phone during their business hours. Whether scheduling online or by phone, confirm the date, time, location address, and any required documents before your appointment date.

What to Bring and How to Prepare for Your Appointment

Proper preparation can make your IdentoGO appointment smooth and efficient. The primary document you need is valid government-issued photo identification. Acceptable forms include a current driver's license, state-issued ID card, U.S. passport, military ID, or tribal ID for federally recognized tribes. The name on your ID should match the name on the fingerprinting request or authorization form. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or other legal proceedings, bring documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Acceptable name change documents vary by location, so contact your service center if you have questions about your specific situation.

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Bring any paperwork related to your fingerprinting request. If an employer, licensing board, court, or other organization gave you a form or letter requesting fingerprinting, bring this with you. The fingerprint technician may need to reference this paperwork to ensure the correct type of fingerprint submission is processed. If you do not have a specific form, you can typically inform the technician which state or federal agency requires the fingerprints, and they will know the standard procedures.

Before arriving, ensure your hands are clean but not wet or extremely dry. Dirt, lotion, or moisture on fingertips can affect the quality of the digital scan. If you have visible cuts, scars, or bandages on your fingers, the technician can still obtain your fingerprints but may need to note this in the record. Exceptionally calloused hands or certain skin conditions may cause scanning difficulties; if you have concerns, contact the center beforehand.