How to Schedule and Prepare for Your Fingerprinting Appointment

Where to book your fingerprinting appointment

Most fingerprinting appointments happen at an IdentoGO location, which is a network of service centers run by IDEMIA. You find your nearest location and book directly through their website or by phone. IdentoGO operates in most states, though some states use their own fingerprinting vendors instead — your state's police or licensing board website will tell you which service you need to use.

Some appointments can also be booked through your local police department, sheriff's office, or a courthouse, depending on what the fingerprints are for. If you're fingerprinting for a job, a license, or a background check, ask the organization requesting the prints which vendor they accept — they may have a specific requirement or a list of approved locations.

Once you know where to go, book as soon as you can. IdentoGO locations often have openings within a few days, but during busy seasons (summer, early fall) you may wait a week or two. Some locations let you book online; others require a phone call.

Key Takeaways

• IdentoGO is the largest fingerprinting network in the United States, and you book directly through their website or by phone for your nearest location.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID — because the technician must verify your identity before taking your prints.
• The appointment itself takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you receive a receipt on the spot that proves you were fingerprinted.
• Fingerprints are typically sent electronically to the agency that requested them within one to three business days.
• If your prints are rejected as unclear, the location will contact you to schedule a free re-scan rather than charging you again.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring one valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license works best because it has your current address, but a passport, state ID card, or military ID are also accepted. The technician will not fingerprint you without it — they need to confirm your identity matches the request form.

Bring the paperwork or reference number that came with your fingerprinting request. If an employer, court, or licensing board sent you a form or email telling you to get fingerprinted, bring that with you or have the reference number ready. If you don't have it, the IdentoGO staff can usually look you up by name and date of birth, but having the paperwork speeds things up.

Wear clean, dry hands. Dirt, lotion, or wet hands can make your prints unclear, and you may have to come back. Wash your hands just before you go in, but dry them completely.

What happens during the appointment

The technician will check your ID, confirm your name and date of birth, and ask what the fingerprints are for (employment, licensing, background check, etc.). They'll then scan your fingerprints digitally using a machine — no ink, no mess. You place each finger on a glass scanner one at a time, and the machine captures the print electronically.

The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes. The technician will review the scans on the spot to make sure all 10 fingers came through clearly. If one or two are blurry, they'll re-scan those fingers right then. If most of your prints are unclear, they may ask you to come back another day when your hands are in better condition.

Once the scan is complete, you'll receive a receipt showing the date, time, and confirmation that your fingerprints were captured. Keep this receipt — some employers or agencies ask to see proof that you were fingerprinted. The technician will also tell you how long it typically takes for the prints to reach the requesting agency (usually one to three business days).

How fingerprints are sent and processed

IdentoGO sends your fingerprints electronically to the agency that requested them — your employer's background check company, the state licensing board, the court, or whoever initiated the request. You don't send them yourself; the location handles the transmission.

Processing time varies. Most agencies receive the prints within one to three business days. Some background check companies process them the same day; others take a week. The requesting organization will contact you directly once they have the results, so don't expect IdentoGO to tell you when you're cleared.

If there's a problem — the prints didn't transmit, the agency didn't receive them, or the prints were too unclear — IdentoGO or the requesting organization will contact you. You won't be charged for a re-scan if the prints are rejected as unreadable.

What to do if you can't make your appointment

If you need to reschedule, contact the IdentoGO location directly as soon as you know you can't make it. Most locations let you cancel or move your appointment online or by phone with no penalty. Canceling ahead of time is important because some locations have waitlists, and your slot can go to someone else.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may lose your slot. Some locations will let you rebook immediately; others may require you to wait a few days before the next opening. Check your confirmation email or call ahead to understand the location's policy.

Costs and payment

IdentoGO charges a fee for fingerprinting, typically between $10 and $20 depending on your state and the type of fingerprinting (state background check, FBI clearance, etc.). Some employers cover this cost; others ask you to pay and reimburse you later. Ask your employer or the organization requesting the prints whether they cover the fee before you go.

Payment is usually cash or card at the location. Some locations let you pay online when you book; others take payment only in person. Check your confirmation details or call ahead to confirm what payment methods the location accepts.

If your fingerprints are rejected or unclear

If the technician tells you on the spot that your prints are too blurry to submit, they'll usually offer to re-scan you immediately at no extra charge. If that still doesn't work, they may ask you to come back another day when your hands are drier or in better condition.

If the prints are submitted but the receiving agency rejects them as unreadable, that agency will contact you directly and ask you to get re-fingerprinted. Again, you won't be charged for the second appointment. This happens occasionally with people who have very faint fingerprints, scars, or extremely dry or calloused hands — it's not a reflection on you, and a second scan usually works fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get fingerprinted at a police station instead of IdentoGO?

Some police departments and sheriff's offices offer fingerprinting, but not all, and many charge more than IdentoGO. Call your local police non-emergency line to ask if they fingerprint the public and what they charge. If they do, confirm that the requesting organization will accept prints from that location — some employers or agencies require IdentoGO or a specific vendor.

What if I have scars or very faint fingerprints?

Tell the technician before they start. They may adjust the scanner settings or ask you to moisturize your hands slightly to make the prints clearer. If your prints are naturally faint, the technician will do multiple scans to get the clearest version. Scars and faint prints are common and usually not a problem.

How long does it take to get the results back?

IdentoGO sends your prints to the requesting agency within one to three business days. The agency then processes them, which can take anywhere from the same day to two weeks depending on their workload. The requesting organization will contact you with the results, not IdentoGO.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Most IdentoGO locations require an appointment, though a few accept walk-ins during certain hours. Check the location's website or call to confirm their policy. Booking ahead is faster and guarantees your spot.

What if the agency that requested my fingerprints says they never received them?

Contact IdentoGO with your receipt and the date of your appointment. They can confirm whether the prints were transmitted and troubleshoot with the receiving agency. If there was a transmission error, IdentoGO will re-send them at no charge.