How to Schedule and Prepare for Your Fingerprint Appointment

What happens at a fingerprint appointment

A fingerprint appointment is where you go to have your fingerprints taken and recorded for a background check. The technician will roll each of your fingers and thumbs onto a digital scanner or paper card, depending on the location. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You walk out with a receipt or confirmation number, and your prints are sent to the FBI and your state's criminal history repository.

Most fingerprint appointments are done through IdentoGO, which operates fingerprinting centers in all 50 states. Some police departments, sheriff's offices, and courthouse locations also offer fingerprinting, but IdentoGO is the most common option for civilian background checks. The cost varies by state and by what the prints are for — typically between $15 and $50.

Key Takeaways

• You schedule a fingerprint appointment online through IdentoGO's website or by calling their customer service line, and you choose your location and time slot.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — or the appointment will be cancelled.
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, bring any paperwork the requesting agency sent you, and expect the process to take 15 to 30 minutes.
• After your appointment, your fingerprints go to the FBI and your state's criminal history system, and results are sent to whoever requested them — not to you directly.

How to schedule your appointment online

Go to the IdentoGO website and select your state from the dropdown menu. You will see a list of locations near you, with addresses, hours, and available time slots. Click on the location closest to you and pick a date and time that works. You will need to enter your name, date of birth, email address, and phone number. IdentoGO will send you a confirmation email with your appointment details and a barcode — save this or print it out.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to schedule by phone, call IdentoGO's customer service line. The number is on your state's IdentoGO page. Tell them your location preference and they will book you into the next available slot. They will give you a confirmation number over the phone — write it down.

Some states and counties also allow you to schedule through their own websites or by visiting a location in person and signing up for the next available time. Check with the agency that requested your fingerprints — they may have sent you a specific link or location to use.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. This means a driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID, or tribal ID. Without it, the appointment will be cancelled and you will have to reschedule. Bring the original ID — a photocopy will not work.

If the agency that requested your fingerprints sent you any paperwork — a form, a letter, a case number, or instructions — bring that too. Some agencies require you to bring a completed form to the appointment. If you are unsure, call the agency or check their website before you go.

Bring your confirmation email or confirmation number. Write it down or screenshot it on your phone. If you printed a barcode, bring that as well. The technician will scan it to pull up your appointment details.

What to expect on the day of your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The technician will check your ID, verify your name and date of birth, and ask you to confirm the reason for the fingerprints. They will ask you to wash your hands or use a hand wipe to clean your fingers — this helps the scanner read your prints clearly. If your fingers are very dry, cracked, or scarred, tell the technician; they may use a different method or ask you to come back on another day.

You will place each finger on the scanner one at a time, starting with your right hand. The scanner will beep or the technician will tell you when to lift your finger. Then they will do your left hand, and finally both thumbs. The whole process takes just a few minutes. If the scan does not come out clearly, they will rescan that finger.

After all 10 fingers are scanned, the technician will show you the image on the screen to confirm it looks good. You will sign a form confirming the prints are yours, and they will give you a receipt with a confirmation number. Keep this receipt — you may need it to check on your results later.

How long results take and where they go

Your fingerprints are sent electronically to the FBI and to your state's criminal history repository. The FBI typically responds within one to three business days. Your state may take longer — anywhere from a few days to two weeks, depending on the state and how busy they are.

Results are sent directly to the agency that requested your fingerprints, not to you. If you are the one who requested them — for a job, a volunteer position, or a professional license — the employer or licensing board will contact you with the results. If a court or government agency requested them, they will receive the results and notify you if needed.

If you need to check on your results, contact the agency that requested the fingerprints. They can tell you whether the results have arrived. Do not contact IdentoGO for results — they do not have access to them once they are sent out.

What to do if you cannot make your appointment

Cancel or reschedule through the IdentoGO website using your confirmation number, or call their customer service line. You can usually reschedule up to 24 hours before your appointment without penalty. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, some locations may charge a cancellation fee.

If you miss your appointment without cancelling, you may lose your fee and have to pay again to reschedule. Contact IdentoGO as soon as possible to explain and ask about rescheduling.

Common reasons appointments are cancelled or delayed

The most common reason is a missing or invalid ID. Bring your original government-issued photo ID — no exceptions. The second most common reason is unclear fingerprints due to dry skin, scars, or calluses. If you know your fingerprints are hard to read, wash your hands well before the appointment and ask the technician about alternatives.

Some appointments are delayed because the requesting agency sent incomplete information. If you received a form or case number from the agency, bring it with you. If you are unsure what to bring, call the agency before your appointment and ask what paperwork they sent.

Occasionally, the IdentoGO system goes down or a location closes unexpectedly. If you show up and the location is closed, call IdentoGO immediately to reschedule at a different location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else go to my fingerprint appointment for me?

No. You must be present in person, and you must bring your own ID. The technician will verify your identity before taking your prints. There is no exception to this rule.

What if I have scars or missing fingers?

Tell the technician when you arrive. They are trained to handle this and will do their best to get usable prints from the fingers you have. If they cannot get clear prints, they will document what happened and send the results anyway — the agency will know the reason.

Do I need to make an appointment or can I just walk in?

Most IdentoGO locations require an appointment and do not accept walk-ins. Some police departments and courthouse locations do walk-ins, but wait times can be long. Scheduling online or by phone is faster and guarantees your spot.

What if my fingerprints come back with a criminal history I did not know about?

Contact the agency that requested the fingerprints — they will explain what the results mean and what happens next. If you believe the results are wrong, you have the right to dispute them through your state's criminal history repository. The agency can tell you how to file a dispute.

How much does a fingerprint appointment cost?

The cost varies by state and by what the prints are for. Most appointments cost between $15 and $50. IdentoGO will tell you the fee when you schedule. Some agencies reimburse the fee; ask the agency that requested your prints.