How to Book and Prepare for Your IdentoGO Fingerprinting Appointment

How to book an IdentoGO appointment

IdentoGO appointments are booked online through the official IdentoGO website or through your state's licensing or background check portal. You do not call a center directly to schedule — the online system is the only way to reserve a time slot.

Go to the IdentoGO website (identogo.com) or search for your state's fingerprinting requirements, which will direct you to the correct portal. You will need to enter the reason for your fingerprints (employment, licensing, volunteer work, etc.), your personal information, and your preferred location and date. The system shows available time slots in real time, so you can see what is open before you commit.

After you book, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment number, location address, and what to bring. Save this email or print the confirmation — you will need the appointment number when you arrive.

Key Takeaways

• Book your IdentoGO appointment online through identogo.com or your state's portal; calling a center will not get you a time slot.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your appointment confirmation number to every appointment.
• Appointments typically take 15 to 30 minutes, and results are usually sent to the requesting agency within one to two weeks.
• If you miss your appointment, you will need to book a new one through the same online system; no-shows are not automatically rescheduled.
• IdentoGO locations are open during standard business hours, but hours vary by location, so check your confirmation email for the specific center's schedule.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring one valid government-issued photo ID. This can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The name on your ID must match the name you used when booking your appointment. If your name has changed since your ID was issued, bring both your old ID and a document showing the legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Bring your appointment confirmation number. This is in the email you received when you booked. If you do not have the email, you can look up your appointment on the IdentoGO website using your name and date of birth, but having the confirmation number speeds up check-in.

Do not bring anything else. IdentoGO does not require documents related to your job, license application, or background check reason. The fingerprinting technician only needs to verify your identity and take your prints.

What happens during the appointment

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give your appointment confirmation number. The staff will verify your ID and confirm your personal information. This usually takes a few minutes.

A technician will then take your fingerprints using a digital scanner. This is painless and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The technician will scan each finger and your thumbs, and the machine captures the image immediately. If a print is unclear, the technician will rescan that finger. You will see the images on the screen to confirm they are readable.

Once the scan is complete, you are done. The technician will tell you how results will be delivered — usually directly to the agency that requested the fingerprints (your employer, licensing board, or background check company). You do not receive the results yourself in most cases.

How long results take and where they go

IdentoGO sends your fingerprints to the requesting agency within one to two business days of your appointment. The agency then processes them, which can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the type of background check and how busy the agency is.

You do not receive the fingerprint results directly from IdentoGO. Instead, the results go to whoever requested them — your employer, your state licensing board, a volunteer organization, or a background check company. That organization will contact you with the results or next steps.

If you need to know the status of your results, contact the agency that requested the fingerprints, not IdentoGO. IdentoGO can confirm that your appointment was completed and your prints were sent, but they do not track what happens after that.

If you need to reschedule or cancel

To reschedule or cancel, go back to the IdentoGO website or your state's portal and look for the option to manage your appointment. You will need your appointment number and date of birth. You can cancel and rebook for a different time slot without penalty.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will need to book a new one. There is no automatic rescheduling, and you may lose your original time slot. Some locations have a wait list, so booking a new appointment as soon as possible is important if you miss your scheduled time.

If you cannot find the reschedule option online, contact the specific IdentoGO location listed on your confirmation email. They can tell you whether they have open slots and may be able to help you move your appointment by phone, though online rescheduling is faster.

Cost and payment

IdentoGO charges a fee for fingerprinting, but the amount varies by state and by the type of background check. Some states charge $10 to $20 per set of prints; others charge more. A few states cover the cost for certain types of checks (such as volunteer background checks), while others do not.

Payment is usually made at the appointment location, either in cash or by card. The confirmation email will tell you the fee for your specific appointment. If you are unsure whether you have to pay or how much, contact the agency that requested the fingerprints — they can tell you whether the fee is your responsibility or theirs.

Common reasons your appointment might be delayed or rejected

The most common reason an appointment is canceled or delayed is a mismatch between the name on your ID and the name in the booking system. If you booked under a married name but your ID shows your maiden name, or vice versa, bring both documents and explain the change to the technician when you arrive. They can usually update the record on the spot.

Expired ID is another frequent issue. Your ID must be valid (not expired) to be accepted. If your ID expired recently, renew it before your appointment or bring an additional valid ID along with your expired one.

If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, some locations will not take you and will ask you to rebook. Check your confirmation email for the location's late-arrival policy. If you are running late, call the location directly (the number is on your confirmation) to ask whether they can still see you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else go to my appointment for me?

No. IdentoGO requires you to be present in person with a valid ID. The fingerprints must be taken from you directly, and the technician must verify your identity. No one can attend on your behalf or provide your fingerprints for you.

What if my fingerprints did not scan clearly?

The technician will rescan any finger that did not come through clearly during your appointment. If the prints still do not scan well (due to scars, very dry skin, or other factors), the technician will note this and send what they have to the requesting agency. The agency will decide whether to accept the prints or ask you to come back for another attempt.

How do I know if my results were received by my employer or licensing board?

Contact the employer or agency directly — they will tell you whether they received your fingerprints and what the results show. IdentoGO sends the prints but does not track whether the receiving end processed them. Your employer or licensing board is responsible for letting you know the outcome.

Can I book multiple IdentoGO appointments at once?

Yes, if you need fingerprints for different purposes (one job, one volunteer position, one license application), you can book separate appointments. Each appointment is a distinct booking with its own confirmation number and fee. You can schedule them on the same day at the same location if slots are available.

What if I booked the wrong location by mistake?

Cancel your current appointment through the online system and book a new one at the correct location. You will get a new appointment number and confirmation. There is no penalty for canceling and rebooking as long as you do it before your original appointment time.