How to Book and Prepare for Your IdentoGO Fingerprint Appointment

What IdentoGO fingerprint appointments are and how to book one

IdentoGO is a fingerprinting service run by Idemia, a private company contracted by states and federal agencies to collect background check fingerprints. When you need fingerprints for a job, license, volunteer position, or government clearance, you will likely book an appointment at an IdentoGO location rather than a police station or courthouse.

To book an appointment, go to the IdentoGO website (identogo.com) and select your state. The site will show you available locations near your zip code and open time slots. You can book online immediately — no waiting list, no phone calls required. Most locations have appointments within a few days, though busy urban centers may be a week or two out.

You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment time, location address, and a barcode. Print the barcode or save it on your phone — you will need it when you arrive. The appointment itself takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Book your IdentoGO appointment online at identogo.com by selecting your state and choosing from available time slots at nearby locations.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) — this is the only document you must have.
• The fingerprinting process takes 10 to 15 minutes and produces digital scans sent directly to the agency that requested them.
• Costs vary by state and by the type of background check, ranging from roughly $10 to $100, and you pay at the location on the day of your appointment.
• If you miss your appointment, you can book a new one online immediately without penalty.

What to bring and what to expect on the day

Bring one valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, or passport will work. IdentoGO will not fingerprint you without it. Bring nothing else — no documents, no paperwork, no forms. The technician will handle everything.

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and show your confirmation barcode (printed or on your phone). You will wait a few minutes, then a technician will call you back to a private booth. They will ask you to place each finger on a digital scanner, one at a time. The scanner captures high-resolution images. The whole process is painless and takes about 10 minutes.

After your fingerprints are scanned, you are done. The technician will tell you the prints have been sent to the requesting agency — usually within 24 hours. You do not receive a copy; the agency receives the digital file directly. If you need proof you were fingerprinted, ask for a receipt before you leave.

How much IdentoGO appointments cost and when you pay

The cost depends on your state and the type of background check. A standard criminal background check typically costs between $10 and $25. FBI fingerprint cards for federal jobs, security clearances, or professional licenses cost more — often $50 to $100. Some states bundle multiple background checks into one appointment at a higher price.

You pay at the IdentoGO location on the day of your appointment, not when you book online. Payment methods vary by location but usually include cash, card, and check. Ask the technician for an itemized receipt so you know exactly what was charged and can report it to your employer or the agency that sent you.

If your employer, school, or government agency is paying for the fingerprinting, they may provide you with a voucher code. Enter this code when you book online, and the cost will be billed to them instead of to you. Check your appointment confirmation to see whether a voucher was applied.

What happens after your appointment

Your fingerprints are transmitted electronically to the agency that requested them — usually the state police, FBI, or a licensing board. Transmission happens within 24 hours of your appointment. You do not need to do anything; the technician handles it.

The agency then runs the background check, which takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the type of check and how busy the agency is. You will hear back from the agency directly, not from IdentoGO. If you have not heard anything after three weeks, contact the agency that sent you for fingerprinting — they can tell you the status.

If the background check comes back with a problem — a record match, a name discrepancy, or unclear prints — the agency will contact you. You may be asked to return for a second fingerprinting. IdentoGO can usually fit you in within a few days at no additional charge if the prints were unclear on their end.

Choosing the right IdentoGO location and time

IdentoGO has thousands of locations across the United States, usually in shopping centers, strip malls, or office parks. When you search on identogo.com, the site shows you all locations within 25 miles of your zip code, sorted by distance. Pick the one closest to you unless another location has better hours or sooner availability.

Hours vary widely. Some locations are open early morning (7 or 8 a.m.) and stay open until evening (6 or 7 p.m.). Others have limited hours — perhaps 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check the hours before you book, especially if you need an appointment before or after work. Weekend appointments are available at many locations but book up faster.

If you live in a rural area with no nearby IdentoGO location, you may be able to use a county sheriff's office or state police barracks for fingerprinting instead. Call your county sheriff's office to ask whether they offer this service and what it costs.

What to do if you cannot make your appointment

If you need to reschedule, log back into identogo.com, find your appointment, and cancel it. You can then book a new appointment at any time. There is no penalty for canceling, and you do not lose any money. If you paid with a voucher code, it remains valid for your new appointment.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will not be charged a no-show fee, but you will need to book a new appointment to get fingerprinted. The sooner you book, the sooner the background check can move forward.

If you arrive late to your appointment, call the location immediately. Many locations will still see you if you are only 10 or 15 minutes late, but do not assume — ask. If they cannot take you, cancel and rebook for another time.

Common issues and how to handle them

If your fingerprints are rejected as unclear or unreadable, IdentoGO will contact you (or the requesting agency will contact you) to schedule a second appointment. This happens occasionally with people who have very faint fingerprints, scars, or arthritis. The second appointment is usually free if IdentoGO determined the prints were unclear. Bring the same ID and arrive at the same time as your first appointment.

If you were fingerprinted but the background check comes back with a name mismatch or record that is not yours, contact the agency that ran the check, not IdentoGO. The agency can investigate and correct the record. Bring your ID and any documents that prove your identity (birth certificate, passport, or court order if you changed your name).

If you booked an appointment but the location closed or moved, identogo.com will notify you by email and offer you a new appointment at a nearby location. Check your email after booking to make sure you have the correct address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk in without an appointment, or do I have to book online?

Most IdentoGO locations accept walk-ins, but wait times can be 30 minutes to an hour during busy times. Booking online guarantees your time slot and is faster. If you need fingerprints urgently, book the earliest available appointment rather than hoping a walk-in will be quick.

What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?

IdentoGO requires a valid government-issued photo ID and will not fingerprint you without one. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, get a state ID from your DMV first. This usually takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state.

Do I need to bring the paperwork from my employer or the agency that sent me?

No. The agency that needs your fingerprints has already set up your appointment in the IdentoGO system using your name and date of birth. The technician will look you up by ID. Bring your ID and your confirmation barcode, and that is all you need.

How long does it take to get my background check results?

Fingerprints are sent to the requesting agency within 24 hours of your appointment. The agency then runs the background check, which takes anywhere from three days to several weeks depending on the type of check and the agency's workload. The agency will contact you directly with results.

Can I get a copy of my fingerprints after the appointment?

IdentoGO does not provide copies of your fingerprints to you. The digital file goes directly to the requesting agency. If you need a copy for your own records, ask the agency that ran the background check whether they can provide one.