How to Schedule Your Fingerprint Appointment

Where to schedule depends on what the fingerprints are for

Most fingerprint appointments in the United States go through IdentoGO, which operates fingerprinting centers in all 50 states. IdentoGO handles prints for background checks required by employers, licensing boards, and government agencies. You schedule directly through their website or by phone — there is no application process, just a booking system.

Some states and counties run their own fingerprinting services separate from IdentoGO. If you are getting prints done for a state licensing board, a local police department, or a court order, call that specific agency first to find out whether they use IdentoGO or operate their own service.

A few employers and organizations run in-house fingerprinting, usually for positions that require federal background checks. If your employer mentioned fingerprints, ask them directly whether they have a vendor or whether you need to schedule through IdentoGO.

Key Takeaways

• IdentoGO lets you book online at identogo.com or by calling 1-844-467-2080, and you can usually find an appointment within a few days.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID — to your appointment; without it you will not be fingerprinted.
• The appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you receive a receipt on the spot that you can send to whoever requested the prints.
• If your state or local agency runs its own fingerprinting service, call them before booking through IdentoGO, because some require you to use their system instead.

How to book through IdentoGO online

Go to identogo.com and select your state from the dropdown menu. The site will show you all IdentoGO locations near your address, along with available appointment times. You can filter by date and time of day to find a slot that works for you.

Click on a location and time slot to reserve it. You will be asked to enter your name, date of birth, email address, and phone number. IdentoGO will send you a confirmation email with your appointment details, a barcode, and instructions on what to bring. Save this email or print the barcode — you will need it at the appointment.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to book by phone, call IdentoGO at 1-844-467-2080. A representative can search for available times and book you over the phone. They will confirm your appointment details verbally and send a confirmation to your email.

What to bring to your fingerprint appointment

Bring one valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or U.S. passport all work. Military ID, tribal ID, and some other government documents are also accepted — IdentoGO's website lists all acceptable forms. Without a photo ID, the center will not fingerprint you and you will need to reschedule.

Bring the confirmation email or barcode from your booking. This tells the staff which agency requested your prints and what type of background check is needed. If you printed the barcode, bring that. If you have it on your phone, that works too.

Bring any paperwork the requesting agency gave you. If an employer, licensing board, or court sent you a form or letter mentioning fingerprints, bring it along. The staff may not need it, but having it prevents delays if there are questions about which prints you need.

What happens at the appointment

Check in at the front desk and show your ID and confirmation barcode. The staff will verify your identity and pull up your appointment details. They will ask you to confirm your name, date of birth, and the agency that requested the prints.

A technician will take your fingerprints using a digital scanner. They will roll each finger across the scanner one at a time, then scan your palms if required. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes. The technician will check the scans on the spot to make sure they are clear enough. If a finger did not scan well, they will rescan it.

Once the scan is complete, you will receive a receipt with a confirmation number. This receipt proves you were fingerprinted. Keep it — you may need to show it to your employer or the requesting agency as proof that you completed the appointment. IdentoGO also sends the prints electronically to the agency that requested them, usually within one to three business days.

If you need to reschedule or cancel

Log back into identogo.com with the email address you used to book, find your appointment, and select the option to reschedule or cancel. You can move your appointment to a different date or time, or cancel it entirely. If you cancel, you can book a new appointment whenever you are ready.

If you booked by phone and need to change your appointment, call IdentoGO at 1-844-467-2080 and have your confirmation number ready. A representative can reschedule you or cancel your booking.

Most IdentoGO locations allow you to reschedule up until a few hours before your appointment. If you cancel very close to your appointment time, you may not be able to rebook immediately, but you can schedule a new appointment for a later date.

What to do if your state or county runs its own fingerprinting service

Some states require fingerprints to be taken at a specific government office rather than through IdentoGO. This is common for state licensing boards, court-ordered background checks, and some law enforcement purposes. Call the agency that requested your fingerprints and ask whether they use IdentoGO or have their own service.

If they run their own service, they will tell you where to go, what hours they are open, and what to bring. Some state services require you to book an appointment online or by phone, while others operate on a walk-in basis. Follow their instructions exactly, because using the wrong service means your prints will not reach the right place.

A few counties also run fingerprinting through their sheriff's office or police department. Again, call the requesting agency first — they will direct you to the correct location and tell you how to schedule.

Common reasons appointments get delayed or rejected

The most common reason an appointment is cancelled is a missing or invalid ID. If your ID is expired, damaged, or not a government-issued photo ID, the center will turn you away. Bring a valid ID that is not damaged and that clearly shows your photo and name.

Poor fingerprint scans can also cause delays. If your fingers are very dry, very wet, or have calluses or scars, the scanner may struggle to capture a clear print. Wash your hands before the appointment and dry them completely. If the technician has trouble, they will try multiple times or ask you to come back when your hands are in better condition.

Mismatched information between your booking and your ID can also cause problems. Make sure the name and date of birth you enter when booking match exactly what is on your ID. If they do not match, the appointment may be cancelled or delayed while staff verify your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my fingerprint results back?

IdentoGO sends your prints electronically to the requesting agency within one to three business days. The agency then processes the background check, which can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the type of check and how busy they are. Ask the agency that requested your prints for their typical timeline.

Can I schedule a fingerprint appointment for someone else?

No. The person being fingerprinted must show up in person with a valid photo ID. You cannot have someone else go to the appointment in their place. If someone else needs fingerprints, they will need to schedule their own appointment.

What if I miss my appointment?

If you miss your appointment, you will need to reschedule. Log into identogo.com or call 1-844-467-2080 to book a new time. There is no penalty for missing an appointment, but you will need to go through the booking process again.

Do I have to pay for fingerprinting?

IdentoGO charges a fee for fingerprinting, usually between $10 and $20 depending on your state and the type of background check. Some employers or agencies cover this cost, while others require you to pay. Ask the agency that requested your prints whether they will pay the fee or whether you are responsible for it.

Can I get my fingerprints done at a police station instead of IdentoGO?

Some police departments offer fingerprinting, but most do not do it for employment or licensing background checks. Call your local police department and ask whether they provide fingerprinting services. If they do, ask whether the prints will be accepted by the agency that requested them, because some agencies only accept prints from IdentoGO or other certified vendors.