How to Schedule and Prepare for Your USPS Fingerprinting Appointment

What happens at a USPS fingerprinting appointment

USPS fingerprinting appointments are for people who need FBI background checks — usually for employment, licensing, or volunteer work. The post office does not do the fingerprinting itself. Instead, USPS partners with a third-party vendor (often a company called Fieldprint or a similar contractor) to collect your fingerprints on-site at certain locations.

During the appointment, a technician will roll each of your fingers and thumbs onto a digital scanner or paper card. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a receipt with a tracking number, and the prints are sent to the FBI for processing. You do not receive results at the post office — results go directly to whoever requested the background check, or you can retrieve them yourself using your receipt number.

Not every post office offers fingerprinting. Only locations that have partnered with the vendor provide this service. If your local branch does not, you will be directed to the nearest one that does.

Key Takeaways

• USPS fingerprinting is performed by a contracted vendor at select post office locations, not by postal staff.
• You must schedule an appointment in advance through the vendor's website or phone line — walk-ins are not accepted.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and know the reason code for your background check request.
• The fingerprinting itself takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you receive a receipt with a tracking number on the same day.
• Results are sent to the requesting organization or can be retrieved online using your receipt number and PIN.

How to find and book your appointment

Start by visiting the USPS website and searching for "fingerprinting services near me" or going directly to the vendor's scheduling portal. Fieldprint is the most common contractor, and their site lets you enter your ZIP code to see which post offices in your area offer appointments. You can also call your local post office and ask which vendor they use, then contact that vendor directly.

When you book, you will need to provide basic information: your full name, date of birth, and the reason for the background check. The reason code matters — it tells the FBI which type of check to run. Common codes include employment, volunteer work, licensing, or adoption. If you are unsure of your code, the organization requesting the check should have provided it.

Appointments fill up, especially in urban areas. Book as soon as you know you need fingerprinting. If no slots are open near you, check again in a few days — cancellations happen regularly.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring one valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The ID must not be expired. If your ID does not match the name you used to book the appointment, bring a document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Bring your receipt number or confirmation email from when you booked. Have the reason code for your background check ready, in case the technician needs to verify it. If someone else requested the check on your behalf, you do not need paperwork from them — just your ID and booking confirmation.

Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. Bring a pen in case you need to sign anything, though most vendors now use digital signatures.

Timing: how long results take

The fingerprinting itself is quick — 10 to 15 minutes. But the wait for results depends on the FBI's processing queue. Standard processing takes 2 to 4 weeks. During busy periods or holidays, it can stretch to 6 weeks or longer. Expedited processing is sometimes available for an extra fee, but not all vendors offer it.

You will receive a receipt with a tracking number and a PIN. Use these to check your results online through the vendor's portal or the FBI's system. Some organizations set up the background check so results go directly to them instead of to you. If that is the case, ask the requesting organization how long they expect to receive the results.

Do not assume no news is bad news. Delays happen for reasons unrelated to you — FBI backlogs, mail delays, or data entry errors. If you have not heard anything after 6 weeks, contact the vendor using your tracking number.

What disqualifies you or causes delays

You cannot be fingerprinted if you do not have a valid photo ID. Expired IDs are not accepted. If your ID is lost or expired, reschedule after you renew it.

Delays often happen when your name on the appointment does not match your ID exactly. If you recently changed your name, bring the legal document proving the change. Fingerprint quality issues can also cause delays — if the scanner cannot read your prints clearly due to scars, calluses, or dirt, the technician may ask you to wash your hands and try again, or may take a paper card instead.

If the FBI finds a record under your name, they may flag it for manual review. This does not mean you failed — it means a human at the FBI needs to verify the information. This adds 1 to 3 weeks to processing time.

If you need to reschedule or cancel

Cancel or reschedule through the vendor's website or by calling them directly. Most vendors allow changes up to 24 hours before your appointment. If you cancel with less notice, you may lose your fee, depending on the vendor's policy.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will likely forfeit your fee and have to book and pay again. Mark your appointment on your calendar and set a phone reminder the day before.

What happens after you get your results

If results go to the requesting organization, they will contact you with next steps. If results come to you, download and print them immediately. Keep the PDF and a printed copy — some organizations want to see the original document with the official seal.

Results are usually valid for one year from the date of the fingerprinting, though some organizations have different rules. Check with whoever requested the check to confirm how long your results are good for.

If you need another background check for a different purpose within a year, you can use the same fingerprints. Contact the new requesting organization and ask if they can use your existing results. If not, you will need a new appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get fingerprinted at any post office?

No. Only post offices that have partnered with a fingerprinting vendor offer this service. Use the vendor's location search tool to find the nearest participating branch. If your local post office does not offer fingerprinting, the staff can tell you which one does.

What if I have scars or marks on my fingers?

Scars and marks do not disqualify you. The technician will note them on your record. If the scanner has trouble reading your prints due to severe scarring or calluses, the technician may take a paper card instead. Either way, the FBI can process your fingerprints.

Do I have to pay for fingerprinting?

Yes. USPS fingerprinting is not free. Fees vary by vendor and location but typically range from $10 to $20. Some vendors accept cash, card, or both — check when you book. The requesting organization may reimburse you, so ask them before you pay.

Can someone else pick up my results?

No. Results are confidential. You must retrieve them yourself using your receipt number and PIN, or authorize the requesting organization to receive them directly. The vendor will not release results to anyone else.

What if my results show a criminal record I did not know about?

Contact the FBI directly using the information on your results. You have the right to dispute inaccurate information. The FBI can correct records if the information is wrong or belongs to someone else. This process takes time, so start it as soon as you discover the error.