How to Schedule and Prepare for Your USPS Fingerprint Appointment

What happens at a USPS fingerprint appointment

USPS fingerprint appointments are for people who need official fingerprints taken for background checks, security clearances, employment, or other government purposes. A postal worker trained in fingerprinting will roll each of your fingers and thumbs onto a fingerprint card, scan them electronically, or both, depending on what the requesting agency requires.

The appointment itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You sit at a table, the postal worker inks your fingers or uses a digital scanner, and they record your prints on the form or system the agency specified. You receive a receipt or confirmation that the prints were submitted.

Not every post office offers fingerprinting. Only locations with trained staff and the right equipment can do it, so you may need to travel to a larger branch or a designated facility in your area.

Key Takeaways

• Call your local post office first to confirm they offer fingerprinting services, because many smaller branches do not.
• Bring the form or request letter from the agency that needs your fingerprints, along with a valid photo ID.
• Schedule your appointment in advance by phone or in person — walk-ins are usually not accepted for fingerprinting.
• Fingerprints are typically submitted directly to the requesting agency on the same day, so you do not take them with you.

How to find a USPS location that does fingerprinting

Start by calling the post office closest to you and ask whether they offer fingerprinting services. Have your ZIP code ready. If they do not, ask them which branch in your area does — they will know the nearest location that has trained staff.

You can also search USPS.com for post offices near you and call the ones listed. When you call, say "I need to schedule a fingerprint appointment" rather than asking if they do it — some staff may not immediately know the service exists, but saying it directly usually gets you to someone who does.

Larger post offices, especially those in city centers or federal buildings, are more likely to have fingerprinting available. Rural or very small branches often do not.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring the original form or request letter from the agency that needs your fingerprints. This might be an FBI form, a state police form, an employment background check form, or a letter from a government office. The postal worker needs to see what agency is requesting the prints and where to send them.

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The postal worker will check it to confirm your identity before taking your prints.

Wear clean hands and fingertips if possible. Dirt, lotion, or bandages can affect the quality of the prints, though the postal worker can clean your hands if needed. If you have very faint fingerprints due to age, work, or a medical condition, mention this when you call to schedule — the postal worker may need extra time or may recommend a digital scan instead of ink.

How to schedule your appointment

Call the post office that offers fingerprinting and ask for an appointment. Tell them the date and time that works for you. Most locations can schedule you within a few days to a week, though availability varies by branch.

Some post offices allow you to schedule in person if you visit the branch. Others require a phone call. Ask when you call whether they take walk-ins for fingerprinting — most do not, because the trained staff member may not be available at that moment.

Write down the date, time, and the name of the post office. Ask for the phone number in case you need to reschedule or confirm the appointment the day before.

What happens after your fingerprints are taken

The postal worker will submit your fingerprints directly to the agency listed on your form — you do not take them with you. They will give you a receipt or confirmation number showing that the prints were submitted and the date they were sent.

Keep this receipt. If the agency later says they did not receive your prints, you can contact the post office with the confirmation number and they can verify that the submission went through.

The time it takes for the agency to process your prints depends on the agency, not the post office. FBI fingerprints can take two to four weeks. Employment background checks vary widely. Contact the agency directly if you have not heard back after the timeframe they gave you.

If your post office cannot do fingerprinting

If no USPS location near you offers fingerprinting, you have other options. Many police departments, sheriff's offices, and state police barracks take fingerprints for a small fee — usually $10 to $25. Call your local police non-emergency line and ask where to go.

Some employers have their own fingerprinting equipment or contracts with third-party vendors. If you are being fingerprinted for a job, ask your employer whether they can arrange it.

Private fingerprinting services exist in most cities. Search "fingerprinting near me" or "live scan fingerprinting" in your area. These are faster than waiting for a post office appointment but usually cost $50 to $100.

Common reasons fingerprints are rejected

Fingerprints are sometimes rejected because the prints are too faint, smudged, or incomplete. If this happens, the agency will contact you or the post office and ask for a resubmission. You will need to schedule another appointment.

Prints can also be rejected if the form is filled out incorrectly — for example, if your name is spelled differently than it appears on your ID, or if the agency name on the form does not match where the prints are being sent. Check your form carefully before your appointment and ask the postal worker to review it with you.

If you have scars, very worn fingerprints, or other unusual features, tell the postal worker before they start. They may use a digital scanner instead of ink, which often works better in these cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my fingerprints taken the same day I call?

Rarely. Most post offices require you to schedule in advance because the fingerprinting staff member works specific hours or days. Call as soon as you know you need the appointment — many locations can fit you in within a few days.

What if I cannot make my scheduled appointment?

Call the post office and reschedule. There is no penalty for canceling or moving your appointment to a different time. If you are close to a deadline, let them know — they may be able to fit you in sooner.

Do I need to bring the original form or can I bring a copy?

Bring the original if you have it. If you only have a copy, call the post office first and ask whether a copy is acceptable. Some agencies require the original form to be submitted with the fingerprints.

How long does it take to get fingerprints back after my appointment?

The post office submits them the same day, but how long the requesting agency takes to process them varies. FBI prints typically take two to four weeks. Ask the agency for their expected timeline when you request the fingerprinting.

Can someone else pick up my fingerprints for me?

No. You must be present for the appointment because the postal worker needs to verify your identity and take your actual fingerprints. The prints are then submitted directly to the agency — you do not receive a copy to carry with you.