Fingerprint Background Checks for Employers

Live Scan fingerprinting is a digital method of capturing your fingerprints using an electronic scanner instead of ink. Your fingerprints are taken and securely sent to authorized agencies like the FBI or state databases for background checks. It is fast, clean, and more accurate than traditional ink fingerprinting.

To get fingerprinted, you usually book an appointment at an authorized fingerprinting location. At your visit, your identity is verified, and your fingerprints are captured using a digital scanner. The data is then securely submitted to the required agency for processing, such as the FBI or state authorities.

Ink fingerprinting uses physical ink and paper to capture prints, which are then mailed for processing. Live Scan is digital and captures fingerprints electronically, sending them directly to agencies. Live Scan is faster, cleaner, and more accurate, while ink fingerprinting is older and takes longer to process.

Yes, you must bring a valid government-issued photo ID such as a passport, driver’s license, or national ID card. This is required to verify your identity before fingerprinting. Without proper ID, the fingerprinting process cannot be completed, as it is a key step for security and compliance.

Fingerprinting can be part of a comprehensive background check, but it is not always included by default. Many employers pair fingerprint-based checks with name-based criminal searches, employment verifications, and other screening components for full coverage. Whether fingerprinting is required depends on the industry, the role, and state or federal regulations that apply to the position.

Fingerprinting is required for employees in regulated industries including education, childcare, healthcare, financial services, government, defense, transportation (TSA, TWIC, hazmat), cannabis, and many professional licensing boards. Requirements vary by state and by the specific role or license being sought.

An FBI fingerprint background check (Identity History Summary) shows federal and state criminal history records including arrests, convictions, and outstanding warrants that have been reported to the FBI’s Next Generation Identification (NGI) system. It may also include information on federal employment, military service, and naturalization. Not all local arrests appear in the FBI database, which is why many employers pair fingerprint checks with county and state court searches.

FBI fingerprint background check results typically take 3 to 5 business days when submitted electronically via Live Scan. State-level results vary by state — some return within 24–48 hours, while others may take up to 2 weeks. Ink card submissions sent by mail can take 8 to 12 weeks.

The cost of a fingerprint background check varies depending on the type of check (FBI, state, or both), the submission method (Live Scan vs. ink card), and your volume. The FBI charges a base fee for each Identity History Summary request, and state agencies set their own fees. Contact Bchex for pricing specific to your organization and requirements.

A name-based background check searches court records, sex offender registries, and other databases using a person’s name and date of birth. A fingerprint-based check uses biometric data to search the FBI’s national criminal database and state repositories. Fingerprint checks provide positive identity verification and access to arrest records that may not appear in name-based searches. Many employers use both methods together for comprehensive screening.

Bchex provides fingerprinting services across multiple U.S. states with digital submission support, FBI background processing, and state-compliant fingerprinting workflows. High-availability coverage includes California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, Washington, and Arizona, with additional states available. Contact Bchex for coverage in your specific state.

Bchex stores fingerprint data and sensitive background check information in the Cryms data management platform with encryption that meets FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) security policy requirements. Applicant demographic information, digital fingerprint files, and criminal history records are all stored with full encryption and access controls.