How to get an FBI background check and fingerprints (2026)
If you need a copy of your own criminal history record, you can ask the FBI for an Identity History Summary or ask your state for its record. Both start with fingerprints. Here is what each costs and how to send it in, using only government pages.
Not legal advice. This page is general information from official pages. Which check you need is set by whoever asked for it. Errand Desk isn't affiliated with the FBI, the U.S. Postal Service, any state agency or any fingerprinting company.
Which background check do I need? Comparison
| Check | Who asks for it | Fee | How fingerprints are taken |
|---|---|---|---|
| FBI Identity History Summary (your own record) | You | $18 per person, same online or by mail [12][13]; Post Office fingerprinting: "Additional fees may apply," price Not stated [12] | Online request, then electronic prints at a participating Post Office or a mailed FD-1164 card; or a full mail request with an FD-1164 card taken in ink or by live scan [12] |
| California record review (example) | You | $25 DOJ processing fee, plus the Live Scan site's rolling fee [6] | Live Scan for California residents; FD-258 card by mail for people outside California [6] |
| Colorado state check (example) | You | $6 instant name-based ICHC; $13 name-based CHRI; $16.50 to $19.50 fingerprint-based CBI check, plus the CABS vendor's fee [17][19] | Name-based checks need no prints. Fingerprint checks go through the CABS vendors IdentoGO and Colorado Fingerprinting [16][19] |
| Florida record check (example) | You | $24.00 per search; the instant online search adds a $1.00 credit card processing fee [21]. Personal review: no FDLE charge [22] | Name search needs no prints. Personal review needs prints taken by a law enforcement or criminal justice agency [22] |
| Texas personal review (example) | You | $10 fingerprinting service plus a $15 fee for the record [7] | Electronic prints at a DPS FAST location operated by IdentoGO, or a card sent through the vendor [7] |
| Illinois Access and Review (example) | You | No Illinois State Police charge [8]; fingerprinting fee Not stated | Not stated on the fee schedule |
| Job or license check | The employer or licensing agency (an "authorized user") [9] | FBI charges authorized users $15 per fingerprint check from Oct 1, 2026 [9]; Illinois example $30 to $35 for state and FBI [8]; Colorado example $38.50 to $39.50 for CBI and FBI [17] | Set by the state and the requester |
State rows are examples, not national prices. Fingerprinting sites can add their own fee.
How do I request my FBI Identity History Summary?
Federal rules call this an FBI identification record, "often referred to as a 'rap sheet.'" It lists information from fingerprints the FBI has on file from arrests, and in some cases from federal employment, naturalization or military service [3]. You can ask for your own copy. It costs $18 per person, whether you apply online or by mail [12][13].
Online. The FBI says "The fastest option is to submit your request online." Its steps are to visit edo.cjis.gov [4] and "Follow the steps under the Obtaining Your Identity History Summary section" [12]. Then you give your fingerprints one of two ways [12]:
- At a Post Office. "If you submit a request electronically directly to the FBI, you can visit a participating U.S. Post Office to submit your fingerprints electronically as part of your request. Additional fees may apply." You "must complete your application and payment electronically before visiting a post office."
- By mailing a card. "If you do not use a U.S. Post Office location, you can mail your completed fingerprint card, along with your confirmation email printout received when beginning the request, to the address listed on that confirmation email." The FBI still processes it as an electronic request once the card arrives.
By mail. The FBI's mail steps are [12]:
- Fill out the applicant information form. "Do not send a self-addressed envelope."
- "Use a standard fingerprint form (FD-1164)" [10]. "Provide a current fingerprint card (not a previously processed one)" with your name, date of birth and signature. "Include rolled impressions of all 10 fingerprints and impressions of all 10 fingerprints taken at the same time." Ink or live scan prints are both accepted. For live scan, get a hard copy so the card can be mailed. "If fingerprints are not legible, the fingerprint card will be rejected."
- Include payment (see below).
- Include the checklist [1].
- Mail it to: FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request, 1000 Custer Hollow Road, Clarksburg, WV 26306.
Payment. "You can only pay by credit card, money order, or certified check." Make a money order or certified check payable to the "Treasury of the United States." "Do not try to pay via cash, personal checks, or business checks." "You cannot pay extra for faster service" [12]. Someone else can pay for you: "They must provide the payment information during the request process" [13]. Our money order guide covers where to buy one.
Fee waiver. A request for a fee waiver "must include a claim and proof of indigence, such as a notarized affidavit of indigence." For questions, the FBI lists identity@fbi.gov and (304) 625-5590 [12]. Our notary guide covers where to get an affidavit notarized.
How long does the FBI check take?
| How you apply | Processing time, as the FBI states it |
|---|---|
| Online, prints at a Post Office | "Within 48 hours of visiting a United States Post Office location for electronic fingerprints" [12][15] |
| Online, mailed fingerprint card | "Approximately 10 days (after we receive your mailed fingerprint card)" [12][15] |
| By mail | "Up to 15 days. Allow additional time for mail delivery" [12] |
How results arrive. "The FBI will return all results, both foreign and domestic, by U.S. first-class mail via the U.S. Postal Service." "If you submitted your request electronically, you will receive a response electronically and have the option to receive a response by first-class mail" [13]. The FBI's FAQ says each request gets one sealed hard copy. Extra sealed copies need a new request and another $18. Electronic results can be printed as needed, and fingerprint cards aren't returned [13].
If your record is wrong. You can challenge it online too [12]. "The average response time for challenging your Identity History Summary is within 45 days of receipt of the challenge," and the FBI's FAQ says there's no fee for a challenge [13].
Can a company submit my FBI request?
Yes, an FBI-approved channeler can, with limits. The FBI says "An FBI-approved channeler can only process requests for a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident located in the U.S. or its territories." A channeler "cannot process a request for employment and/or licensing purposes." And "You may have to pay an additional fee to use a channeler" [12].
The FBI's list (last updated May 27, 2026) names these 12 companies, shown in alphabetical order as the FBI names them [14]:
- Accurate Biometrics
- Biometrics4All, Inc.
- Digital Trusted Identity Services LLC
- Fieldprint, Inc.
- Idemia Identity & Security USA LLC
- Inquiries Acquisition LLC (dba ScreenID)
- National Background Check, Inc.
- National Credit Reporting
- STS SID LLC (dba First Advantage Biometrics)
- Telos Identity Management Solutions LLC
- TRP Associates LLC
- VetConnex
Check the FBI's current list before you use one, because it can change. Errand Desk isn't affiliated with any of these companies and doesn't rank them.
If you need your FBI result apostilled for use abroad, see the federal documents section of our apostille guide.
Where can I get fingerprinted for an FBI background check?
For an online FBI request, the FBI says you can use "a participating U.S. Post Office" and that "Additional fees may apply" [12]. The FBI's eDO site has a ZIP code search for USPS fingerprinting locations and their hours [15], and USPS has its own location search [5]. None of the official pages we read listed the Post Office's price, so it's Not stated here.
For a card you mail yourself, the FBI asks for all 10 rolled prints plus the 10 prints taken at the same time, in ink or by live scan [12][1]. The FD-1164 card's tips are to wash and dry your fingers, roll each one from nail to nail, keep the prints in the right order and note any missing fingers [10]. In California, the state says fingerprinting is "available at most local police departments, sheriff's offices or any public applicant Live Scan site" [6]. In Colorado, "many" law enforcement agencies "have transitioned this service to the CABS vendors" [16].
How do I get my state criminal record? Examples
A state check is separate from the FBI check. These are examples from five state agencies:
- California: submit fingerprints and pay a $25 DOJ processing fee. California residents use Live Scan with form BCIA 8016RR, marked "Record Review." The Live Scan site sets its own rolling fee. People outside California mail an FD-258 card with form BCIA 8705. A fee waiver may be available [6].
- Colorado: the Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC) at cbirecordscheck.com gives a "Colorado only" name-based check "instantaneously" [18]. It costs $6.00, and "ICHC generated background checks cannot be notarized." A name-based CHRI request costs $13.00, and these "are notarized upon request." A fingerprint-based CBI check costs "$16.50 - $19.50," plus a fee you get from the CABS vendor [17]. The two vendors are IdentoGO and Colorado Fingerprinting [16][19].
- Florida: "The fee for public requests is $24.00." The instant online search gives results right away, but "Results will not be certified," and it adds a $1.00 credit card processing fee. Certified or non-certified results come back by regular US Mail. Non-certified takes five business days and certified takes six to seven [21]. FDLE stopped taking mailed request forms on July 1, 2020 [20]. A personal review has "no charge assessed by FDLE," but needs prints taken by a law enforcement or criminal justice agency, and the result "cannot be used for immigration, employment, licensing, or certification purposes" [22].
- Texas: book a DPS FAST appointment operated by IdentoGO with service code 11FT12. "The cost of this service is $10.00 plus a $15.00 fee for the CHRI." The vendor takes cards, business checks and money orders, but not personal checks or cash [7].
- Illinois: the Illinois State Police fee schedule lists "Illinois Access and Review/Record Challenge" as "No Charge" [8].
Who orders a background check for a job or license?
Usually the employer or licensing agency, not you. The FBI's fee notice covers checks "submitted by authorized users for noncriminal justice purposes including employment and licensing" [9]. FBI-approved channelers can't handle employment or licensing requests [12]. California says access to its records is limited by law to law enforcement and "authorized applicant agencies" [6]. Texas law authorizes fingerprint checks for job and license applicants in many fields, such as child care providers, teachers and security guards [11].
From Oct 1, 2026, the FBI's fee to authorized users is $15.00 for a fingerprint check, up from $12.00 [9]. In Illinois, a state and FBI check costs $35 on a paper card or $30 by Live Scan [8]. In Colorado, a CBI and FBI check costs "$38.50 - $39.50," but that option "is only available for specified employment background checks mandated by the State of Colorado. For personal FBI background checks, visit Identity History Summary Checks (IdHSC)" [17]. Follow the requester's instructions, because the request goes through them. In Texas, people fingerprinted for a requesting agency "will not receive copies of their background check or fingerprints from DPS". Texas says to ask that agency for a copy, or request a personal review [11].
FAQ
How much does an FBI background check cost?
$18 per person for your own Identity History Summary, the same online or by mail [12][13]. "You cannot pay extra for faster service." Post Office fingerprinting may cost extra: the FBI says "Additional fees may apply" [12].
How long does an FBI background check take?
Online with Post Office fingerprints, within 48 hours. Online with a mailed card, about 10 days after the FBI receives it. By mail, up to 15 days plus mailing time [12].
Can I pay the FBI with a personal check or cash?
No. "You can only pay by credit card, money order, or certified check," and the FBI says not to pay with cash, personal checks or business checks [12].
Can I get fingerprinted at the post office?
At participating Post Offices, if you apply online first. You must complete the application and payment online before you go [12]. The FBI's eDO site lists locations by ZIP code [15].
How will I get my FBI results?
By U.S. first-class mail. If you applied online, you get an electronic response and can also choose first-class mail [13].
Can I use my state record for immigration or a visa?
California says records you request for your own review can't be used for visa, immigration or foreign transactions [6]. Florida says the same of its personal review results [22]. Check what the requesting office needs before you order.
Can someone else request my record for me?
California says third-party requests "are not authorized and will not be processed" [6]. For the FBI check, an FBI-approved channeler can submit it if you're a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident in the U.S. or its territories. It can't be for employment or licensing, and the channeler may charge an extra fee [12]. Someone else can also pay the FBI fee for you [13].
Related guides
- How to get an apostille: state fees from official pages, and when the U.S. Department of State is involved.
- Where to get a money order, and what it costs: USPS fees and limits, Walmart, Western Union, MoneyGram and 7-Eleven, plus cashier's checks.
- How to get a certified copy of a birth certificate or other record: which office issues each record, with example fees.
- Where to get something notarized, and what it costs: banks, credit unions, libraries, AAA, The UPS Store and online notary, plus state fee limits.
- Notarize and copy in one trip: which places notarize, copy and ship in the same visit, and what to bring.
- All guides
Sources
All sources last checked Oct 27, 2026. Each is a government page.
- FBI CJIS Division, "Identity History Summary Request Checklist" (form 1-785, Rev. 5-22-2014): fbi.gov/file-repository/cjis/identity-history-summary-request-checklist.pdf (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- Code of Federal Regulations, 28 CFR 16.33, "Fee for production of identification record": ecfr.gov/current/title-28/chapter-I/part-16/subpart-C/section-16.33 (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- Code of Federal Regulations, 28 CFR 16.31 and 16.32, identification record definition and procedure: ecfr.gov/current/title-28/chapter-I/part-16/subpart-C (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- FBI CJIS Division, "Electronic Departmental Order": edo.cjis.gov (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- U.S. Postal Service, fingerprinting location search: ips.usps.com/IdentityCapture/LocationSearch (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- California Department of Justice, "Criminal Records - Request Your Own": oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/record-review (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- Texas Department of Public Safety, "Personal Review" procedure (form CR-63, revised 07/21): dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/CR-63.pdf (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- Illinois State Police, Bureau of Identification "Fee Schedule": isp.illinois.gov/BureauOfIdentification/FeeSchedule (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- Federal Register, "Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Justice Information Services Division User Fee Schedule," 91 FR 34655 (June 8, 2026), effective Oct 1, 2026: federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/08/2026-11435 (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- FBI, "Identity History Summary Request" fingerprint card (FD-1164, Rev. 11-1-20): fbi.gov/file-repository/cjis/fd-1164-identity-history-summary-request-110120.pdf (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- Texas Department of Public Safety, "Fingerprinting Services": dps.texas.gov/section/service/fingerprinting-services (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- FBI, "Identity History Summary Checks (Rap Sheets)": fbi.gov/…/identity-history-summary-checks (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- FBI, "Identity History Summary Checks FAQs": fbi.gov/…/identity-history-summary-checks-faqs (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- FBI, "List of FBI-Approved Channelers for Departmental Order Submissions" (last updated May 27, 2026): fbi.gov/…/list-of-fbi-approved-channelers-for-departmental-order-submissions (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- FBI CJIS Division, Electronic Departmental Order, USPS fingerprinting page: edo.cjis.gov/#/org/USPS (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- Colorado Bureau of Investigation, "Records and Background Checks": cbi.colorado.gov/records-and-background-checks (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- Colorado Bureau of Investigation, "Fees and Forms Information": cbi.colorado.gov/records-background-checks/fees-and-forms-information (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- Colorado Bureau of Investigation, "Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC)": cbi.colorado.gov/records-background-checks/internet-criminal-history-check-ichc (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- Colorado Bureau of Investigation, "Employment and Background Checks": cbi.colorado.gov/records-background-checks/employment-and-background-checks (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement, "Background Checks / Criminal History": fdle.state.fl.us/records-services/background-checks-criminal-history (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement, "State of Florida Criminal History Record Check": fdle.state.fl.us/…/state-of-florida-criminal-history-record-check (last checked Oct 27, 2026)
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement, "Personal Review": fdle.state.fl.us/…/personal-review (last checked Oct 27, 2026)