How do I get an FBI background check starts with knowing your options. The FBI calls this report an Identity History Summary. It shows arrests, convictions, dismissed charges, federal employment, military service, and naturalization records. You need fingerprints on an FD-258 card. The process takes three to ten business days. You can apply online, by mail, or through a live-scan provider. Each method works. The online system is fastest. This page gives you every step, cost, and tip to get your report right the first time. No guesswork. No wasted money. Just clear, official steps from the FBI and trusted providers.
What Is an FBI Background Check?
An FBI background check is a legal record of your criminal history stored in the FBI’s national database. It is not a “clean” or “dirty” report. It is a factual list of fingerprint-linked events. Employers, schools, licensing boards, and foreign governments use it to verify your record. The FBI does not issue “certificates of good conduct.” It only provides the Identity History Summary. If you need a certified or apostilled copy for another country, you must request that separately. The report comes as a PDF or paper certificate. It is valid for six months to one year, depending on the requesting agency. Always check the rules of the group asking for your background check.
What Shows Up on the Report?
The Identity History Summary includes all arrests, charges, convictions, and dismissals tied to your fingerprints. It does not include traffic tickets, minor fines, or records from states that do not share data. The FBI gets data from state repositories, federal courts, and law enforcement agencies. If a charge was dropped or you were found not guilty, it still appears. The report notes the final outcome. Some employers accept this. Others want a court letter proving dismissal. The FBI does not remove records unless a court orders it. Expunged or sealed records may still show unless the FBI updates its system. Always review your report for errors.
Who Can Request an FBI Background Check?
Only you can request your own FBI background check. Employers, schools, or agencies cannot order it for you. You must submit your fingerprints and personal details. The FBI does not accept third-party requests. If you are applying for a job or visa, the organization will tell you to get the report yourself. Some groups use FBI-approved channelers to speed up delivery. These are private companies the FBI trusts to handle requests. They charge extra but often deliver faster. You still pay the FBI’s $18 fee. The channeler adds a service fee, usually $20 to $50.
Online Method: Fastest Way to Get Your FBI Background Check
The FBI’s Internet Submission System (ISS) is the quickest route. It takes three to five business days. You start by creating a secure account on the FBI’s official site. Next, upload a scanned FD-258 fingerprint card. The image must be clear and complete. Blurry or cut-off cards cause delays. Enter your full legal name, date of birth, and a government-issued photo ID number. Pay the $18 fee with a credit or debit card. The FBI reviews your request and emails a PDF of your Identity History Summary. Save this file. Print it if needed. The email arrives within five days. No mailing. No waiting for postal service.
Step-by-Step Online Process
- Go to the FBI’s Identity History Summary Checks page.
- Click “Submit an Online Request.”
- Create an account with your email and a strong password.
- Upload a scanned FD-258 fingerprint card (PDF or image file).
- Fill in your full name, date of birth, and ID number.
- Pay $18 with a credit or debit card.
- Submit and wait for the email with your PDF report.
This method is best for most people. It is secure, fast, and easy. Keep your login details safe. The FBI does not store your payment info. You can track your request status online. If you don’t get the email in five days, check your spam folder. Then contact the FBI’s CJIS Division.
Mail Method: Traditional Paper Application
If you cannot use the online system, mail your request. This takes seven to ten business days. You need Form 1-783 and two FD-258 fingerprint cards. Download both from the FBI website. Print them on plain white paper. Do not use colored or lined paper. Fill out Form 1-783 with your full name, address, and contact info. Sign where required. Some states ask for a notarized signature. Check local rules. Attach two copies of your fingerprints. The FBI wants duplicates to avoid smudging issues. Include a copy of your government-issued photo ID. Pay $18 with a check or money order. Write “FBI – Identity History Summary” on the memo line. Mail everything to:
FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for the paper certificate. The FBI mails the report to your address. Do not send cash. Use tracking when mailing. Delays happen if forms are incomplete or fingerprints are poor quality.
Tips for Mailing Success
- Use a certified mail service with tracking.
- Double-check your fingerprints for clarity.
- Write neatly on forms. Use black ink.
- Include a phone number in case the FBI needs to call.
- Allow two weeks for delivery after mailing.
The mail method works but is slower. It is best if you lack internet access or prefer paper records. Always keep a copy of your mailed packet for your files.
Live-Scan Method: Use an Approved Provider
Live-scan is electronic fingerprinting. It is faster than mail and often as fast as online. You visit an FBI-approved location. Many pharmacies, police departments, and private vendors offer this service. They capture your fingerprints digitally and send them to the FBI’s CJIS network. You still need Form 1-783 and a photo ID. The provider charges a fee, usually $15 to $35, plus the FBI’s $18. Total cost is $33 to $53. Turnaround is three to four business days. Some providers email the PDF directly. Others mail a paper copy. Ask about delivery options when booking.
Find a Live-Scan Location
Search for “FBI live scan near me” or check the FBI’s list of approved channelers. Popular providers include Certifix, IdentoGO, and local sheriff’s offices. Call ahead. Confirm they serve individual requests, not just employers. Bring your ID and payment. The technician will scan your fingers and verify your info. They send the data to the FBI. You get a receipt. Use it to track your request. Live-scan reduces errors. Digital prints are clearer than ink cards. It is ideal for people who struggle with fingerprinting at home.
FBI-Approved Channelers: Private Services That Speed Up Delivery
Channelers are private companies the FBI authorizes to handle background checks. They act as middlemen. You give them your forms and fingerprints. They verify quality and send data to the FBI. Most charge $20 to $50 extra. But they often deliver in three to five days. Some offer email delivery within 24 hours. Others provide customer support and status updates. Channelers are useful if you need the report fast or live abroad. They accept online payments and digital uploads. Always choose an FBI-approved channeler. Avoid unlicensed sites. Check the FBI’s official list before paying.
Top Channeler Options
| Provider | Cost | Delivery Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certifix Live Scan | $45 total | 3-5 days | Email PDF, phone support |
| IdentoGO | $50 total | 3-4 days | Live-scan locations nationwide |
| FBI Channeler Services | $38 total | 5 days | Online portal, tracking |
Prices include the FBI fee. Delivery times vary by location and volume. Always confirm fees and timing before submitting.
Getting an Apostille for International Use
If you need your FBI background check for another country, you may need an apostille. This is a certification that makes the document valid abroad. The U.S. uses apostilles for countries in the Hague Convention. You can get one through your state’s Secretary of State office, a private service, or the U.S. Department of State. Costs range from $20 to $80. Processing takes one to three weeks. Some channelers offer apostille services. They handle both the FBI report and the certification. This saves time. Always check the destination country’s rules. Some require translations or extra stamps.
Three Ways to Get an Apostille
- Order the FBI report online or by mail. Receive the PDF. Submit it to your state’s apostille office. Pay $20 to $40. Wait 5 to 10 days.
- Use a private apostille service. They get the FBI report and apostille it. Cost: $70 to $100. Time: 7 to 14 days.
- Mail the FBI report to the U.S. Department of State. Pay $20. Wait 2 to 3 weeks. Best for federal documents.
Never send original documents unless required. Use certified copies. Keep digital backups. Apostilles are attached to the FBI report with a notarized seal. They prove the document is authentic.
FBI Background Check from Outside the U.S.
U.S. citizens abroad can get an FBI background check. You need fingerprints on an FD-258 card. Find an accredited agency in your country. In Canada, use the National Pardon Centre or RCMP-approved sites. In the UK, use the Metropolitan Police or private providers. Complete Form 1-783. Include a copy of your passport. Pay $18 in U.S. dollars. Mail to the FBI or use a channeler with international service. Some providers accept online submissions. Delivery takes 8 to 10 business days. If you need an apostille, use a U.S.-based service. They can receive the report and process the certification while you wait abroad.
Steps for Canadians
- Visit an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency.
- Get fingerprints on FD-258 cards.
- Fill out Form 1-783.
- Attach a passport copy and $18 check.
- Mail to FBI or use a cross-border channeler.
- Receive PDF by email or mail.
Other countries follow similar steps. Always confirm local fingerprinting rules. Some embassies offer guidance.
Costs and Payment Options
The FBI charges $18 for every Identity History Summary. This fee is fixed. You pay it whether you apply online, by mail, or through a channeler. Live-scan providers add their own fee, usually $15 to $35. Channelers charge $20 to $50 extra. Apostille services cost $20 to $80. Total cost ranges from $18 to $130. Payment methods vary. Online: credit or debit card. Mail: check or money order. Live-scan: cash, card, or check. Never send cash by mail. Use traceable payments. Keep receipts. The FBI does not offer refunds for processing errors on your part. If the FBI makes a mistake, contact them for a correction.
Fee Breakdown Table
| Service | FBI Fee | Provider Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (FBI ISS) | $18 | $0 | $18 |
| Mail (self-submit) | $18 | $0 | $18 |
| Live-scan (pharmacy) | $18 | $25 | $43 |
| Channeler (fast) | $18 | $35 | $53 |
| Apostille (state) | $18 | $30 | $48 |
Costs are accurate as of 2024. Prices may change. Always confirm before paying.
How Long Does It Take?
Processing time depends on the method. Online: 3 to 5 business days. Live-scan: 3 to 4 days. Mail: 7 to 10 days. Apostille: 5 to 21 days. Holidays and volume can delay results. The FBI does not offer rush service. Channelers may provide faster options for a higher fee. If you don’t receive your report, check your email spam folder. Then contact the FBI at 304-625-3878 or email identity@fbi.gov. Have your confirmation number ready.
Tracking Your Request
Online users get a confirmation number. Use it to check status on the FBI’s portal. Mail users should use tracking on their envelope. Live-scan providers give receipts. Keep these until you receive your report. If delayed beyond 10 days, follow up. The FBI processes requests in order. No exceptions.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many people fail due to small errors. Blurry fingerprints are the top cause. Always scan at 300 DPI. Use a flatbed scanner. Avoid shadows. Fill out forms completely. Missing signatures delay processing. Use black ink. Print names clearly. Double-check your address. Wrong addresses cause lost mail. Pay the exact fee. Overpayments are not refunded. Underpayments cancel the request. Don’t use staples or paper clips on forms. They damage scanners. If using a channeler, verify they are FBI-approved. Fake sites steal money and data.
Top 5 Errors
- Poor fingerprint quality
- Incomplete forms
- Wrong payment amount
- No return envelope (mail method)
- Using unapproved providers
Avoid these. Review your packet before sending. Ask a friend to check it. Save digital copies.
Correcting Errors on Your FBI Background Check
If your report has mistakes, you can challenge it. The FBI calls this an Identity History Summary Challenge. You must prove the error with court documents or official letters. Submit Form 1-783 with “Challenge” checked. Include evidence. Mail to the same Clarksburg address. The FBI reviews challenges in 30 to 60 days. If correct, they update the record and send a new report. This process is free. Do not pay third parties to fix errors unless they are legal experts. The FBI handles corrections directly.
What to Include in a Challenge
- Your full name and date of birth
- FBI confirmation number
- Court dismissal letter or expungement order
- Certified copy of the correct record
- Signed challenge form
Send only copies. Keep originals. The FBI returns documents after review.
Frequently Asked Questions
People ask about costs, timing, fingerprints, and international use. Below are the most common questions with clear, direct answers. Each answer is based on FBI rules and real user experiences. No fluff. Just facts.
Can I get an FBI background check without fingerprints?
No. The FBI requires fingerprints on an FD-258 card for all requests. There is no exception. Fingerprints link your identity to the criminal database. Without them, the FBI cannot search your record. Some states offer name-based checks, but the FBI only uses fingerprints. You must get printed at a live-scan site, police department, or by mailing ink cards. No digital submission works without the FD-258. This rule protects privacy and accuracy. Always use official cards. Do not draw fingerprints by hand. The FBI rejects non-standard forms.
Is the online FBI background check safe?
Yes. The FBI’s Internet Submission System uses encryption and secure login. Your data is protected. The site is run by the U.S. government. It does not sell information. Payments are processed through a secure portal. The FBI does not store your card details. Only you can access your report via email. Use a strong password. Never share your login. Avoid public Wi-Fi when submitting. If you see a fake site, report it. The real URL is https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks. Bookmark it. Safety is high, but always stay alert for phishing emails pretending to be the FBI.
Can I use my FBI background check for a job?
Yes, but only if the employer accepts it. Some jobs require a state-level check instead. The FBI report is national and includes federal crimes. Employers in education, healthcare, or government often accept it. Others want a state-specific check from your local police. Always ask the employer which type they need. The FBI report is valid for six months to one year. If expired, you must reapply. Keep a digital copy. Print it when needed. Do not alter the PDF. Tampering voids the report.
How do I get a certified copy of my FBI background check?
The FBI does not issue “certified” copies in the traditional sense. It provides a paper certificate by mail or a PDF by email. The paper version has a seal and is signed. This is considered certified. The PDF is not signed but is official. For legal use, some agencies want the paper version. If you need a notarized copy, take the PDF to a notary. They can stamp it as a true copy. For international use, get an apostille. This makes it valid abroad. The apostille is attached to the FBI report. It is issued by your state or the U.S. Department of State.
What if I have no criminal record?
Your FBI background check will say “No Record” if nothing matches your fingerprints. This is common. It means the FBI has no arrests, charges, or convictions on file. Employers and agencies accept this as a clean record. You still receive a report. It is official proof. Keep it for your records. Some countries require this for visas or jobs. A “No Record” result is just as valid as one with entries. It shows you have no federal criminal history.
Can I expedite my FBI background check?
No. The FBI does not offer expedited processing. All requests are handled in order. Online is fastest at 3 to 5 days. Live-scan is similar. Mail takes longer. Channelers cannot speed up the FBI’s review. They only improve submission quality. If you need it urgently, apply online and use a channeler with email delivery. Still, allow five days. The FBI does not respond to rush requests. Plan ahead. Apply two weeks before you need the report.
Contact the FBI for Help
If you have questions, contact the FBI’s CJIS Division. They handle all Identity History Summary requests. Phone: 304-625-3878. Email: identity@fbi.gov. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Closed on federal holidays. Mail: FBI CJIS Division, 1000 Custer Hollow Road, Clarksburg, WV 26306. For online issues, use the help form on the ISS portal. Response time is 1 to 3 business days. Have your confirmation number ready.
Official Resources
FBI Identity History Summary Checks: https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks
Form 1-783 Download: https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/identity-history-summary-request-form-1-783.pdf
FD-258 Fingerprint Card: https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/fd-258.pdf
U.S. Department of State Apostille: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/authentications/apostille.html