How Long Does a Fingerprint Background Check Take?

Jayson Baxter

May 17, 2023

A fingerprint background check is a standard procedure for employment, purchasing firearms, volunteering, and other activities; understanding the duration of a fingerprint background screening is crucial.

Generally, a fingerprint background check takes up to 5 days after the fingerprints are submitted electronically. However, if the fingerprints are submitted via mail, it may take up to 2 months. It’s important to note that these timeframes do not include the time it takes to get the fingerprints done, which can vary from a few days to several weeks depending on the chosen provider.

Fortunately, there is a way to expedite the process and avoid common delays, both of which will be discussed below. We will explore the timeline for each step, explain how to obtain a copy of the background check report, and provide guidance on how to prepare for the screening.

Timeline For Each Step In Completing a Fingerprint Background Check Done

Understanding the process for getting a fingerprint background check completed helps alleviate any anxiety over the process, and provides the subject with a timeframe so they will know when to expect a decision on their application or interview.

The sections below break down the process step-by-step to give readers a better understanding of each level of the process.

Getting Fingerprints Done: How Long Does Fingerprinting Take? (1 Day – Several Weeks)

The first step in any fingerprint background check is getting the subject’s prints taken for processing, but there are multiple ways a person can get this done. Fingerprints can usually be taken at a local police department or sheriff’s office, through a third-party vendor approved by the FBI or the agency requesting the fingerprints, or the local post office.

The amount of time it takes to get fingerprints taken depends on where the person is going for the service. Some law enforcement agencies will do fingerprints at any time on a walk-in basis, others only do them on certain days, and other agencies may require an appointment.

Hiring managers may take a person’s fingerprints when filling out the paperwork for a background check. FBI channelers or third-party vendors require an appointment.

Source: FBI.gov¹

It’s also important to make sure the agency taking fingerprints is the right one for the reason a person needs prints taken. For example, FBI channelers cannot take fingerprints for employment or licensing, just for personal rap sheets.²

Other commercial agencies, such as IdentoGO provide digital fingerprinting services by appointment in a number of locations throughout the country, and appointments can be made quickly and easily online.³

Sending Fingerprints to FBI (Immediately – 5 Business Days)

The time it takes for fingerprints to be submitted is directly related to where the prints are taken since some fingerprinting services submit them via mail, while others submit them electronically.

Electronic fingerprints can be delivered in minutes, but mailed fingerprint cards can take several days to reach the FBI, with additional time allotted for proper routing of mail internally.

The average time to reach the FBI via mail is 3 to 5 business days.⁴

Fingerprints taken by a state agency can also be submitted electronically or by mail, but due to the bulk background checks, they may not be processed on the same day they are taken or submitted to the hiring manager.

Check with the agency that is taking the prints or requesting them to see what the timeline is for sending prints to the FBI.

Waiting for Fingerprints To Clear (Several Hours – 14 Weeks)

A key piece of understanding how long a fingerprint background check takes is knowing the processing time at the state or federal level. There are a lot of factors that go into this step, and this is where the biggest delays can occur.

Processing times usually take a few hours to days depending on the type of screening being conducted.

The processing time once the prints are in the hands of the FBI depends on several factors including the number or requests received, functionality of the equipment, and the type of background check being performed. How the fingerprints are submitted also plays a key role in how long it takes to process the request.

For example, personal rap sheet requests can take anywhere from 12 to 14 weeks to process when the individual sends in the request themselves; however, if the person uses an FBI channeler, the same rap sheet can be returned within a week.⁵

State mandated fingerprint background checks for employment or licensure can return results in as little as one to three days, or the results could take weeks depending on some of the factors mentioned above.

One way the FBI has decreased processing time of fingerprints for things such as jobs working with children, adoptions, or applications for a visa was to partner with the United States Postal Service (USPS). USPS provides on-site digital fingerprinting at a number of locations throughout the country and has reduced the old process time of up to 14 weeks to now processing fingerprints in days.⁶

Getting Your Report (Immediately – 5 Days)

Receiving the report is also dependent upon who requested the records, how the fingerprints were submitted and whether a hard-copy of the results was requested or a digital report. If the individual or agency requested the records electronically, the report is immediately available after processing.

Hard-copies are mailed to the recipient and can take three to five days to arrive.

Clearing Up Any Notices or Inaccuracies

Once the report is available, it is vital to check it to make sure there is not something on the background screening that is inaccurate or missing. If inaccurate information is on a report, the individual has the right to request a record correction which can delay the final fingerprint report.

Inaccurate information can result in a failed background check after the job offer process has begun, potentially costing both the applicant and the agency time and money.

Record corrections can be made through local, state or federal channels to get the matter cleared, but this can be a huge delay.

Reasons Why Fingerprint Background Check Turnaround Times Vary Depending on the Purpose

As stated above there are various reasons why fingerprint background checks can take less or more time to complete depending on the situation. The reasons for various background check turnaround times are outlined in the table below:

More extensive screenings can also lead to a longer time between submission of fingerprints and the final report. For instance, a level 3 background check involves a more thorough examination of a person’s background, which can lead to longer processing times for fingerprints.

Even if fingerprinting is completed early in the process, a level 4 background check can still take much longer to generate a comprehensive report, resulting in a delay for the entire process.

Waiting for the results can be frustrating and stressful for individuals, but there are some things that can be done to expedite or speed up a fingerprint background check.

How To Expedite a Fingerprint Background Check

The duration of a fingerprint background screening is one aspect to consider; another is whether the process can be expedited. In essence, there are several ways to expedite an FBI background check, as outlined below:

1. Take advantage of electronic fingerprinting services offered through the USPS.
2. Use an FBI approved channeler to take and submit fingerprints electronically.
3. Make sure the channelers do in-house fingerprinting to further expedite the matter.
4. Check the channeler turnaround times since these can differ from channeler to channeler, and know that the turnaround times listed are averages and are subject to other factors that can slow down results.
5. Make sure all the requirements for a fingerprint background check for licensing or employment are followed to avoid delays or the need to re-do prints.
6. Ensure the identifying information on the fingerprint card is accurate.
7. Be open and honest about why a background check is needed. If a person misrepresents why the report is needed, it could delay the results.

In an effort to expedite an FBI fingerprint background check, it is important that common mistakes that can lead to delays are avoided.

Common Reasons & Mistakes That Cause Delays

Delays can occur for a number of reasons and cost time and money since it also pushes back start dates for new hires or requires going through the fingerprinting process again. Common delays and mistake that lead to the delays for fingerprint background checks include:

• Identifying information listed on the fingerprint card or input into the digital print system is incomplete or incorrect.
• The prints are smudged or unclear.
• The prints are submitted incorrectly or to the wrong division or agency.
• The fingerprint card is outdated.
• The fingerprint card has been damaged or compromised in some way.

For example the Arizona Board of Nursing provides instructions on how to get fingerprints taken and what can cause delays. Included in the information are items that can cause delays such as using ink in colors other than black, folding or bending the fingerprint cards, or stapling the fingerprint card to something among other issues.⁸

Source: The Arizona State Board of Nursing⁹

The FBI provides a checklist for individuals requesting their own rap sheet to make sure there are no delays in processing these requests. Items mentioned that could cause delays include items such as failure to provide contact information, incomplete applications, incomplete fingerprint cards, and information on application and fingerprint cards that do not match.¹⁰

Source: FBI.gov¹¹

Understanding the process is only part of the equation when it comes to how long a fingerprint background screening takes. It’s vital that the individual or agency also knows how to request a fingerprint background check.

How Do I Obtain a Copy of My Fingerprint Background Check Report?

The steps to getting a fingerprint background check completed also varies depending on who is requesting the information and the purpose for the request.

Individuals can reach out to the FBI directly to get a copy of their rap sheet, but this information is limited to just what is accessible to the FBI, meaning items that are not entered into the national database will not show up.

Agencies or employers that require a background check including fingerprints have a different process for obtaining this screening.

Source: FBI.gov¹²

To get a copy of a personal rap sheet, the following steps must be completed:

1. Open the FBI website. The top result for this search is the FBI rap sheet page.
2. Complete the online request for personal records using the link on the page labeled submit your request online.
3. Download the official fingerprint card and have prints taken at a law enforcement agency, channeler or the USPS.
4. Take the card to the nearest approved channeler or mail it in if prints are not taken at the USPS.
5. Pay the $18 fee for the record. Fingerprint checks typically incur a cost and are not free for a criminal background check. Users can submit payment using the credit card payment form provided by the FBI or pay online at the FBI website.
6. The person requesting the record will receive the report in a sealed envelope in two to four weeks.

When mailing in the fingerprint card, or mailing the fingerprint card along with the application for the record, use the address listed below:

Federal Bureau of Investigation
Criminal Justice Information System Division
Summary Inquiry
1000 Custer Hollow Rd
Clarksburg W. Virginia 26306

Source: FBI.gov¹³

Getting your own personal report can help in preparing for a fingerprint screening. One thing to look for is juvenile records, as some might wonder if a juvenile record can be used against you.

Some juvenile charges can appear on a fingerprint background check (usually for violent felonies such as sexual assault or armed robbery), so if someone has a juvenile criminal history, it is a good idea to get a personal check to see if the juvenile records show up.

When requesting an FBI fingerprint background check for employment or licensure purposes do the following:

1. Open a search engine on the computer such as Yahoo or Google.
2. Type “[state name] [license type or job title] fingerprint background check.”
3. Find the official state agency that performs official, commercial use background checks and click the link for that site.
4. Follow the directions listed on the site to complete the fingerprint background check process.

For instance, when applying for a nursing license in California, individuals would undergo the following steps for a California background check:

1. Open Google or another search engine.
2. Type “California nursing license fingerprint background check” in the search bar.
3. The website for the California Board of Registered Nursing should appear at or near the top of the search results.
4. Read and follow the directions for LiveScan fingerprints (for individuals living in California at the time of the application) or manual fingerprinting (for individuals currently living outside the state).

The LiveScan fingerprint check in California can be started online by requesting an appointment after completing the electronic fingerprint request form. Manual fingerprinting can also be requested from the Board of Registered Nursing website using the fingerprint request form.

Additionally, businesses can use different levels of screenings for employees based on level of responsibility. For instance, a background check for Home Depot might include fingerprinting, depending on the position applied for.

Once the form is submitted, either a LiveScan appointment will be set or the manual fingerprint card will be mailed.¹⁴

Source: The California Board of Registered Nursing¹⁵

Each agency will set its own policies and procedures for doing employment or licensure fingerprint checks, so it is important to read the information carefully to avoid errors or delays.

Furthermore, each state has its own laws governing official fingerprint checks, which must be adhered to, resulting in a Tennessee background check potentially including steps not found in an Indiana background check.

Source: The California Board of Registered Nursing¹⁶

The more a person learns about the process, the better prepared they can be for the fingerprint background check.

How To Prepare for a Fingerprint Background Check & Information Needed

Most background checks span a minimum of seven years, but some can go back as far as 10 or more depending on the position applied for and the requirements set by law and the agency policies.

During level 1 background checks, candidates are usually not fingerprinted, as this type of screening is name-based and does not typically include nationwide reports.

A level 2 background check entails fingerprinting and a national screening, and candidates are notified from the start that they must submit prints or arrange fingerprinting through an approved vendor.

Fingerprint checks can seem intimidating, but these are designed to provide more accurate results than name-based checks. Agencies that require fingerprint based screenings, or anyone who will be undergoing a fingerprint-based background check, can read the FBI tips for successful fingerprinting.

There are some things the subject can do to prepare for a fingerprint-based background check, including:

• Run a personal background check to see what shows up on their record. This way they can review the information that appears and prepare for any questions or concerns that may be raised during the hiring phase for a job.
• Make sure the fingerprint card and application match regarding subject information. Also, make sure that the information includes any aliases or maiden name data.
• Review the local, state and federal laws regarding background checks.
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to any appointment for fingerprint services in case paperwork must be completed at the site.
• Provide the required information and documentation (such as a valid government issued identification) to the facility taking fingerprints.
• Let the individual take the prints lead the process so the prints will be correct.
• The subject should not try to roll their own fingers and thumbs when prints are taken. Not relaxing one’s hands and fingers can cause prints to be too light or dark, have smudges or not be clear enough to read properly.
• Do not wear lotions or creams on hands when getting fingerprints; however, it is important to use these in the days leading up to the appointment to keep skin at its peak. These products can cause the prints to smear, or can prevent digital scanners from reading prints properly.
• Try to avoid activities that may compromise the quality of fingerprints. For example, prolonged exposure to water can cause the fingers to wrinkle which can impact the prints.¹⁷

Source: FBI.gov¹⁸

When applying for a job or licensure or just when a person wants to know what shows up on their FBI criminal history report, it’s important to know how long does a fingerprint background screening take so they can prepare and plan accordingly, as outlined in this free guide.

Frequently Asked Questions