How to Schedule and Prepare for a Fingerprint Appointment

What a fingerprint appointment is and why you need one

A fingerprint appointment is a scheduled visit where you go to a location — usually a police station, sheriff's office, or authorized fingerprinting service — to have your fingerprints taken and recorded. The fingerprints are then sent to state and federal databases for a background check. You need this appointment when a government agency, employer, or licensing board requires a criminal background check as part of their process.

Common reasons you'll need fingerprints taken include explore for a professional license (teaching, nursing, real estate), working in certain industries (childcare, healthcare, security), obtaining a concealed carry permit, adopting a child, or volunteering with organizations that work with vulnerable populations. Some appointments are court-ordered as part of a legal proceeding.

The appointment itself is straightforward: a trained technician will roll each of your fingers onto an ink pad or scanner, record the prints on a card or digital form, and verify the quality of the images. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Fingerprint appointments are scheduled through the agency that requires the background check — your employer, licensing board, or the court — not through a central booking system.
• You will need a valid photo ID and may need to bring paperwork showing why the fingerprints are required, depending on where you're going.
• Most appointments are available within one to three weeks, though some locations offer walk-in hours if you need prints done sooner.
• The fingerprinting itself is free or costs a small fee (typically $5 to $25), but the background check fee may be separate and charged by the agency requesting it.
• After your appointment, the prints are sent electronically or by mail to state and federal databases, and results usually arrive within two to four weeks.

How to find where to schedule your appointment

The location where you get fingerprinted depends on who is requesting the background check. Start by asking the organization that needs the prints — your employer, the licensing board, the court, or the adoption agency — where they want you to go. They often have a list of approved locations or will direct you to a specific office.

If they don't specify, your county sheriff's office or local police department usually offers fingerprinting services. Call the non-emergency number and ask if they do live-scan fingerprinting (digital) or ink-and-card fingerprinting, and whether you need an appointment or can walk in. Some counties also contract with private fingerprinting companies, which you can find by searching "[your county] fingerprinting services" online.

A few states operate centralized fingerprinting systems where you schedule through a state website or phone line. Check your state's law enforcement or public safety website to see if this applies to you. If you're moving or traveling, you may be able to get fingerprinted in a different state, but confirm with the requesting agency first — some require prints taken in a specific location.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The technician will verify your identity before taking your prints. If the fingerprints are being sent to a court or government agency, bring any paperwork they gave you showing the case number, the reason for the prints, or the agency's contact information. This helps the technician route your prints correctly.

Wash your hands before you arrive, but do not use lotion, oil, or heavy moisturizer on your hands that day — these can make fingerprints unclear and may require you to return for a second appointment. If you have very dry skin or calluses that make prints hard to read, the technician may use a small amount of lotion or glycerin during the appointment, so mention this when you arrive.

Wear comfortable clothing and plan to spend 15 to 30 minutes at the location, including check-in and waiting time. If you have scars, burns, or missing fingers, let the technician know — they will note this on the record and may take extra prints to may support a complete set.

Scheduling your appointment

Call the fingerprinting location directly to schedule. Have your photo ID number and the name of the agency requesting the prints ready when you call. Ask for an appointment time that works with your schedule — most locations offer morning, afternoon, and sometimes evening slots. If you need the prints done urgently, ask if they have walk-in hours or can fit you in sooner.

When you book, confirm the address, parking information, and whether you should bring any forms. Ask what happens if you miss the appointment — some locations charge a fee or require you to reschedule. Write down your appointment confirmation number or time and keep it with your ID.

If you cannot make your appointment, call to reschedule as soon as you know. Canceling last-minute or not showing up may result in a fee or require you to wait longer for the next available slot.

What happens during your appointment

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and provide your ID. The technician will verify your identity, ask you to confirm your name and date of birth, and explain the fingerprinting process. They will then guide you to the fingerprinting station.

If the location uses live-scan (digital) technology, you will place each finger on a flat glass scanner one at a time. The technician will guide your hand and may adjust your finger position to get a clear image. If they use ink and card, they will roll each finger across an ink pad and then onto a fingerprint card in a specific order. Either way, the process is painless and takes just a few minutes.

After all ten fingers are recorded, the technician will review the images on screen to make sure they are clear and complete. If any prints are too faint or smudged, they will ask you to place that finger again. Once the technician approves the prints, you are done — the appointment is complete.

After your appointment: what to expect next

The fingerprints are sent to the state and federal databases — usually the FBI and your state's criminal history repository — for a background check. If the location used live-scan, the prints are sent electronically the same day. If they used ink and card, the prints may be mailed, which can add a few days.

The background check typically takes two to four weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on the databases' workload and whether your record requires manual review. The results are sent to the agency that requested the prints, not directly to you. Contact that agency if you have not heard back after four weeks.

If the background check reveals something unexpected or you are denied based on the results, you have the right to dispute the information. Ask the agency for details about what was found and how to challenge it — procedures vary by state and agency.

Cost and payment

Fingerprinting itself is usually free or costs $5 to $25, depending on the location and whether it is a government office or private service. Ask about the cost when you schedule. Some locations accept cash only, while others take cards, so confirm payment methods ahead of time.

The background check fee is separate and is charged by the agency requesting the prints — your employer, the licensing board, or the court. That fee is not paid at the fingerprinting appointment; you pay it directly to the requesting agency, often as part of your process or licensing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get fingerprinted at any police station or do I have to go to a specific one?

It depends on who is requesting the prints. Some agencies specify which location you must use, while others accept prints from any authorized fingerprinting service. Always ask the requesting agency first. If they don't specify, your local police or sheriff's office can usually do it.

What if I have a criminal record — will that stop me from getting fingerprinted?

No. The fingerprinting appointment itself is just the process of recording your prints. The background check that follows will reveal your record, and whether that disqualifies you depends on the specific job, license, or program you are seeking. The fingerprinting technician does not make that decision.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Many locations accept walk-ins during certain hours, but calling ahead to schedule is faster and more reliable. If you need prints done urgently, ask about walk-in availability when you call. Some offices have dedicated walk-in times, while others only take appointments.

How long does it take to get my background check results?

Results typically arrive within two to four weeks after your appointment. The requesting agency receives them, not you directly. If you have not heard back after four weeks, contact the agency to follow up.

What if my fingerprints are rejected or come back unclear?

If the prints are too faint or smudged, the technician will ask you to redo them during the same appointment. If the background check cannot be completed because of poor print quality, the requesting agency will contact you to schedule another appointment. This is rare but can happen if you have very worn fingerprints or dry skin.