How to Schedule and Prepare for an Identogo Fingerprint Appointment

What Identogo fingerprint appointments are and who needs them

Identogo is a private company that collects fingerprints and background information for government agencies. When a federal, state, or local agency needs your fingerprints — for a job, license, volunteer position, or legal requirement — they often direct you to Identogo rather than handling it themselves. You schedule an appointment at a local Identogo site, show up with ID, and they capture your prints digitally and submit them to the agency that requested them.

You typically need an Identogo appointment when a government body has told you to get fingerprinted. This happens most often for teaching licenses, security clearances, foster care or adoption background checks, certain professional certifications, court-ordered requirements, and some employment positions. The agency that needs your prints will usually give you a case number or reference code to use when you book.

Identogo is not the only fingerprinting service — some states and counties run their own, and some private employers use other vendors — but Identogo operates in all 50 states and handles the majority of government-requested fingerprints in the United States.

Key Takeaways

• You schedule an Identogo appointment through their website using a case number or reference code provided by the agency that requested your fingerprints.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to your appointment; without it, Identogo cannot process you.
• Appointments are usually available within a few days to a week at most locations, and the actual fingerprinting takes 10 to 15 minutes.
• After your appointment, Identogo sends your prints electronically to the requesting agency, which typically takes one to three business days.
• If you miss your appointment or need to reschedule, you can cancel and book a new time through the same website, usually without penalty.

How to find and book your Identogo appointment online

Go to the Identogo website (identogo.com) and select "Schedule an Appointment" or "Book Now." You will be asked for the case number or reference code that the agency requesting your fingerprints gave you. This code is critical — without it, the system cannot link your appointment to the correct request. If you do not have a code, contact the agency that told you to get fingerprinted; they will provide it.

Enter your zip code or city to see available locations near you. Identogo has sites in most towns and cities, often inside UPS stores, pharmacies, or dedicated service centers. The website shows you which locations have openings and what days and times are available. Select a date and time that works for you. Most locations offer appointments throughout the week and some on weekends, though availability varies by location.

After you choose your appointment, the system will ask for your name, date of birth, and contact information. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details, location address, and what to bring. Save this email or take a screenshot — you may need to show it when you arrive.

What to bring and what to expect on the day of your appointment

Bring one valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. Identogo cannot process you without it, so if you arrive without valid ID, you will have to reschedule. Bring the confirmation email or a printed copy if you have it, though the staff can usually look up your appointment by name and date of birth.

Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. The actual fingerprinting takes 10 to 15 minutes. A staff member will verify your identity, ask you to sign consent forms, and then use a digital scanner to capture your fingerprints. The scanner is a flat glass surface — you place each finger on it one at a time. The process is clean and painless. If your fingerprints are faint or scarred, the staff may need to scan some fingers multiple times to get a clear image.

After your prints are captured, Identogo sends them electronically to the agency that requested them. This transmission usually happens within one business day. The requesting agency then reviews the prints and runs the background check. The total time from your appointment to a result can be anywhere from one to three weeks, depending on how busy the agency is.

What happens if you cannot make your appointment

If you need to cancel or reschedule, log back into the Identogo website using the same case number and your name. You can cancel your current appointment and book a new one for a different date or time. There is no fee for canceling or rescheduling. If you miss an appointment without canceling, some locations may charge a no-show fee, though policies vary — check your confirmation email or call the location directly to ask.

If you miss your appointment and the agency that requested your fingerprints has a important date, contact that agency right away to let them know you missed it. Ask whether they need you to reschedule when ready or whether there is flexibility. Then book a new Identogo appointment as soon as possible.

Common reasons fingerprints are rejected or delayed

Identogo may reject your prints if the image quality is too poor — this happens most often with very faint fingerprints, heavy scarring, or arthritis that makes it hard to press firmly. If this happens, Identogo will contact you and ask you to come back for a second attempt. You do not pay again; the second appointment is covered by your original fee.

Delays also happen when the requesting agency is backlogged. Identogo's job ends when they send your prints; after that, the agency controls the timeline. If you have not heard back after three weeks, contact the agency directly with your case number and ask for a status update. Do not assume Identogo lost your prints — they almost always arrive.

One frequent mistake is using the wrong case number when you book. If your prints arrive at the agency but are linked to the wrong case, the agency may reject them and ask you to get fingerprinted again. Double-check your case number before you submit your appointment booking.

What to do after your appointment

After your appointment, you do not need to do anything. Identogo handles sending your prints to the requesting agency. You will not receive a notification from Identogo when the prints are sent — that happens behind the scenes.

The requesting agency will contact you when your background check is complete. Some agencies send results by email, some by mail, and some require you to check a website portal. If the agency told you how they would notify you, watch for that method. If you do not hear back within the timeframe they gave you, contact them directly.

Keep your Identogo confirmation email until you receive your final result from the requesting agency. If there is ever a question about whether you completed the fingerprinting, you can show the confirmation as proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else go to my Identogo appointment for me?

No. Identogo requires you to be present in person with your own valid ID. They verify your identity before capturing your prints, so a proxy appointment is not possible. You must attend yourself.

How much does an Identogo appointment cost?

Identogo's fees vary depending on what the requesting agency is paying for. In many cases, the agency covers the cost and you pay nothing. In others, you may pay $10 to $50. Your confirmation email will tell you whether there is a fee and how much it is. Some locations accept cash, card, or both — check your confirmation or call ahead if you want to know payment methods.

What if I do not have a case number when I try to book?

Contact the agency that told you to get fingerprinted and ask for your case number or reference code. You cannot complete an Identogo booking without it. The agency should have given it to you in writing or email — check any letters or messages they sent you first.

How long does it take to get my results after the appointment?

Identogo sends your prints to the requesting agency within one business day. The agency then runs the background check, which can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on how busy they are. The requesting agency will contact you with results, not Identogo.

What if my fingerprints are rejected because the quality is too poor?

Identogo will contact you and ask you to return for a second appointment at no additional cost. Bring the same ID and come back at a time that works for you. The staff will take extra care to get clear images, sometimes using different techniques if your prints are faint or scarred.