Fingerprint-Based Background Checks
Biometric identity verification through FBI and state criminal databases. Required for regulated industries, licensing boards, and government positions where name-based searches aren't sufficient.
What Fingerprint-Based Checks Cover
Fingerprint-based background checks use biometric data to search criminal history databases maintained by the FBI and state law enforcement agencies. Unlike name-based searches, fingerprint checks confirm identity - not just criminal history.
FBI Identity History Summary
A national fingerprint-based criminal history check maintained by the FBI. Searches the Interstate Identification Index (III) for records across all participating agencies nationwide.
State-Level Criminal History
State repository searches using fingerprints submitted to state law enforcement agencies. Required by many state licensing boards and regulated industries.
Identity Verification
Fingerprints confirm biometric identity - not just name and date of birth. Eliminates false positives and false negatives caused by common names or identity discrepancies.
Arrest and Disposition Data
Fingerprint searches return arrest records, charges, and dispositions where reported to the FBI or state repository. Coverage depends on reporting completeness.
Important: FBI and state repository records are only as complete as what agencies report. Not all arrests result in records in the FBI database, and disposition data (case outcomes) is often incomplete. Fingerprint checks are a critical layer, but they don't replace jurisdiction-specific court searches for comprehensive coverage.
Fingerprint vs. Name-Based Searches
Fingerprint-based and name-based background checks serve different purposes and are often used together. Understanding the differences helps determine when each is appropriate.
| Aspect | Fingerprint-Based | Name-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Confirmation | Biometric match - confirms the person searched is the person on record. No ambiguity. | Name and DOB match - susceptible to common name false positives and missed records from aliases. |
| Coverage | Searches FBI national database and/or state repository - covers records from any participating agency. | Searches specific courts or databases by jurisdiction. Scope depends on address history and search configuration. |
| Turnaround | Government-dependent. FBI results typically 3-5 business days; state results vary from 24 hours to several weeks. | Database searches return in minutes. Direct court searches typically 1-5 business days. |
| When Required | Statutory requirements, licensing boards, government positions, childcare, healthcare in certain states. | Standard pre-employment screening, ongoing monitoring, periodic rescreening. |
The Fingerprinting Process
Fingerprint-based background checks involve a physical collection step that name-based searches don't require. PSBI handles scheduling, collection coordination, submission, and results tracking.
Scheduling
The candidate is scheduled for fingerprint collection at an authorized location. PSBI coordinates scheduling through its collection network or the designated state/federal program.
Collection
Fingerprints are captured electronically (livescan) at an authorized collection site. The candidate's prints are scanned, verified for quality, and transmitted digitally.
Submission
Prints are submitted to the appropriate agency - FBI, state repository, or both - depending on the type of check required and the governing regulation.
Processing & Results
The receiving agency runs the prints against its database and returns results. Turnaround is controlled by the government agency, not PSBI. FBI results typically arrive in 3-5 business days; state timelines vary.
Turnaround Is Government-Controlled
Unlike name-based court searches, fingerprint-based check turnaround times are controlled entirely by the receiving government agency. PSBI submits prints as quickly as possible, but processing speed depends on FBI or state agency workload. FBI results typically arrive in 3-5 business days. State timelines range from 24 hours to several weeks depending on the state and the type of check requested.
When Fingerprinting Is Required
Fingerprint-based checks are sometimes required by law and sometimes optional. The requirement typically comes from a licensing board, regulatory body, or government program - not from PSBI.
Licensing Boards
Many state licensing boards require fingerprint-based checks for professional licensure - nursing, teaching, real estate, insurance, financial services, and more.
Childcare & Education
Federal and state laws require fingerprint-based checks for employees and volunteers working with children in schools, daycares, and after-school programs.
Healthcare
Certain states require fingerprint-based background checks for healthcare workers, particularly those with access to patients in home health, long-term care, and hospital settings.
Government & Public Trust
Federal employees, contractors with security clearances, and state government positions frequently require FBI fingerprint checks as part of the vetting process.
Transportation
TSA PreCheck, TWIC cards, hazmat endorsements, and airport access all require fingerprint-based background checks through federal programs.
Voluntary Submissions
Some organizations choose fingerprinting even when not required by law - particularly for positions with fiduciary responsibility or access to vulnerable populations.
How Pricing Works
Fingerprint-based background check pricing includes the PSBI service fee, collection site fees, and government processing fees. Government fees vary by agency and check type. Collection site fees depend on location and provider.
PSBI passes through government and collection fees at cost. Contact us for pricing based on the specific fingerprint program, volume, and state requirements applicable to your organization.
Related Services
Fingerprinting is typically one component of a broader background check program. These services are commonly used alongside fingerprint-based checks.
Court Record Searches
Name-based court searches complement fingerprint checks by covering jurisdictions that don't report to FBI or state repositories.
Learn MoreLicense Verification
Verify professional licenses and credentials alongside fingerprint-based criminal checks for licensed professionals.
Learn MoreCriminal Monitoring
After the initial fingerprint check, ongoing criminal monitoring alerts you when new records appear.
Learn MoreReady to get started?
See how PreSearch handles fingerprint-based background checks and ongoing compliance for your organization.