What people commonly call an “FBI criminal record check” is usually an FBI Identity History Summary Check. It is a fingerprint-based report produced by the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division. You can request your own record directly from the FBI electronically or by mail, or use an FBI-approved Channeler. The process is different from FOIA, NICS, a state background check and an ordinary name-only court search.
What is an FBI Identity History Summary?
An FBI Identity History Summary is a listing of certain information associated with fingerprint submissions retained by the FBI. It is often informally called an FBI background check, criminal history, police clearance, “rap sheet” or good-conduct certificate.
The FBI says the summary can contain information derived from fingerprint submissions connected with arrests and, in some cases, federal employment, naturalization or military service.
Fingerprint based
The FBI uses fingerprints to positively identify the person requesting access to the record.
Submitted agency information
The FBI generally receives criminal-history information from federal, state, local, territorial and other authorized agencies.
Personal review
Departmental Order access allows you to review your own record and seek a change, correction or update when needed.
An FBI Identity History Summary is not the same as every “background check”
This distinction is important because websites often use “FBI background check” as if it means every nationwide criminal-record search.
| Record/check | Main purpose | Fingerprint based? | Same as FBI IHS? |
|---|---|---|---|
| FBI Identity History Summary | Personal review/correction of FBI identification history; also frequently requested for foreign-use purposes. | Yes | Yes |
| State criminal-history check | Records maintained by a state’s own criminal-history repository. | Depends on state/process | No |
| County/court search | Court cases and documents filed in a particular court system. | No | No |
| NICS firearm check | Eligibility check performed in connection with a firearm transaction or permit process. | Separate system/process | No |
| FBI FOIA / Privacy Act request | Access to qualifying FBI agency records and files. | Different process | No |
| Employment/licensing FBI check | Authorized statutory background screening for a particular purpose. | Often yes | Not necessarily the self-request process |
If an employer, licensing board, government agency, adoption authority or other organization gave you specific fingerprint instructions, follow that agency’s instructions instead of automatically ordering a personal Identity History Summary.
Three ways to request your FBI Identity History Summary
Direct electronic request
Start the FBI eDO application online, pay the $18 FBI fee and then submit fingerprints electronically at participating USPS locations or mail a fingerprint card.
Direct mail request
Mail the signed FBI request form, current fingerprint card and acceptable $18 payment directly to the FBI CJIS Division.
FBI-approved Channeler
An approved private company collects your information and fingerprints and submits them electronically to the FBI. Channeler service fees are additional.
How to request an FBI criminal record check electronically
The FBI’s electronic Departmental Order system is commonly abbreviated eDO.
Start the request at the FBI eDO website
Enter your email and follow the FBI’s secure electronic application process.
Enter your identifying information carefully
The name on your FBI response will match the name entered on the electronic Departmental Order request.
Pay the $18 FBI fee
Complete the payment step during the electronic request.
Choose how to provide fingerprints
You may use participating USPS electronic fingerprinting or mail a completed fingerprint card to the FBI after starting the online request.
Select email status updates if useful
The FBI allows electronic applicants to opt into request-status notifications by email.
Download the electronic response
Electronic applicants receive the result electronically and can also select an option for a hard-copy response by U.S. First-Class Mail.
FBI fingerprints at a participating U.S. Post Office
If you start your Identity History Summary request electronically, participating USPS locations can capture your fingerprints digitally and transmit them to the FBI.
USPS says the service is not available at every Post Office. Use its official fingerprint-location search before traveling.
Find USPS FBI fingerprint locationsHow to request an FBI Identity History Summary entirely by mail
If you prefer not to use the online system, the FBI accepts Departmental Order requests by mail.
Complete the current FBI request form
Use the FBI’s current Identity History Summary Request Form and sign it.
Prepare a current fingerprint card
Your card must contain all required fingerprint impressions and identifying information. Do not reuse an old fingerprint card from a previous request.
Prepare the exact $18 payment
Use an FBI-accepted payment method. Do not send cash or personal/business checks.
Check the packet before mailing
Missing signatures, fingerprints, identifying data or payment can delay the request.
Mail everything to FBI CJIS in West Virginia
Use the FBI’s Summary Request address shown below.
FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow RoadClarksburg, WV 26306
FBI fingerprint-card requirements
Fingerprints are not optional for an FBI Identity History Summary. The FBI specifically states that it does not provide a name-only check for this service.
A complete fingerprint submission generally includes:
- your name;
- date of birth;
- descriptive information;
- all 10 rolled fingerprint impressions;
- plain impressions of both hands;
- thumb impressions;
- date fingerprinted;
- information identifying the person/agency taking the prints where applicable.
Can you print the FBI fingerprint card yourself?
Yes. The FBI says it accepts the FD-1164 card printed on standard white paper, although a law-enforcement or private fingerprinting agency may prefer to use standard fingerprint card stock.
Can you reuse an old fingerprint card?
No. The FBI requires a current fingerprint card for a new Identity History Summary request.
What if your prints keep getting rejected?
The FBI recommends obtaining multiple sets of fingerprints, preferably from a trained fingerprint technician, and mailing all of those cards with the request when fingerprint quality is repeatedly a problem.
FBI Identity History Summary fee and payment rules
| Item | Current cost | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| FBI Identity History Summary | $18 | Same FBI fee for a direct electronic or direct mail request. |
| USPS digital fingerprinting | $50 currently listed | Separate USPS service charge at participating locations. |
| Law-enforcement/private fingerprinting | Varies | The fingerprint provider can charge its own fee. |
| FBI-approved Channeler | Varies | Channeler fees are in addition to or bundled with the FBI-related processing cost. |
| Identity History challenge | $0 FBI fee | The FBI does not charge to challenge your Identity History Summary. |
| U.S. Department of State apostille/authentication | $20 per document | Separate service for foreign-use authentication when required. |
Mail-request payment methods
For a direct mail request, the FBI checklist currently accepts:
- credit-card payment form;
- certified check;
- money order;
- payment made payable as instructed by the FBI to the Treasury of the United States.
Cannot afford the $18 fee?
The FBI says a person who cannot pay the fee should contact CJIS before submitting the request for instructions on requesting a fee waiver.
Using an FBI-approved Channeler
An FBI-approved Channeler is a private company approved to receive a person’s fingerprint submission and identifying information, electronically send the request to FBI CJIS, receive the FBI result and provide it to the individual.
Channelers can be useful when convenience or faster electronic routing matters, but each provider can have its own locations, eligibility rules, fingerprint process and service fees.
The FBI’s Departmental Order Channeler list was most recently updated May 27, 2026.
Current FBI-approved ChannelersHow long does an FBI criminal record check take?
The FBI does not promise an expedited Identity History Summary service. Requests are processed in the order received.
The FBI says an electronically initiated request should generally be processed faster once completed fingerprints have been received, but actual timing can vary with fingerprint quality, submission method and request volume.
Challenge processing time
The FBI currently states that the average response time for an Identity History Summary challenge is within 45 days of receipt.
What can appear on an FBI Identity History Summary?
The summary is based on information associated with fingerprint submissions retained by the FBI. Depending on the individual, it can include identifying and criminal-history information submitted to FBI systems.
Possible information can include:
- fingerprint-supported arrest events;
- agency identifiers;
- charges submitted by contributing agencies;
- disposition information received by the FBI;
- aliases associated with submitted records;
- certain federal or foreign offender information;
- some federal employment-related fingerprint information;
- certain naturalization or military fingerprint submissions.
What the summary may not contain
The FBI record should not be assumed to contain every local court case, every state record, every police report or every public record in the United States.
If you need a specific county or state court disposition, search or request it from the court that handled the case as well.
What if the FBI says no Identity History Summary exists?
When the fingerprint search does not find an Identity History Summary associated with you, the FBI can return proof that a summary does not exist in its system based on the submitted fingerprints.
Do not automatically use a self-requested FBI summary for U.S. employment or licensing
The FBI specifically states that an Identity History Summary provided under 28 CFR 16.30–16.34 is primarily for personal review and correction/update of your own record.
If you need a fingerprint background check for:
- employment;
- professional licensing;
- certain adoption purposes;
- government clearance;
- regulated volunteer work;
- another purpose controlled by federal or state law;
you may be required to submit fingerprints through your state identification bureau, the requesting federal agency or another legally authorized channel.
How to challenge incorrect information on your FBI record
If your Identity History Summary contains information that is inaccurate or incomplete, the FBI provides a challenge process.
Get your FBI Identity History Summary first
Positive fingerprint identification is required before the FBI will disclose and discuss your summary information.
Identify the exact entry you dispute
Explain what is inaccurate or incomplete instead of simply saying the whole report is wrong.
Collect supporting documentation
Court dockets, certified dispositions, expungement orders or agency documentation can help support the challenge.
Contact the appropriate contributing agency when required
Most state-originated corrections are generally processed through the responsible State Identification Bureau or agency that originally supplied the record.
Submit the FBI challenge
Follow the FBI’s current challenge instructions and retain copies of everything submitted.
Expungement and sealing: who actually removes FBI criminal-history data?
The FBI explains that questions about sealing or expungement of nonfederal arrest information should generally be directed to the State Identification Bureau for the state where the offense occurred.
For state-originated information, the contributing state or local agency typically must send the appropriate correction/update to the FBI.
For federal arrest information, the FBI states that data can be removed from the FBI criminal file when requested by the submitting federal agency or when the FBI receives an appropriate federal court order specifically requiring expungement.
Using an FBI background check abroad: authentication and apostille
FBI Identity History Summaries are commonly requested for visas, residence, work, study, adoption or other official matters outside the United States.
The FBI currently authenticates fingerprint-search results by placing an FBI watermark and the signature of a division official on the result when it is issued.
Apostille country
If the country where you will use the FBI report participates in the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, a federal apostille may be required.
Non-Apostille country
If the country is not part of the Hague Convention, you may instead need a federal authentication certificate and potentially additional authentication through that country’s embassy or consulate.
$20 per document
The U.S. Department of State currently charges a nonrefundable $20 fee for each document submitted for authentication/apostille service.
How to request an FBI check while outside the United States
People living abroad can still need an FBI Identity History Summary for immigration, visas, residency, foreign employment, school or other official purposes.
The U.S. Department of State specifically states that U.S. embassies and consulates abroad do not provide fingerprinting services for these requests.
If you are outside the United States:
- start with the current FBI Identity History Summary instructions;
- locate a qualified local law-enforcement or fingerprint provider;
- make sure the fingerprint card contains all required FBI impressions/data;
- use a current fingerprint card;
- follow direct FBI mail/electronic submission rules as applicable;
- check the foreign authority’s apostille/authentication requirements separately.
Electronic copies, paper responses and sealed FBI results
If you submit electronically, the FBI provides an electronic response and allows you to print as many ordinary copies as you need.
If you select a hard-copy response, the FBI sends one sealed paper response for that request.
Is the result printed on blue security paper?
No. The FBI says Identity History Summary results are now produced on standard white paper because of its automated mailing process.
Can an individual request a law-enforcement “certified copy”?
Not through the specialized certified-copy procedure used by law-enforcement entities. The FBI states that certified copies of fingerprints or Identity History Summary information under that process can be requested only by law-enforcement entities.
For foreign use, the ordinary FBI result is instead authenticated at issuance with the FBI watermark and division-official signature, after which an apostille or authentication can be requested from the State Department when needed.
FBI CJIS Identity History Summary contact information
FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division
Phone:
304-625-5590
Email:
identity@fbi.gov
Contact this unit for questions about Identity History Summary requests, status, payment or challenge procedures.
FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow RoadClarksburg, WV 26306
This is the FBI’s published mailing address for direct Identity History Summary Departmental Order requests.
FBI CJIS Division map
The FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division is located in Clarksburg, West Virginia. This map is useful for identifying the CJIS campus, but the Identity History Summary service is handled electronically or by mail; do not assume that the facility accepts public walk-in requests.
Common FBI criminal-record-check mistakes to avoid
Using FOIA
Identity History Summary requests have their own CJIS process and do not belong in the FBI eFOIPA system.
Expecting a name-only search
The FBI requires fingerprints for an Identity History Summary request.
Reusing old fingerprints
A new Identity History Summary request requires a current fingerprint card.
Sending personal checks
The FBI does not accept personal/business checks or cash for direct mail requests.
Expecting guaranteed rush service
The FBI does not provide expedited handling for Departmental Order requests.
Using the wrong check for employment
An employer or licensing authority may require a specific statutory fingerprint process instead.
Assuming “no FBI record” means no records anywhere
State, local court or other repositories can contain information not shown in the FBI summary.
Paying an unapproved “Channeler”
Verify the company on the FBI’s current approved Departmental Order Channeler list.
Not checking foreign-document requirements first
Some countries require apostille, authentication, translation or recent issuance.
FBI criminal record check: frequently asked questions
1. How much does an FBI Identity History Summary Check cost?
The FBI currently charges $18 for a direct Identity History Summary request. Fingerprinting providers, USPS and FBI-approved Channelers can charge additional separate service fees.
2. Can I get an FBI criminal record check online?
You can start the request electronically through the FBI eDO system, but fingerprints are still required. You can submit fingerprints electronically through a participating U.S. Post Office or mail a completed fingerprint card to the FBI.
3. Can the FBI search my criminal history using only my name?
No. The FBI states that it does not provide name checks for Identity History Summary requests. Fingerprints are required to establish positive identification.
4. How long does an FBI background check take?
Processing time varies. The FBI does not provide an expedited service and processes requests in the order received. Electronically initiated requests should generally be processed faster after completed fingerprints are received.
5. Can I get fingerprints taken at a Post Office?
Yes, but only at participating USPS locations and after registering for the FBI Identity History Summary electronic process. USPS currently lists a $50 fingerprint capture fee, separate from the FBI’s $18 fee.
6. Can I request another person’s FBI criminal history?
Not through the personal Identity History Summary process. It requires the fingerprints of the person whose history is being requested so the FBI can establish positive identity.
7. Can I use my FBI Identity History Summary for employment?
Not automatically. Employment, licensing and certain adoption checks can require a separate legally authorized fingerprint process through a state identification bureau, requesting agency or authorized channel. Follow the requesting organization’s instructions.
8. How do I correct an error on my FBI Identity History Summary?
Use the FBI challenge process, clearly identify the inaccurate or incomplete information, and provide available supporting documentation. State-originated corrections often also require action by the responsible State Identification Bureau or contributing agency.
9. Does the FBI provide an apostille for a background check?
No. The FBI authenticates its fingerprint-search result with an FBI watermark and official signature. When an apostille or federal authentication is required for foreign use, it is obtained separately from the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications.
10. Can I get an FBI Identity History Summary while living outside the United States?
Yes, but you must still provide acceptable fingerprints and follow the FBI’s submission requirements. U.S. embassies and consulates abroad do not provide fingerprinting services, so you generally need to locate an appropriate local fingerprint provider.
Primary official sources used for this guide
- FBI — Identity History Summary Checks FAQ
- FBI — Electronic Departmental Order (eDO)
- FBI — Identity History Summary Checks Review
- FBI — FD-1164 Identity History Summary Fingerprint Card
- FBI — Approved Departmental Order Channelers
- FBI — State Identification Bureau Listing
- FBI — U.S. Department of Justice Order 556-73
- USPS — FBI Fingerprint Location Search
- U.S. Department of State — Criminal Records Checks
- U.S. Department of State — Federal Apostille Requirements
- U.S. Department of State — Authentication Services