Essential Guide to the FBI Background Check Process

Getting an FBI background check is a common requirement for many purposes, such as employment, immigration, licensing, or personal record review. It provides a summary of a person’s criminal history based on fingerprint submissions received by the FBI. This type of check is widely used by individuals, government agencies, employers, and attorneys to confirm a person’s identity history and legal standing.

This article explains the process step by step, including how to submit a request, how long it takes, what’s in the report, and how to correct errors if needed. Whether you’re applying for a job or just need to review your record, this guide offers clear instructions to help you complete your FBI background check.

Why You Might Need an FBI Background Check

An FBI background check is often required for jobs, immigration, travel, legal proceedings, or adoption. It is also useful if you need to check your criminal history record. Employers, licensing agencies, courts, or attorneys may ask for this report during their decision-making process. You can request it for personal use or to correct inaccurate information in your record.

This process is managed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is based on fingerprint submissions. The information collected becomes part of a person’s identity history summary.

What Is an FBI Background Check?

An FBI background check is a summary of a person’s criminal history. It is also known as an Identity History Summary or a rap sheet. It lists certain information submitted by criminal justice agencies, including:

• Name of the agency that submitted fingerprints
• Date of the arrest or fingerprint submission
• Criminal charge
• Outcome of the arrest, if known

The FBI collects this data as part of its role under federal law. This report helps determine whether a person has a criminal history record and supports decisions related to employment, travel, child-related roles, or federal services. This process follows the Departmental Order 556-73, which establishes rules for how individuals can request their own records from the FBI. It allows people to request directly or through approved FBI channelers.

Who Typically Requests This Report?

You may need to request an FBI background check if you:

• Federal employment or government roles: Required when applying for jobs with federal agencies or government contractors.
• Visa, green card, or immigration clearance: Used to verify criminal history as part of immigration or travel-related applications.
• Adoption or fostering a child: Required to assess your background before being approved for child-related responsibilities.
• Child support enforcement: May be requested by courts or agencies to confirm legal obligations and compliance.
• Personal record review: Useful for individuals who want to verify or review their criminal history record.
• Employment background checks: Employers may require a criminal history report as part of the hiring process.

In some cases, your employer or legal representative may also request this on your behalf.

Your Options to Get an FBI Background Check

There are two main ways to obtain an FBI background check: by submitting a request directly to the Federal Bureau of Investigation or by using an approved FBI channeler. If you choose to request directly, you can send your fingerprint submissions and identity information through the FBI’s Electronic Departmental Order (EDO) portal. This method allows you to submit fingerprint cards either online or by mail. Standard processing time for direct requests is about 7 to 14 business days. This route is often chosen by individuals who want to handle the process on their own and do not require additional assistance.

Alternatively, you can use an approved FBI channeler. These services are authorized by the FBI to collect and submit fingerprint submissions on your behalf. Channelers help provide individuals with fast processing times, usually within 24 to 72 hours, along with optional delivery of the criminal history record to an attorney or employer. Many people prefer this option because it offers help with fingerprint cards, application support, and access to identity history summary services without having to manage the process alone.

Step-by-Step Process to Complete Your Request

Step 1: Decide How to Submit

You can begin the FBI background check process by selecting how you want to submit your request. Individuals can either submit their information through the FBI’s Electronic Departmental Order (EDO) portal or go through an approved FBI channeler. Both options require identity verification, and both rely on fingerprint submissions to complete the request.

If you prefer to manage the process yourself, you may request it directly through the FBI by submitting fingerprint cards via mail or electronically. Channelers offer additional support and faster turnaround times, which may be preferred by employers, agencies, or people requesting their criminal history record for employment, child support, or federal services.

Step 2: Get Fingerprinted

Fingerprint submissions are required to complete your FBI background check request. You can visit a live scan provider or submit ink-based fingerprint cards, depending on your location and the service you choose. Both methods collect your biometric identity information and are used to match against records stored in the FBI’s criminal justice database.

All fingerprint cards must meet FBI image quality standards. If the fingerprint images are unclear or incomplete, the request may be delayed or rejected. Fingerprints must capture all 10 fingers with proper pressure and alignment. Live scan services are often preferred because they reduce errors and offer faster results when submitting to the Federal Bureau of Investigation or an approved FBI channeler.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

You will need to provide:

• Full name, address, and date of birth
• Other identity-related information, such as gender and citizenship
• Contact details, including phone and email address
• Reason for the request (personal review, employment, immigration, etc.)

Make sure your contact information is accurate. Any mistakes can lead to delivery delays or missing records.

Step 4: Pay the Fees

Fees vary depending on your method:

• FBI direct: $18 (standard fee for processing)
• Channeler: Additional fees may apply depending on speed and services

Payments can be made by credit card, money order, or employer-provided billing codes. Agencies may provide applicants with prepaid authorization codes to simplify the payment process.

Step 5: Choose Delivery Option

You may receive your report as a downloadable PDF through a secure web portal, by U.S. mail, or sent directly to an attorney or employer with written consent. These delivery options are based on how the request was submitted and what the individual or agency selected during the application process.

Delivery times vary depending on the method. Electronic reports are typically the fastest, especially when processed by an approved FBI channeler. Choosing mail delivery may add a few days to the timeline, depending on the postal service and location.

How Long Does It Take?

The amount of time it takes to receive your FBI background check depends on how you submit your request. Some methods are faster than others, especially when using electronic submission or working with an approved FBI channeler. People applying for employment, immigration, or licensing often prefer quicker turnaround to meet deadlines.

Method	Processing Time
FBI (direct submission)	7 to 14 business days
Approved FBI channeler	1 to 3 business days
Mail delivery (optional)	Add 3 to 5 days

Factors such as mail delays, incomplete fingerprint cards, or missing identity information can impact processing times. Using a trusted service helps reduce these delays.

What’s in the Report?

An FBI background check provides individuals with a detailed review of their identity history. The report includes criminal history records based on fingerprint submissions and contains certain information related to arrests, charges, and case outcomes. It also covers identity history summary details from agencies that are part of the criminal justice system. In some cases, the report includes information about federal employment, military service, or naturalization if those records were submitted by an authorized agency.

This type of report is often used by employers to determine a person’s suitability for a role, especially in jobs related to child support, security, or regulated industries. Attorneys and other legal professionals may request it to prepare for legal proceedings or to verify a person’s background. The FBI is responsible for maintaining these records, and they are based on data submitted by various justice and law enforcement departments across the country.

Fixing or Challenging Your Identity History Summary

If your report contains incorrect or missing information, you can request corrections. The process involves contacting the agency that originally submitted the record. The FBI is responsible for storing records, but cannot make changes unless notified by the original agency.

To start a correction, you will need one of the following:

• Your FBI Universal Control Number (FBI Number)
• Or your State Identification Number (SID), which includes a two-letter state abbreviation

Once the request is reviewed, the agency will notify the FBI of any changes. This helps maintain the accuracy of the criminal history record and protects the rights of the person involved.

Conclusion

The FBI background check is a valuable tool for reviewing your criminal history and verifying your identity. It provides individuals, employers, and agencies with access to criminal justice information that may affect employment decisions, licensing approvals, or immigration outcomes. The report is based on fingerprint submissions and includes your identity history summary, arrest data, and records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It can also help with child support enforcement and legal defense preparation by offering a complete view of a person’s criminal history record.

At Sapphire Check, we make it easier to submit your request with accuracy and speed. As an approved FBI channeler, we offer secure fingerprint collection, application support, and fast delivery options. Our team works with both individuals and employers to provide reliable background check services. Contact us, and our team will assist you.

FAQs

How long does an FBI background check take?

An FBI background check usually takes 7 to 14 business days when requested directly from the FBI. If submitted through an approved FBI channeler, results are typically available within 1 to 3 business days.

What shows up on an FBI background check?

An FBI background check includes your criminal history record, also called an Identity History Summary. It shows arrests, charges, outcomes, and fingerprint submissions reported by criminal justice agencies.

Can I get an FBI background check for myself?

Yes, you can request an FBI background check for yourself. You can submit your fingerprints directly to the FBI or use an approved FBI channeler for faster service.

Is an FBI background check the same as a state background check?

No, an FBI background check includes national data from federal and state agencies, while a state background check only includes records from that specific state.