Free Guide to Scheduling Your Identogo Fingerprint Appointment

Understanding What Identogo Does and Why You Might Need Fingerprinting

Identogo is a company that provides fingerprinting services for various purposes. The company operates over 4,500 locations across the United States, making it one of the largest fingerprinting networks in the country. When government agencies, employers, schools, or organizations need your fingerprints for background checks, they often direct people to Identogo or similar certified fingerprinting providers.

Get Your Free Scenic Train Trip Planning Guide →

Fingerprinting may be required for several reasons. Background checks for employment typically require fingerprints—particularly for jobs in education, healthcare, childcare, law enforcement, and financial services. Professional licensing boards in fields like nursing, teaching, and real estate may request fingerprints as part of their credentialing process. Court orders and legal proceedings sometimes require fingerprints. Volunteer positions with organizations that work with vulnerable populations often need fingerprint-based background checks. Military service, security clearances, and some immigration-related processes also use fingerprinting.

The fingerprinting process itself is straightforward. A trained technician will roll and press each of your fingers onto a digital scanner or card. The process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. The technician checks the quality of each print to ensure the scans are clear enough for identification purposes. Once complete, your fingerprints are transmitted to the appropriate agencies for processing, which can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the organization requesting them.

Understanding the reason you need fingerprinting helps you find the right Identogo location and prepare properly. Some Identogo locations specialize in certain types of fingerprinting services, and knowing your specific need helps you schedule at an appropriate location.

Practical takeaway: Before scheduling, identify which organization or agency requested your fingerprints and what type of background check they need. Write down this information—you'll likely need it when booking your appointment.

Finding Identogo Locations Near You

Identogo maintains a location finder tool on its official website at identogo.com. This tool allows you to search for nearby fingerprinting centers using your ZIP code or city name. The location finder shows operating hours, services offered at each location, and directions. Most locations are found in pharmacies, police departments, and dedicated fingerprinting centers, though some are in other retail locations.

Get Your Free Guide to Drying Sunflower Seeds →

When searching for a location, you'll notice that not all Identogo centers offer the same services. Some locations handle FBI fingerprinting for employment and professional purposes. Others offer DOJ (state) fingerprinting for criminal background checks. Many locations offer both services. A few specialized locations handle federal clearance fingerprinting or other specific types. Looking at what services each location offers before scheduling ensures you go to a location equipped to handle your particular fingerprinting need.

Distance and convenience matter because you'll need to complete your appointment in one visit. Most people benefit from finding the closest location to their home or workplace. However, if your nearest location has limited hours or long wait times, a location slightly farther away might get you scheduled sooner. Identogo locations in urban areas typically have more appointment slots available than those in rural areas.

Operating hours vary significantly by location. Many pharmacy-based Identogo services operate during store hours, sometimes from 9 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and reduced hours on weekends. Police department locations often have more limited hours, sometimes only offering fingerprinting during standard business hours. Before scheduling, confirm that your chosen location's hours work with your schedule.

Practical takeaway: Visit identogo.com and search multiple nearby locations. Note 2-3 options with their hours and services. Choose the location that best fits your schedule and offers the type of fingerprinting you need.

What Information You'll Need to Provide When Scheduling

Having certain information ready before you call or book online makes the scheduling process move smoothly. First, you'll need a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If your ID is expired, some Identogo locations will still accept it for fingerprinting purposes, though you should confirm with your specific location before arriving. The ID must have your photograph and signature on it.

Find Quest Diagnostics Locations and Schedule Appointments →

You'll need to provide your full legal name exactly as it appears on your government ID. If you've recently changed your name through marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you may need to provide documentation of that change, depending on which organization requested the fingerprinting. Some agencies want your name to match exactly across documents.

When scheduling, be ready to share which organization or agency requested your fingerprinting. Is it for a job with a specific company? A government position? Professional licensing? Court-ordered fingerprinting? The requesting organization matters because different agencies have different processing procedures and timelines. You should also know whether you need FBI fingerprinting (federal), DOJ fingerprinting (state level), or both.

Some locations ask for your date of birth and Social Security number when scheduling. These are used to ensure proper identification and tracking of your fingerprints through the system. Your information remains confidential and is only shared with the agencies that requested the fingerprinting.

If you're scheduling for a minor, you'll need to provide information about the parent or guardian who will accompany the minor to the appointment. Minors cannot have fingerprints taken without a parent or legal guardian present. The adult must bring their own valid ID as well.

Practical takeaway: Gather before scheduling: your valid photo ID, your full legal name as it appears on that ID, your date of birth, and the name of the organization requesting the fingerprints. Have this information visible when you call or go online to book.

Scheduling Your Appointment: Online and Phone Methods

Identogo offers multiple ways to schedule your fingerprinting appointment. The online scheduling option at identogo.com allows you to select your location, choose an available date and time, and confirm your appointment without speaking to anyone. The online system shows available slots for the next several weeks, usually with multiple time slots available each day. This method works well if you prefer to schedule at your own pace and have flexibility about when you visit.

Learn About Unemployment Registration in Ohio →

To schedule online, you'll navigate to the Identogo website, enter your ZIP code in the location finder, select your location and the type of fingerprinting needed, then view available appointment times. The system walks you through confirming your personal information and may request which organization is requesting your fingerprints. Once confirmed, you'll receive a confirmation number and appointment details via email. Print or save this information to show when you arrive.

Phone scheduling is available by calling Identogo's customer service number, which you can find on the website or in your location listing. When you call, have your information ready and let the representative know which location you prefer and what type of fingerprinting you need. Representatives can sometimes accommodate specific time preferences and may have information about current wait times at different locations. Phone scheduling typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Some Identogo locations, particularly those in pharmacies or dedicated centers, allow walk-in appointments without advance scheduling. However, scheduling ahead is recommended because walk-ins may involve longer wait times, especially during busy periods. If you choose to walk in, arriving early in the day or mid-week typically means shorter waits than evenings or weekends.

After scheduling, you may receive a confirmation via email or text, depending on which method you used. Some locations send reminders a day or two before your appointment. If you need to change your appointment time, you can usually do this through the same online system or by calling customer service.

Practical takeaway: Schedule online if you want flexibility and convenience. Call if you prefer speaking with someone or have specific questions. Write down your confirmation number and appointment time, and plan to arrive 10 minutes early.

What to Bring and How to Prepare for Your Appointment

On the day of your appointment, bring your valid government-issued photo ID. This is essential—you cannot have your fingerprints taken without it. Bring the original ID, not a copy. If your ID is expired but still has your photograph, bring it anyway and let the technician know. Have your confirmation email or appointment confirmation number available, either printed or on your phone. Many locations ask you to check in with this information.

Get Your Free Medicare Payment Timeline Guide →

Wear clean hands and avoid heavily soiled or greasy hands when arriving. The technician will ask you to wash your hands before fingerprinting if needed. Remove any gloves, bandages, or heavy hand lot