Learn About Scheduling Your Identogo Appointment Online

What Identogo Is and Why You Might Schedule an Appointment

Identogo is a private company that provides fingerprinting and background check services. The company operates fingerprinting locations across the United States and serves various organizations and programs that require background checks. Unlike a government agency, Identogo is a third-party service provider that handles the collection and submission of fingerprints on behalf of employers, licensing boards, law enforcement agencies, and other entities that need this information.

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Many different situations might lead someone to need fingerprinting services. Employers often require fingerprint background checks for positions involving work with children, elderly people, or access to sensitive information. Professional licensing boards may require fingerprints as part of the process to obtain or renew certain licenses. Some volunteer positions, particularly those involving direct contact with vulnerable populations, also require fingerprint checks. Additionally, individuals relocating to different states or countries may need official fingerprint records for various purposes.

Identogo maintains over 15,000 fingerprinting locations in the United States, including offices at participating banks, law enforcement agencies, and dedicated Identogo service centers. This widespread network means that most people can find a location relatively close to their home or workplace. The company processes millions of fingerprint submissions annually, making it one of the largest providers of this service in the country.

The reason scheduling in advance matters is that some locations have limited hours or high demand during certain times. By scheduling online rather than walking in without an appointment, you can secure a specific time slot that works with your schedule. This prevents the possibility of arriving at a location only to find that appointments are fully booked or that wait times are longer than expected. Understanding what Identogo does and recognizing whether you actually need their services is the first step in the scheduling process.

Practical Takeaway: Before scheduling an appointment, confirm with the organization requiring your fingerprints (your employer, licensing board, or other entity) that they specifically request Identogo's services or accept fingerprints processed through Identogo.

Understanding the Online Scheduling Process and Requirements

Identogo's online scheduling system allows you to reserve an appointment slot without visiting a location in person or calling ahead. The process begins on the Identogo website, where you'll navigate to their appointment scheduling section. To use the online system, you'll need access to a computer or smartphone with internet capability. The website walks you through several steps to complete your reservation, and the entire process typically takes between 5 and 15 minutes depending on how quickly you can gather necessary information.

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Before you start the scheduling process, gather specific information you'll need. You'll need to provide your full legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued identification. You should also have your date of birth ready, as this is required for the background check process. The organization that requested your fingerprints will have given you a code or reference number—have this information available when scheduling. This code tells Identogo which organization requested the fingerprints and ensures your results are submitted to the correct place.

You'll also need to select a location and date that work for your schedule. Identogo shows available time slots for each location, and you can filter by date to find options that fit your calendar. Different locations have different hours of operation. Some are open during standard business hours only, while others may offer extended hours or weekend appointments. The online system displays which slots are actually available, so you only see times that haven't been booked by other people.

During the online scheduling process, you'll confirm your contact information including a phone number and email address. Identogo uses this information to send you confirmation of your appointment. Many locations also allow you to receive appointment reminders via text message or email. Additionally, the system will indicate what documents you need to bring on the day of your appointment, which typically includes a valid government-issued photo ID and possibly additional documentation depending on the specific request.

Practical Takeaway: Write down your appointment confirmation number and details immediately after scheduling. Take a photo of this confirmation or save the confirmation email, and bring this information with you on your appointment day.

Finding the Right Location and Time Slot for Your Needs

Identogo's location finder tool is the key to scheduling an appointment that actually fits your life. The online system allows you to search for nearby locations by entering your zip code or city name. Results display all participating locations in your area with their addresses and hours of operation. The distance shown helps you identify which locations are closest to your home, workplace, or other places you frequent. In urban and suburban areas, you'll typically find multiple options within a short distance, while rural areas may have fewer choices.

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Each location listing shows the hours it's open and often indicates when appointments are available. Some locations maintain consistent hours every day, while others have varying schedules throughout the week. For example, a location might be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. only. This information matters if you need to schedule outside standard business hours or can only visit on certain days. Weekend appointments, when available, tend to book faster than weekday slots, particularly in areas with high demand.

When reviewing available time slots, consider your actual schedule and how much buffer time you need. Fingerprinting appointments typically last between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the number of people ahead of you and any complications with capturing quality prints. However, it's wise to allocate more time than the minimum. Plan to arrive 5 to 10 minutes early, and account for the possibility that the appointment might run slightly longer than expected. Scheduling during less busy times—typically mid-morning on weekdays or early in the week—may result in faster service, though this varies by location.

Some people have flexibility in location choice and can choose based on convenience and availability. Others might prefer a specific location for reasons like proximity to work or being near somewhere else they need to go. The online system shows availability across all locations you're considering, which lets you compare options before deciding. If your first choice location is fully booked on your preferred dates, the system makes it easy to check alternatives without starting the scheduling process over.

Practical Takeaway: Check availability at 2 to 3 nearby locations before committing to a choice. This gives you backup options if your first choice fills up, and you can select whichever offers the most convenient date and time for your situation.

Documents and Information You Need to Bring and Prepare

Successful fingerprinting appointments require proper preparation and documentation. The most important item to bring is a valid government-issued photo identification. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Some locations accept identification cards from tribal nations or other government entities, but it must include your photo and have not expired. The identification must match the name you used when scheduling your appointment. If your name has changed since your ID was issued, you may need to bring additional documentation showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

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Beyond identification, the specific documents you'll need depend on why you're getting fingerprinted. When you schedule online, the system informs you of any additional requirements. For employment-related fingerprints, you may need to bring documentation from your employer stating that fingerprints were requested. For professional licensing, your licensing board may have provided a form or reference number. If you're arranging fingerprints for a volunteer position, the organization coordinating the volunteer work usually provides information about what to bring. The confirmation email or message you receive after scheduling will include this documentation checklist.

Prepare the information about who requested your fingerprints. This might be an employer's human resources department, a state licensing board, or a court. Have contact information for the requesting organization available, or at least have the case or reference number they provided. This information helps the Identogo staff ensure your fingerprints are submitted to the correct destination. If you've misplaced this information, contact the organization that requested the fingerprints before your appointment to get the correct details.

On the day of your appointment, arrive with clean hands and fingers. While Identogo's staff can clean your hands if needed, arriving with reasonably clean hands helps the fingerprinting process go faster. Very dry or very moist skin can affect the quality of fingerprints, so moisturize your hands normally but not excessively if you know your skin tends to be very dry. If you have significant scars, burns, or other marks on your fingertips from recent injuries, mention this to the staff member conducting the fingerprinting, as they may need to note this or potentially reschedule if prints cannot be properly captured.