Crime & Traffic
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How to complete an FBI background check How-To
What is an FBI background check for employment?
An FBI background check, known as an Identity History Summary, may be required if you’ve been arrested out of state. The process can be handled online or through direct mail. If you choose to submit a paper form, you must request that the FBI email you an application.
Once you’ve filled out the appropriate forms, you must submit your fingerprints, which can be mailed to the FBI on the bureau’s standard fingerprint form or scanned in at an FBI-approved fingerprint vendor. These fingerprint vendors, which the FBI calls “channelers,” are authorized to submit criminal record requests directly to the FBI. The FBI charges $18 for the report while fingerprint vendors have their own set of charges. Once complete, you can choose to download the report or receive it through UPS or the U.S. mail.
Decide how to submit request
An FBI background check, known as an Identity History Summary, may be required if you’ve been arrested out of state. If you have questions, call (304) 625-5590.
- Complete process the online
- Complete the process by mail. If you choose to submit a paper form, you must request that the FBI email you an application.
- Note: FBI records include juvenile records that occurred before 2010, even if they have been expunged. Giving your employer a photocopy of your expungement order should be sufficient. If you have a juvenile record that has not been expunged, see here
Submit fingerprints
- Submit your fingerprints with the FBI’s standard fingerprint form or scanned in at an FBI-approved fingerprint vendor. These fingerprint vendors, which the FBI calls “channelers,” are authorized to submit criminal record requests directly to the FBI.
- Note: The FBI charges $18 for the report and fingerprint vendors have their own set of charges.
Submit payment
- Payment must be made by credit card using the FBI Credit Card Form
- Note: Complete information can be found on the FBI website
Choose how you will receive it
Once complete, you can choose to download the report or receive it through UPS or the U.S. mail.
Last full review by a subject matter expert
June 25, 2021
Last revised by staff
May 24, 2020
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