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What Identogo Is and What It Does

Identogo is a company that provides fingerprinting and background check services for people who need them for various reasons. The company operates thousands of locations across the United States, making it one of the largest networks of fingerprinting service providers in the country. Understanding what Identogo actually does is the first step in learning about appointment scheduling with them.

Fingerprinting services through Identogo capture your fingerprints digitally and can send them to government agencies, employers, schools, or other organizations that request them. The company doesn't decide whether you need fingerprints or what the results mean—they simply collect the information and transmit it to whoever requested the service. This is an important distinction. Identogo processes the fingerprints, but the organizations that receive them make decisions based on those prints.

People use Identogo's services for many different reasons. Teachers might need fingerprints for school employment. Foster parents or adoptive parents may need them as part of a home study process. People working with children or vulnerable adults often need fingerprint-based background checks. Law enforcement and security clearance holders use these services. Even some volunteer positions require fingerprinting. According to the FBI, millions of fingerprint cards are processed annually for non-criminal purposes, and a significant portion go through companies like Identogo.

The company's locations range from standalone offices to services offered within larger facilities. Some are in dedicated fingerprinting centers, while others operate through partner locations like pharmacies or government offices. When you schedule an appointment, you're booking time with a trained fingerprinting technician who will collect your prints using either ink-based or digital methods.

Practical takeaway: Before scheduling any appointment, determine who actually requires your fingerprints and what specific service they need. This information shapes everything else about your appointment.

Finding Identogo Locations Near You

Identogo maintains a location finder on their website that allows you to search for nearby fingerprinting centers. This tool is one of the most practical resources for anyone needing to schedule an appointment. The location finder typically requires you to enter your zip code or city, and it displays available locations within a specified distance, usually showing options within 5, 10, 25, or 50 miles depending on population density.

The number of locations varies significantly by geography. Urban and suburban areas typically have numerous options, sometimes dozens within a reasonable radius. Rural areas may have fewer locations, requiring longer travel distances. According to Identogo's service data, they operate in all 50 states with particular concentration in metropolitan areas. If you live in a less populated region, you might need to plan travel time to the nearest center or explore whether services are available through local government offices.

When using the location finder, you'll see information about each location including the address, phone number, hours of operation, and sometimes parking information. Some locations operate during standard business hours only, while others offer extended hours into evenings or weekend availability. A few locations may have specific services listed, such as whether they offer rush services or can handle specific types of fingerprinting requests.

It's worth noting that location hours can change, and some facilities may close temporarily. Rather than relying solely on online information, calling ahead to confirm current hours is a practical step. This also gives you a chance to ask any specific questions about what to bring or how long the appointment typically takes at that particular location.

The location finder also typically shows whether you can schedule online or if you need to call. Some locations have fully online scheduling systems, while others require phone booking or accept walk-ins. Understanding your location's specific process prevents confusion when you're ready to book.

Practical takeaway: Use the location finder, note 2-3 options in case your first choice is booked, then call your preferred location to confirm hours and current appointment availability before making travel plans.

Preparing Documents and Information for Your Appointment

Showing up to your Identogo appointment with the right documentation makes the process smoother and prevents delays. What you need to bring depends on what fingerprinting service you're getting, but certain documents are nearly universal requirements. The most important document is a valid photo ID. This can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Identogo needs to verify your identity before taking your fingerprints, and a photo ID is the standard way they do this.

Beyond identification, what you bring depends on the specific fingerprinting service. If you're getting fingerprints for employment, you might need documentation from your employer showing what type of background check is required. If you're doing this for school or volunteer work, you may need similar documentation. Some services require specific forms to be completed before or during your appointment. Asking about this when you book your appointment prevents showing up unprepared.

For many government-related fingerprinting services, you'll receive an applicant number or reference number. This number should be written down and brought with you, as it helps ensure your fingerprints are matched to the correct request. If you don't have this number, call the organization that requested your fingerprints to get it before your appointment.

Identogo's website typically lists what to bring, and this information may be location-specific. The general checklist usually includes: valid government-issued photo ID, any application numbers or reference codes, contact information for where results should be sent, and any specific forms required by the requesting organization. Some locations may ask for additional information, which is another reason calling ahead is valuable.

One practical consideration: bring anything in writing that explains why you need the fingerprints. If a school requested them, have that request in writing. If an employer specified what type of background check, bring that documentation. This clarifies the process and ensures you get exactly what's needed.

Practical takeaway: Create a checklist the day before your appointment that includes your ID, any reference numbers, forms, and written documentation of what fingerprinting service was requested. Call your location if you're unsure about anything on this list.

Understanding Different Types of Fingerprinting Services

Identogo provides several different types of fingerprinting services, and understanding the differences is important because the service you need affects processing time and how results are delivered. The most common distinction is between criminal background fingerprints and civil background fingerprints, though there are variations within these categories.

Criminal background fingerprints are typically requested for law enforcement purposes, security clearances, and certain professional licenses. These fingerprints are submitted to the FBI and state criminal databases. Processing time for criminal fingerprints can range from days to several weeks depending on the FBI's current workload. According to FBI data, criminal fingerprint checks processed in 2023 averaged between 3-10 business days for most submissions, though some took longer during peak periods.

Civil background fingerprints, also called non-criminal fingerprints, are used for employment, adoption, fostering, volunteer work, teaching, and childcare positions. These don't go through criminal databases in the same way but may be checked against sexual offender registries and other specialized databases depending on what the requesting organization needs. Processing times for civil fingerprints are often shorter, ranging from a few days to 2-3 weeks.

Some fingerprinting services are expedited or rush services. These are faster but typically cost more. If your situation requires fingerprints quickly—for example, if you have a job start date approaching—rush services may be worth the additional cost. Identogo locations vary in whether they offer rush options, which is something to ask about when scheduling.

Digital fingerprinting versus ink-based fingerprinting is another distinction. Most Identogo locations now use digital capture methods, which are faster and produce clearer images that are less likely to require resubmission. However, some locations may still offer or require ink-based prints for specific purposes. Asking your location which method they use helps you understand what to expect during your appointment.

Understanding your specific service type matters because it affects how you discuss your needs when scheduling and what timeline to expect for results. Different services also have different requirements about what documentation you need to bring.

Practical takeaway: Before scheduling, confirm with the organization that requested your fingerprints exactly which type of service they need—criminal, civil, or a specialized type—and whether they have a deadline for receiving results.

The Appointment Scheduling Process and What to Expect

Scheduling your Identogo appointment can typically be done online through their website or by calling your chosen location directly. The online scheduling process is usually straight