Get Your Free Identogo Appointment Guide

Understanding IdentiGo and Background Check Appointments

IdentiGo is a service that handles background checks and identity verification for various organizations and government agencies. When you need to complete a background check — whether for employment, licensing, housing, or other purposes — you may be directed to schedule an appointment through IdentiGo. The service operates fingerprint collection locations across the United States, and these appointments are where your fingerprints and identity information get collected and processed.

The appointment itself involves visiting a physical location where a trained technician will take your fingerprints, verify your identity through documents, and collect other required information. This information is then submitted to the appropriate agencies or organizations that requested the background check. Understanding how this process works helps you prepare properly for your appointment and know what to expect when you arrive.

IdentiGo locations operate in most states, though availability varies by region. Some appointments are free, while others have fees depending on who is requesting the background check and why. For example, some government agencies cover the cost of background checks, while private employers might require you to pay a fee. Before scheduling, it's helpful to understand whether your specific appointment should have a cost associated with it.

The company has been processing background checks for decades and handles millions of transactions annually. This long track record means the locations have established procedures and trained staff who process appointments regularly. Knowing this context helps you approach your appointment with confidence about the process itself, even if you're uncertain about other aspects.

Practical Takeaway: Before scheduling an IdentiGo appointment, determine who is requesting your background check (employer, government agency, housing provider, etc.) and confirm whether the appointment should be free or if there's a fee involved.

How to Find and Schedule Your Free IdentiGo Appointment

Finding an IdentiGo appointment location near you starts with visiting the IdentiGo website or calling their customer service line. The website has a location finder tool where you enter your zip code or city, and it displays nearby collection centers with their addresses and hours of operation. This tool shows you which locations serve your area and their availability for scheduling.

When you search for locations, you'll see options for both walk-in appointments and scheduled appointments. Walk-in availability varies by location, with some centers accommodating drop-ins during certain hours while others require advance scheduling. Scheduled appointments typically allow you to reserve a specific date and time, which can be more convenient if you have a busy schedule or want to avoid waiting.

To schedule online, you'll need to provide basic information like your name, date of birth, and the reason for the background check (such as employment or professional licensing). The system will then show available time slots at nearby locations. You can select your preferred date and time, and you'll receive a confirmation with your appointment details. Some locations may also allow you to schedule by phone if you prefer speaking with someone directly.

Several factors affect appointment availability. High-demand locations in urban areas may have longer wait times between available slots, sometimes stretching days or weeks out. Smaller towns or rural areas might have fewer locations but shorter wait times. Scheduling during off-peak times — early mornings, midweek appointments, or non-holiday periods — sometimes provides more options.

It's worth noting that some appointments are free while others have associated costs. Fee-free appointments typically occur when government agencies or certain employers cover the expense. When you're searching for locations and times, the system should indicate whether your appointment has a cost. If you see a fee mentioned and believe your appointment should be free, it's worth contacting the location directly to verify.

Practical Takeaway: Use the IdentiGo location finder tool on their website, enter your zip code to find nearby centers, and check both the availability of dates and whether your specific appointment should have a cost before confirming your booking.

Documents and Information You'll Need to Bring

Bringing the right documents to your IdentiGo appointment prevents delays and ensures your background check processes smoothly. The primary requirement is a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable documents include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID, or tribal ID. This identification is used to verify who you are and to match your identity against the fingerprints being collected. Without proper ID, the technician may not be able to proceed with your appointment.

Beyond your primary ID, you should bring any documents specified in your appointment confirmation. If you scheduled your appointment online or by phone, check the confirmation email or letter for a list of what to bring. This list varies depending on the background check type and which agency requested it. Some appointments require only your ID, while others ask for additional documentation such as proof of residency, employment verification, or licensing application materials.

Proof of residency documents might be needed for certain checks. Common examples include recent utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or government mail with your current address. If your address on your ID is outdated, bringing proof of your current address helps the technician ensure all your information is correct in the system.

You should also bring any paperwork related to why you're getting the background check. If you're undergoing a check for employment, bringing your job offer letter or employer information can be helpful. For professional licensing, bring any relevant application materials. For housing-related checks, information about your rental application may be useful. While the technician can often proceed without these documents, having them available speeds up the process.

One important note: arrive with clean hands and fingers. Fingerprinting works best when your hands are clean and dry. If you work in a profession that requires frequent hand washing or exposure to oils, substances, or lotions, avoid applying these immediately before your appointment. Similarly, if you have visible dirt, paint, or other substances on your hands, wash them before arriving. Poor fingerprint quality can require retakes or cause delays in processing.

Practical Takeaway: Gather your government-issued photo ID, review your appointment confirmation for any additional required documents, and arrive with clean, dry hands to ensure your fingerprints are captured clearly.

What Happens During Your IdentiGo Appointment

When you arrive at your IdentiGo appointment, the process typically follows a standard sequence. First, you'll check in at the reception desk where staff will verify your appointment and request your ID. They'll confirm your personal information and may ask you questions to verify your identity, such as your date of birth or address. This step ensures you are who you claim to be before collecting your fingerprints.

Next, you'll proceed to a fingerprinting station where a trained technician will collect your fingerprints. The technician will use either digital fingerprinting equipment or ink-based methods, depending on the location. Digital fingerprinting is increasingly common and involves placing each of your fingers on a scanner that captures the print electronically. Ink-based methods use specially designed ink and paper. The entire fingerprinting process typically takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the method used and whether any prints need to be retaken.

During fingerprinting, the technician may ask you to relax your hand and guide your fingers onto the scanner or paper. They'll capture prints from all ten fingers, and some background checks also require palm prints. The technician will review each print to ensure quality before moving to the next finger. If a print is unclear or incomplete, they may ask you to try again. This quality check at the appointment prevents delays later when the fingerprints are being compared against databases.

The technician will also photograph you for the background check file. This photograph is used alongside your fingerprints to confirm your identity. The photo requirements are typically straightforward — you should look directly at the camera with a neutral expression. You don't need to dress up or apply special makeup; the photo just needs to show your current face clearly.

After fingerprinting and your photo, the technician will review your paperwork to confirm all information is complete and accurate. They'll verify your name, date of birth, address, and the reason for your background check. This is your opportunity to correct any errors before the information is submitted. Once everything is verified and you sign the necessary forms, your appointment is essentially complete. The technician will provide you with a receipt or confirmation that your background check has been submitted for processing.

The entire appointment from check-in to completion typically takes 20 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the location is and whether any fingerprints need to be retaken. After your appointment, the fingerprints and information are transmitted to the appropriate agencies or organizations that requested the background check.

Practical Takeaway: Expect your appointment to