Basics of Getting an FBI Background Check

For many individuals, an FBI Identity History Summary—often referred to as an FBI background check—is a crucial document needed for a variety of purposes, including employment, international travel, adoption, and visa applications. It's a common misconception that you can simply walk into an FBI field office to get an appointment for this service. In reality, the process is a well-defined procedure that you must follow carefully.

The FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division handles these requests, but it does not take in-person appointments for fingerprinting at its main offices. Instead, applicants have two primary ways to submit their request: directly to the FBI by mail or through an FBI-approved "channeler."

The mail-in process involves obtaining a specific fingerprint card, the FD-258, which you can download from the FBI website. You must then have your fingerprints taken, often by a local law enforcement agency or a private fingerprinting service. Along with the completed card, you must send a request form, a credit card payment form, and a fee to the CJIS Division in West Virginia.

A more expedited option is to use an FBI-approved channeler. These are private companies that have a contract with the FBI to handle the entire submission process electronically. They can often capture your fingerprints digitally using a live scan, which is faster and more accurate than the traditional ink method. The channeler then submits the request on your behalf and receives the results, which are often delivered in a matter of days rather than weeks. This method is generally recommended for its speed and convenience. Website: https://nbiappointmentonline.org/

Email: nbiappointmentonline@gmail.com

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