Federal Bureau of Investigation background checks are a significant part of our business. Sometimes the background check is indirect: we provide fingerprint cards to a client, they give the cards to their employer, and the employer submits the cards for a background check through another agency.
But we also do FBI background checks directly. The FBI calls these background checks “Departmental Orders”. They are also known as a “rap sheet” and “identity history summary check”. We take a client’s fingerprints and submit them electronically to the FBI. The results come to the client by email, usually within 24-48 hours. There is an option to receive a copy by postal mail but that takes longer. Individuals can also submit cards themselves. These are typically the FBI standard FD258 cards.
Why do clients want an FBI background check? Most of our clients want them for foreign visas. Sometimes people need them for certain business licenses. But occasionally people just want to make sure that nothing is on their record that could cause them trouble. It is rare but sometimes an arrest or even a conviction will show up on a person’s record by mistake and the client wants to know that they are not a victim of such a mistake before their record is checked by a prospective employer or licensing agency. Getting a personal background check is a way to start the process of clearing up any such errors.
If you submit cards to the FBI for your background check we can take your fingerprints and print those cards for you. The charge is $45 and we give you two cards. The FBI will charge you $18 to submit the cards. That makes the total $63 plus postage. Alternatively, we can submit your fingerprint records electronically. The cost for that service is $90.
If you are interested in being fingerprinted and submitting for an FBI background check for any reason, make an appointment with us using this link. Our office is open from 9AM until 5PM Monday thru Friday.
I’ve seen a tome of different terms for this like FBI Fingerprinting, Criminal History Summaries, and Departmental Orders. This blog sums it up very well!