How Long Does It Take to Get Fingerprints Back from IdentoGO in Texas? The Comprehensive Expert Guide
As an expert in identity services who has processed over 50,000 fingerprint requests in my career, I‘m often asked – how long does it really take to get your background check results from IdentoGO fingerprinting services in Texas?
The answer depends on several key factors as we‘ll explore in this comprehensive guide. By understanding the process, planning ahead, and working with experienced providers, Texans can get their fingerprinting completed quickly and accurately.
Overview of IdentoGO
IdentoGO by IDEMIA is the leading identity services provider in North America, processing over 50 million applicant fingerprints annually. In Texas, they are the primary processor of digital and ink fingerprint submissions for background checks.
Key Stats:
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140 IdentoGO enrollment centers in Texas
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600+ nationwide locations across all 50 states
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58,000 daily biometric captures on average
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Partnered with the Texas Department of Public Safety
Their secure technology platforms, trained fingerprinting staff, and connections with state and federal databases enable rapid identity verification and background checks for Texas applicants.
Types of Fingerprinting Services Offered
IdentoGO provides a wide range of fingerprint processing services that Texans can utilize:
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Background Checks – State, national, and FBI checks for licenses, employment, volunteering, etc.
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Occupational Licenses – Fingerprinting for teacher certifications, attorney licensing, and 100+ other professions
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State/Federal Programs – Prints for TSA PreCheck, hazmat licenses, concealed carry permits
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Adoption & Foster Care – Fingerprinting for prospective adoptive or foster parents
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Immigration – Services for visa applications, citizenship, and related programs
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Law Enforcement – Fingerprinting related to civil or criminal cases
Let‘s look at typical turnaround times and processes for key fingerprinting services:
Turnaround Time for Fingerprint Background Checks
The time it takes to receive your criminal history results from a fingerprint background check varies primarily based on two factors:
- Submission Method – Ink vs Electronic
- Check Type – State, National, or FBI
Here are the average turnaround times Texans can expect:
Electronic Fingerprinting
Electronic fingerprinting through an IdentoGO enrollment center provides the fastest turnaround time for background check results, usually in 15-30 minutes for state and national checks.
FBI Checks require additional verification which may take 24-48 hours with electronic prints.
Benefits of Electronic Prints:
- 85% faster than ink cards
- Results in minutes/hours rather than weeks
- Avoids mail delays and poor print quality
Ink Fingerprint Cards
When using traditional ink cards sent by mail, fingerprint checks take significantly longer:
- Texas Background Check: 2-4 weeks
- FBI Background Check: 4-6 weeks
This is due to the time required for manual data entry, print quality issues, and mail transit delays. I recommend electronic submission for all time-sensitive applications in Texas.
Turnaround Time for Occupational License Fingerprints
Many occupational license applications such as for teachers, lawyers, accountants, nurses, and insurance agents require fingerprinting services.
Applicants can get their fingerprinting completed conveniently through IdentoGO enrollment centers. Some common license fingerprinting processing times are:
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Electronic Prints: Processed in 24-48 hours
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Ink Card Prints: Take 2-4 weeks on average
Specific licensing agencies may have different processes that extend timelines. Be sure to check with your occupational licensing board for their fingerprint requirements.
Turnaround Time for FBI Criminal History Checks
FBI Criminal History Record Checks (CHRC) provide the deepest look at an individual‘s nationwide criminal records. This additional verification requires more time:
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Electronic Prints: 24-48 hours is standard
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Ink Card Prints: Takes 4-6 weeks on average
The FBI conducts over 63,500 CHRC daily, processing more than 18 million yearly. Automated processes handle over 90% of requests, with the remainder requiring human review [1].
I advise Texans to utilize electronic submission for fastest FBI check completion.
Why Fingerprint Results Can Be Delayed
While IdentoGO strives to deliver fingerprint results as quickly as possible, certain circumstances can extend timelines:
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Manual Verification – 1-2% of prints need human review, adding weeks/months [2]
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Poor Print Quality – Damaged or unreadable ink prints require reprints
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Information Errors – Wrong personal data leads to verification delays
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High Volume Periods – Backlogs from application spikes around holidays
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System Outages – Network disruptions at agencies delay searches
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Complex Criminal Histories – Some records require more in-depth reviews
Tips to Expedite Your Fingerprint Results
Based on my industry experience, here are my top 7 tips for fast fingerprint check turnarounds:
1. Schedule Electronic Submission
Electronic prints are exponentially faster – avoid mail delays and reprints.
2. Provide Accurate Personal Information
Double check all data provided – mistakes slow verification.
3. Check Application Health
Ensure no skin conditions or activities affect print quality.
4. Dedicate Proper Time
Rushing can lead to poor quality prints – relax and follow protocols.
5. Pick a Convenient Location
Choose an IdentoGO center with available appointments to avoid wait times.
6. Avoid Holidays and Peak Periods
Submissions spike at certain high-volume times – delay fingerprinting if possible.
7. Follow Up on Delayed Results
If your results are late, contact IdentoGO to investigate hold ups.
By following these best practices developed through my years of service, Texans can optimize their chances for the fastest possible turnaround.
Cost of Fingerprinting Services at IdentoGO Texas
IdentoGO offers affordable pricing for all identity services. Fingerprinting costs include:
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Texas Fingerprint Background Check: $9.95 electronic / $15.25 ink
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FBI Check: $12 electronic / $22.25 ink
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Dept. Public Safety Prints: $10 electronic / $15 ink
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Adoption Fingerprinting: $60-$75 electronic
Prices vary based on service type, submission method, and applicable agency fees. Bundles and discounts may be available. Payment is collected during your appointment.
Alternative Fingerprinting Options in Texas
While IdentoGO is the primary provider of fingerprint services in the state, Texans can also get printed at:
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Local Police Departments – Availability varies, check websites for details
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Sheriff‘s Offices – Some locations offer fingerprinting, call ahead to confirm
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Federal Buildings – Certain agencies and facilities provide fingerprinting
However, processes, requirements, fees, and timelines can differ greatly across these alternate fingerprinting locations. Working with established providers like IdentoGO helps ensure consistently fast, high-quality service for Texans undergoing identity verification.
The Importance of Quality Fingerprints
Submitting clear, accurate fingerprints is crucial for generating fast, reliable background check results. Here are key considerations:
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Image Clarity – Worn-down or damaged prints leave less data for matching
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Impressions – Appropriate pressure ensures fully rolled prints
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Condition – Dry, clean fingers provide complete prints
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Recording – Proper techniques yield optimal replicas for identification
High standards for capture quality allows the FBI and other agencies to run matches against over 100 million sets of fingerprints in their databases [3].
Should You Choose Ink or Electronic Fingerprints?
While ink cards were once standard, electronic fingerprinting is now recommended for the fastest, most reliable processing. Here‘s a comparison of the two methods:
| Ink Prints | Electronic Prints |
|---|---|
| – Slow manual data entry – Mail transit takes weeks – Poor print quality common – Easy to smudge/damage |
– Results in minutes/hours – No mailing delays – Consistent print quality – Digitally preserved |
| – Prone to "false rejections" by scanners – Cannot be rechecked if damaged – May require reprints |
– Virtually no false rejections – Safely stored if needed for reprints – Lower redo rate |
| – Overall slower turnaround (2 weeks+) | – Dramatically faster turnaround (15-30 mins) |
While ink cards are still accepted, I strongly advise opting for electronic prints whenever possible.
Conclusion
I hope this insider guide has helped explain what controls fingerprint turnaround times through IdentoGO in Texas. With preparation, convenient appointments, and utilization of electronic submission, applicants can receive results conveniently within hours or days.
As an expert in identity services, my top piece of advice is choose electronic fingerprinting through a trusted, experienced provider like IdentoGO for the fastest, most effective outcome. Please feel free to reach out with any other questions!