Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the FBI accept personal or business checks?

No. Personal or business checks are not an acceptable form of payment for Departmental Order (DO) requests. Personal or business checks submitted with a DO request will not be returned. The CJIS Division will destroy the monetary instrument and will provide the customer a letter explaining why the monetary instrument could not be used.

2. Do you have procedures for expeditious handling?

No. The CJIS Division does not expedite requests; however, an expedited response may be provided by an FBI-approved Channeler.

3. Can the FBI send the results to someone (or agency) other than myself?

Under U.S. Departmental Order 556-73, the results must go back to the requestor, unless otherwise specified on the signed application. 

4. Where can I get my fingerprints taken?

Your local, county, or state law enforcement agencies may take your fingerprints for a fee. Also, some printing companies offer this service; check the yellow pages in your telephone book or search online. If using the Channeler option, please contact the FBI-approved Channeler for additional information.

5. What if my fingerprints are continuously rejected?

Have multiple sets of fingerprints taken, preferably by a fingerprinting technician. (This service may be available at a law enforcement agency). Mail all fingerprint forms to the CJIS Division with your request. For more information on taking legible fingerprints, refer to the Recording Legible Fingerprints brochure.

6. Can I use the fingerprint card I download from this site?

Yes. The FBI will accept the downloaded paper fingerprint card only for the purpose of requesting an FBI Identification Record. If you go to a law enforcement agency or private fingerprinting agency to be fingerprinted, they may prefer to use a fingerprint card on standard card stock. You may use the fingerprint card provided by the printing agency.

7. Will my fingerprint card be returned?

No. Due to concerns related to the protection of personally identifiable information, fingerprint cards are no longer being returned either for a “no record” response or with an FBI Identification Record.

Any questions regarding this matter should be directed to the CJIS Customer Service Group at (304) 625-5590.

8. How do I notify the FBI if my address has changed since I submitted my request for my FBI Identification Record or if I want to verify my correct address was submitted?

Please complete the Address Change Request Form and mail the signed form to the following address:

FBI CJIS Division – Record Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306

The form can also be faxed to (304) 625-9792, or scanned and sent via e-mail to liaison@leo.gov.

Note: Changes will not be made unless a signature is present on the form.

9. Does the FBI provide apostilles*?

(*An apostille is a certification that a document has been “legalized” or “authenticated” by the issuing agency through a process in which various seals are placed on the document.)

The CJIS Division will authenticate U.S. Department of Justice Order 556-73 fingerprint search results for international requests by placing the FBI seal and the signature of a division official on the results if requested at the time of submission. Documents prepared in this way may then be sent to the U.S. Department of State by the requestor to obtain an apostille if necessary. This procedure became effective on January 25, 2010 and will apply only to documents finalized after that date. Requests to authenticate previously processed results will not be accepted. This procedure replaces the letter formerly provided by the CJIS Division that indicated the service was not provided. Note: FBI-approved Channelers cannot provide an apostille. A request for your FBI Identification Record must be submitted directly to the FBI if an apostille is needed.

10. How do I challenge my FBI record?

Review the Challenge of a Criminal History Record to obtain information regarding your FBI record.