Scheduling
The candidate is scheduled for fingerprint collection at an authorized location. PSBI coordinates scheduling through its collection network or the designated state/federal program.
Services
Biometric identity verification through FBI and state criminal databases. Required for regulated industries, licensing boards, and government positions where name-based searches aren't sufficient.
Scheduling, collection, submission, and results tracking, coordinated by PSBI.
What's covered
Fingerprint-based checks use biometric data to search criminal history databases maintained by the FBI and state law enforcement. Unlike name-based searches, they confirm identity, not just criminal history.
A national fingerprint-based criminal history check maintained by the FBI. Searches the Interstate Identification Index (III) for records across all participating agencies nationwide.
State repository searches using fingerprints submitted to state law enforcement agencies. Required by many state licensing boards and regulated industries.
Fingerprints confirm biometric identity, not just name and date of birth. Eliminates false positives and negatives caused by common names or identity discrepancies.
Fingerprint searches return arrest records, charges, and dispositions where reported to the FBI or state repository. Coverage depends on reporting completeness.
Compare
Fingerprint-based and name-based checks serve different purposes and are often used together.
| Aspect | Fingerprint-based | Name-based |
|---|---|---|
| Identity confirmation | Biometric match, confirms the person searched is the person on record. No ambiguity. | Name and DOB match, susceptible to common-name false positives and missed alias records. |
| Coverage | FBI national database and/or state repository, covers records from any participating agency. | Specific courts or databases by jurisdiction. Scope depends on address history and configuration. |
| Turnaround | Government-dependent. FBI typically 3-5 business days; state results 24 hours to several weeks. | Database searches in minutes. Direct court searches typically 1-5 business days. |
| When required | Statutory requirements, licensing boards, government positions, childcare, healthcare in some states. | Standard pre-employment screening, ongoing monitoring, periodic rescreening. |
The process
Fingerprint-based checks involve a physical collection step that name-based searches don't require. PSBI handles scheduling, collection coordination, submission, and results tracking.
The candidate is scheduled for fingerprint collection at an authorized location. PSBI coordinates scheduling through its collection network or the designated state/federal program.
Fingerprints are captured electronically (livescan) at an authorized collection site. The candidate's prints are scanned, verified for quality, and transmitted digitally.
Prints are submitted to the appropriate agency, FBI, state repository, or both, depending on the type of check required and the governing regulation.
The receiving agency runs the prints against its database and returns results. Turnaround is controlled by the government agency, not PSBI.
When required
The requirement typically comes from a licensing board, regulatory body, or government program, not from PSBI.
Many state licensing boards require fingerprint-based checks for professional licensure: nursing, teaching, real estate, insurance, financial services, and more.
Federal and state laws require fingerprint-based checks for employees and volunteers working with children in schools, daycares, and after-school programs.
Certain states require fingerprint-based checks for healthcare workers, particularly those with patient access in home health, long-term care, and hospital settings.
Federal employees, contractors with security clearances, and state government positions frequently require FBI fingerprint checks as part of vetting.
TSA PreCheck, TWIC cards, hazmat endorsements, and airport access all require fingerprint-based checks through federal programs.
Some organizations choose fingerprinting even when not required, particularly for fiduciary roles or access to vulnerable populations.
Pricing
Fingerprint-based check pricing includes the PSBI service fee, collection site fees, and government processing fees. Government fees vary by agency and check type; collection site fees depend on location and provider.
Related services
Fingerprinting is typically one component of a broader background check program.
Name-based court searches cover jurisdictions that don't report to FBI or state repositories.
Learn more →Verify professional licenses and credentials alongside fingerprint-based criminal checks.
Learn more →After the initial fingerprint check, ongoing monitoring alerts you when new records appear.
Learn more →Real people
PSBI is owner-operated and US-based, screening organizations since 1995. Questions about FBI channels, state livescan, or licensing-board requirements reach a real person, not a ticket queue.
FCRA-compliantOwner-operated since 1995Based in Ashland, WIGet started
Tell us the program, the roles, and the states involved. We'll coordinate scheduling, collection, and submission and track results to completion.