An FBI fingerprint clearance certificate, officially known as an Identity History Summary Check (IHSC), is a crucial document required for employment, licensing, immigration, adoption, and personal review. While the basic FBI process is federal, Florida has specific requirements that significantly impact how you obtain your clearance.
What is an FBI Fingerprint Clearance Certificate?
An FBI Identity History Summary Check provides your criminal history based on fingerprint submissions retained by the FBI. This includes information about arrests, convictions, federal employment, and any criminal proceedings. If there is no criminal record, the report states that there is no information.
Why You Need FBI Fingerprint Clearance
Common requirements include employment screening (especially government, finance, healthcare, childcare), professional licensing, immigration and visa applications, adoption and foster care, education positions, and personal record verification.
Florida-Specific Requirements
Florida has unique requirements that differ from other states, making the process more complex.
Florida’s VECHS System
In Florida, jobs that require a level 2 background check (livescan fingerprints) should expect to go through the state’s Department of Law Enforcement to record your prints. The FDLE requires an “Originating Agency Identifier Number” (ORI) for most fingerprint scans.
An ORI, OCA, or VECHS number is required before they can scan your fingerprints. These numbers indicate which state department will process your fingerprints and ensure results go to the correct agency.
Professional Requirements
Effective July 1, 2025, all health care practitioners must comply with background screening requirements when applying for initial licensure or renewing their license. Fingerprinting is a mandatory requirement for almost all of the licenses, registrations, and certifications issued by Florida Department of Financial Services.
Per FBI regulation, your prints cannot be shared between professions or with other agencies. You are required to have separate prints for each license you are applying for, using the correct ORI.
Education Requirements
Each person who seeks certification in Florida must be fingerprinted. Fingerprints are submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for statewide and to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for federal criminal records checks.
Three Methods to Obtain FBI Clearance
Option 1: Direct Application to FBI
Processing Time: The FBI’s processing time is approximately 16-18 weeks upon receipt of a complete application
Cost: The cost to request an Identity History Summary Check is $18
Steps:
- Download FBI fingerprint card (Form FD-1164)
- Have fingerprints taken at local police department or professional service
- Complete credit card payment form
- Mail to: FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request, 1000 Custer Hollow Road, Clarksburg, WV 26306
Option 2: Electronic Submission (Fastest)
Processing Time: Results are available by online portal pick-up within 24-hours of processing, often within minutes
Cost: $55-$110 plus FBI fee
Steps:
- Visit FBI-approved channeler location
- Complete electronic application
- Have Live Scan fingerprints taken
- Within 24 hours of submission to the FBI, an expedited FBI Background Check is issued to the applicant fingerprinted
Option 3: U.S. Post Office Electronic
If you submit a request electronically directly to the FBI, you may visit a participating U.S. Post Office location to submit your fingerprints electronically as part of your request. Additional fees may apply.
Florida-Specific Application Process
For Florida Residents
- Determine Your ORI Number: Contact requesting agency for correct ORI
- Find Approved Provider: Applicants can use any Livescan Service Provider that has been approved by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
- Register and Schedule: Most providers require pre-registration
- Bring Required Documents: Valid government-issued photo ID
For Healthcare Professionals
Register with the CHAI system and choose ‘Initiate New Screening’ to create your profile. The CHAI system allows individuals to manage their fingerprint retention requirements.
Cost and Processing Times
- Direct FBI: $18 + fingerprinting ($10-$50) = $28-$68 total, 16-18 weeks
- FBI Channeler: $55-$110 total, 24-48 hours
- Florida Processing: Usually within three to five business days from the scan date
Important Florida Considerations
Retention Periods
DBPR will retain results of the prints for 12 months from the date your digital fingerprints were electronically received by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. FDLE retain the prints for 180 days only.
If you get your fingerprints done by a FDLE approved and Clearinghouse compliant Livescan service provider, your prints will be retained for five years.
Technical Requirements
Confirm service providers are not using Windows XP machines, as they’re incompatible with Florida’s Clearinghouse system.
Common Issues and Solutions
Fingerprint Rejection: If your fingerprints are continuously rejected, you should have multiple sets of fingerprints taken, preferably by a fingerprinting technician.
Address Changes: Complete Address Change Request Form and fax to (304) 625-9792 or email to identity@fbi.gov.
International Use
If using your FBI clearance internationally, most countries require apostille or authentication by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
Recommendations
- Fastest Results: Choose FBI-approved channeler for 24-hour processing
- Most Economical: Direct FBI application ($18) if time allows
- Florida Residents: Verify ORI requirements and use FDLE-approved providers
Need Professional Help with Your FBI Fingerprint Clearance?
Don’t navigate this complex process alone! Getting your FBI fingerprint clearance right the first time is crucial for meeting deadlines and avoiding costly delays. Contact us today!
