Waiting to see what happens with your background check after you got fingerprinted? The FDLE system can be pretty confusing if you’ve never used it before. This breaks down what’s actually happening, how long it usually takes, and what you can do if it’s been sitting there longer than it should.
Your Transaction Control Number (TCN)
Your Transaction Control Number (TCN) is basically your personal tracking ID in the FDLE system. It’s the 10–15 character code printed on your fingerprint receipt and is directly linked to your specific background check.
If this is your first time getting an FDLE background check, it’s normal to not realize how important this number is, so it’s best to keep it saved somewhere safe, take a photo of the receipt or email it to yourself. Without it, neither you nor your employer can track where your background check stands in the system.
Lost your TCN? Contact the fingerprinting location where you got scanned. They can retrieve your number using your name, date of birth, and submission date.
Actual Processing Timeframes
Understanding the complete background check timeline helps you plan your employment start date.
Current Processing Times:
| Check Type | Normal Processing | Peak Season |
| Level 1 (Name Search) | 1-2 business days | 2-4 business days |
| Level 2 (Fingerprint) | 3-5 business days | 5-10 business days |
| Healthcare Clearinghouse | 3-5 business days | 7-14 business days |
Level 2 background checks process through both state (FDLE) and federal (FBI) databases. If you’ve lived in multiple states, the FBI portion requires additional verification time.
August-September and January see slower processing due to education hiring and healthcare license renewals.
How Status Tracking Works
FDLE doesn’t offer a public tracking portal. Results route directly to whoever requested your background check through FDLE’s Secure Mail system.
Only registered agencies can access Secure Mail. This includes your employer, licensing board, or credentialing organization.
If you ordered a personal copy during fingerprinting, FDLE emails notification when the results are ready. Check spam folders after 5 business days.
Contact whoever requested your screening for status updates. They can log into their portal to see if results posted or if FDLE flagged issues. Provide them with your TCN.
Common Processing Delays
Fingerprint quality issues: The LiveScan scanner couldn’t read your prints clearly. This happens in 1-2% of electronic submissions. Getting fingerprinted at locations that verify print quality before submission reduces this risk.
Common name matches: Names like John Smith or Maria Garcia require additional verification. The FBI pulls multiple potential matches and analysts manually review for accuracy. This adds 2-5 business days.
Out-of-state verification: When FBI searches find arrests from other states, they verify with those jurisdictions. Response times vary by state.
Volume backlogs: During peak hiring seasons, submission volume creates processing delays.
Data entry errors: Incorrect information (wrong birth date, misspelled name) causes FDLE to hold submissions pending clarification.
When Results Are Delayed
After 7 business days without results, contact the agency that requested your background check. Provide your TCN and ask whether they’ve received results or notifications from FDLE.
The requesting agency sees status information in their Secure Mail portal. They can tell you if results are pending FBI response, under review, or completed.
If 10 business days pass with no explanation, ask the requesting agency to contact FDLE directly. Registered agencies have support channels for delayed submissions.
Don’t get re-fingerprinted unless FDLE specifically requests it. Duplicate submissions create confusion and additional fees.
Status Messages Explained
- Processing – FDLE received your fingerprints and started database checks. Normal in first 1–5 days.
- Pending FBI Response – State check is done. Waiting for federal results from FBI.
- Results Available – Background check is complete. Report is ready to download.
- Rejected – Reprint Required – Fingerprints were unclear. You need to redo fingerprinting. No extra processing fee.
- Under Review – Manual check needed due to name match or record difference. Usually adds 3–7 days.
- Pending Additional Information – FDLE needs more details. Requesting agency will get next steps.
Reading Your Results
Personal copies arrive as PDF files through secure email. Reports show demographic information at the top, followed by criminal history if found.
“No Record Found” means FDLE and FBI databases contain no arrests or convictions matching your fingerprints.
Criminal history shows each arrest with date, arresting agency, charges, and disposition (dismissed, convicted, pending). Convictions include sentencing details.
Court-sealed or expunged records shouldn’t appear for private employers. Government agencies may access sealed records depending on the position.
After Your Background Check Clears
Once your employer receives results, they send employment paperwork. Most positions require notarized signatures on employment agreements, contracts, and credential attestations.
Many people handle fingerprinting and document notarization in one visit. Notary services for employment documents prevent delays between background check clearance and signed paperwork.
Healthcare Professional Requirements
Healthcare workers need additional documentation beyond background checks. Hospital credentialing, insurance applications, and licensing require notarized forms.
If you completed training outside the United States, you need apostille services to authenticate foreign credentials for licensing boards.
Professional Licensing Documentation
Real estate agents, insurance agents, and other licensed professionals need background checks for initial licensing and renewals. Applications typically require notarized affidavits, experience verification forms, and business entity documents.
Fingerprint Retention
Healthcare professionals and certain licensed practitioners can keep fingerprints on file in the state Clearinghouse for 5 years. This costs $43.25 and eliminates re-fingerprinting during that period.
When fingerprints are retained, future background checks are processed in 24-48 hours because FDLE runs new database searches against stored prints.
Retention doesn’t eliminate background checks. You still get screened, just without the fingerprinting step.
Background Check Services in South Florida
Notary Plus More in Boca Raton handles fingerprinting for FDLE background checks, notarization for employment documents, and apostille services for international credentials.
Most status questions resolve within 7 business days of fingerprinting. Contact the requesting agency first, since they have portal access to see processing status.
