FBI Criminal Record Check: Identity History Summary Guide

Independent FBI Identity History Summary guide

FBI Criminal Record Check: Identity History Summary, Fingerprints, Fees, Results, Apostille and Record Correction

Use this guide to understand the official FBI criminal record check process, formally called an Identity History Summary Check. It explains who can request it, how to apply online or by mail, how fingerprints work, what the $18 FBI fee covers, when an FBI-approved channeler may help, and what to do if your record is incomplete or wrong.

An FBI Identity History Summary is not a public search tool for checking another person. It is a fingerprint-based record process tied to the person whose fingerprints are submitted.

Official FBI and State Department sources reviewed October 13, 2026

FBI Identity History Summary $18 FBI fee Fingerprints required Channeler option No HTML H1

Open FBI Identity History Page Start FBI Electronic Request FBI-Approved Channelers

Independent website notice: CriminalCourtRecord.org is an independent public-information guide. It is not the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI CJIS Division, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of State, a fingerprinting provider, an FBI-approved channeler, a court, a law-enforcement agency, or a background-check company. This page does not process FBI records, does not take fingerprints, and does not provide legal advice.

Important: An FBI Criminal Record Check Is Usually for Your Own Record

The FBI Identity History Summary process is designed to return a fingerprint-based summary to the person whose fingerprints are submitted. It is not a public name-search database where you can freely look up another person’s FBI criminal record.

For employment, licensing, immigration, adoption, travel, visa, foreign residence, professional credentialing or official screening, always follow the instructions from the agency requesting the record. Some agencies require a state repository, authorized channeling process, fingerprint vendor or separate background-check procedure.

Choose Request Option Fingerprint Rules Challenge / Correction

Quick Answer: How To Get an FBI Criminal Record Check

To get your FBI criminal record check, request an Identity History Summary through the FBI, submit fingerprints, pay the FBI processing fee, and choose electronic or mail response options. You can submit directly through the FBI electronic request system, mail a completed request and fingerprint card, or use an FBI-approved channeler where appropriate.

Official name FBI Identity History Summary Check, also called a rap sheet.

Core requirement Current fingerprints are required because the search is fingerprint-based.

FBI fee The FBI processing fee is listed as $18 for Identity History Summary Checks.

Not for Casually searching another person’s FBI record as a private individual.

Best starting point: Read the official FBI Identity History Summary page first, then follow the exact instructions required by the agency, employer, school, licensing board, immigration authority or foreign government that asked for the record.

What Is an FBI Identity History Summary?

An FBI Identity History Summary is a fingerprint-based summary of information submitted to the FBI from fingerprint submissions retained by the FBI. People often call it an FBI criminal record check, FBI background check, rap sheet, police clearance, good conduct record or FBI criminal history record.

It may be used for

Reviewing your own FBI record
Checking whether your FBI record is accurate
Immigration, visa or foreign residence requests when accepted by the requesting authority
Foreign employment, adoption or school requirements when requested
Professional licensing or credentialing when the requesting agency accepts this route
Personal record review before correcting old arrest information

It is not the same as

A free public criminal records search
A state-only background check
A county court case search
A sheriff jail roster search
A consumer-reporting background check for employment or housing
A public way to order another person’s FBI record

FBI Criminal Record Check Request Options

There are three main routes: submit directly to the FBI electronically, submit directly to the FBI by mail, or use an FBI-approved channeler. The best option depends on your location, deadline, fingerprint access, delivery preference and the requirements of the agency asking for the record.

Option	Best for	What to do	Watch out for
Direct electronic FBI request	People who want to submit the request online and use approved fingerprint submission options	Create the electronic request, pay the fee, submit fingerprints, then receive results electronically or by mail where available	Fingerprint capture may have separate fees; follow the FBI request instructions exactly
Direct mail request	People who need or prefer to mail forms, fingerprint card and payment	Complete request form, get fingerprints on FD-1164 or accepted card, include payment, and mail to FBI CJIS	Bad fingerprints can delay or reject the request; do not send unacceptable payment methods
FBI-approved channeler	People who need a faster commercial service that forwards fingerprints/data to FBI CJIS	Choose a listed FBI-approved channeler, follow its fingerprint and fee process, and receive results through that channeler	Channeler fees differ from the FBI fee; confirm whether your requesting agency accepts channeler results
State repository or authorized agency route	Employment, licensing or regulated screening where a state or agency requires a specific route	Follow the instructions from the licensing board, employer, agency or state repository	The FBI direct personal-review route may not satisfy every regulated background-check requirement

Official FBI Criminal Record Check Links and What To Do After Opening

Use these official links for final actions. This guide explains the process, but the actual request, payment, fingerprint submission, challenge or apostille must be handled through the official FBI, channeler or Department of State route.

Main FBI guide

FBI Identity History Summary Checks

Use for: Official FBI instructions for requesting your Identity History Summary.

After opening: Read the request options, then choose electronic submission, mail submission or an approved channeler based on your situation.

Check before relying: Make sure the agency requesting your record accepts this route.

Open FBI Guide

Online request

FBI Electronic Departmental Order

Use for: Starting the direct FBI electronic Identity History Summary request.

After opening: Complete the online request, pay the fee, follow fingerprint instructions and choose response preferences.

Check before relying: Save your confirmation and follow fingerprint submission instructions carefully.

Open FBI EDO

FAQ

FBI Identity History Summary FAQs

Use for: Fee, payment, fingerprint, response, apostille and challenge questions.

After opening: Read the Electronic option, Payment, Fingerprints, General questions and Challenges sections.

Check before relying: The FAQ is the best place to confirm current FBI instructions before submitting.

Open FBI FAQ

Channelers

FBI-Approved Channeler List

Use for: Finding commercial FBI-approved channelers that forward fingerprints and required data to FBI CJIS.

After opening: Choose a listed channeler, compare fees, confirm fingerprint options and verify whether your requesting agency accepts channeler results.

Check before relying: Use only channelers listed by the FBI.

Open Channeler List

Fingerprint card

FD-1164 Fingerprint Card

Use for: Printing the FBI Identity History Summary fingerprint card if mailing fingerprints.

After opening: Print on suitable paper, have fingerprints taken clearly and include the card with the FBI mail request.

Check before relying: Poor-quality fingerprints can cause rejection or delay.

Open FD-1164

Challenge

Challenge Identity History Summary

Use for: Challenging incomplete or inaccurate FBI Identity History Summary information.

After opening: Identify the disputed item, collect proof such as court disposition documents, and follow the challenge instructions.

Check before relying: State-origin data may need correction through the state identification bureau or submitting agency.

Open Challenge Route

State correction

FBI State Identification Bureau Listing

Use for: Finding the state repository that may need to correct or update state-origin criminal history information.

After opening: Choose the state where the arrest or offense occurred, then follow that bureau’s correction process.

Check before relying: The FBI often depends on submitting agencies for source-data corrections.

Open State Bureau List

Apostille

State Department Criminal Records Checks

Use for: Understanding FBI record authentication and apostille when using the document abroad.

After opening: Review the authentication and apostille section, then follow Department of State Office of Authentications instructions if needed.

Check before relying: Requirements depend on the country where the document will be used.

Open State Department Guide

FOIA caution

FBI FOIA / Privacy Act Records

Use for: FBI file requests that are separate from Identity History Summary Checks.

After opening: Use FOIA/Privacy Act only for appropriate FBI records requests, not as a substitute for Identity History Summary processing.

Check before relying: FBI Identity History Summary requests have a separate process.

Open FBI FOIA Page

Step-by-Step: FBI Criminal Record Check Online Request

Use this route when you want to submit the request electronically through the FBI’s online process and then submit fingerprints according to FBI instructions.

Open the FBI Identity History Summary page

Start from the official FBI Identity History Summary page or the FBI Electronic Departmental Order system.

Enter your own identity information carefully

Use your full legal name and accurate personal information. The name on the response will follow the information entered during the request process.

Pay the FBI processing fee

Pay through the official FBI request process. Do not send cash or unsupported payment methods.

Submit fingerprints

Follow FBI instructions for electronic fingerprint submission, participating U.S. Post Office fingerprint submission if available, or mail fingerprint-card submission as directed.

Watch for email status notifications

If the request process offers email notifications, opt in and save your confirmation details.

Download or receive your result

Electronic requests may provide an electronic response and may also offer first-class mail options depending on the selected response type.

Review the result immediately

Check your name, identifiers, arrest entries, dates and disposition information. If something is wrong or missing, follow the FBI challenge process.

Step-by-Step: FBI Criminal Record Check by Mail

Use the mail route when you prefer to submit paper forms and fingerprint cards directly to the FBI CJIS Division.

Mail request checklist

Completed Identity History Summary request form
Current fingerprint card
Payment accepted by FBI instructions
Correct mailing address from the official FBI page
Clear return address
Any required applicant information

Mail route warnings

Do not send cash.
Do not send old fingerprint cards from prior requests.
Do not assume local police can apostille the result.
Do not use FOIA instead of the Identity History Summary process.
Use current FBI forms and addresses from the official page.
Keep copies of what you submit, except fingerprints may not be returned.

Fingerprint quality matters: Smudged, incomplete or low-quality fingerprints can delay processing. If possible, have fingerprints taken by a trained technician.

FBI-Approved Channelers: When They Help

FBI-approved channelers are private companies approved to receive fingerprint submissions and required data, forward them electronically to FBI CJIS, and return the Identity History Summary result to the individual.

Question	Answer	What to verify
Are channelers official FBI offices?	No. They are FBI-approved private channelers that help submit fingerprints and data to FBI CJIS.	Use only the channelers listed on the FBI-approved channeler page.
Are channelers always accepted?	Not always. Some agencies, countries or licensing boards may require direct FBI results or a specific process.	Ask the requesting organization before paying a channeler.
Do channelers charge extra?	Yes, channelers may charge their own service and fingerprint fees in addition to required processing costs.	Compare total cost, delivery method and fingerprint availability.
Can a channeler fix wrong FBI data?	No. Corrections usually go through the FBI challenge route, state identification bureau or submitting agency.	Use the FBI challenge process for disputed record information.

Open FBI-Approved Channeler List

Fingerprint Requirements for an FBI Criminal Record Check

FBI Identity History Summary checks are fingerprint-based. The FBI does not provide name checks for this process. You need current fingerprints that can be compared to FBI records.

Fingerprint options may include

Electronic fingerprint submission after an online FBI request
Participating U.S. Post Office fingerprint locations when available
Local, county or state law-enforcement fingerprinting
Private fingerprinting companies
FBI-approved channeler fingerprint capture
Mailing a completed fingerprint card for direct FBI mail requests

Fingerprint mistakes to avoid

Using an old fingerprint card from a previous request
Submitting smudged or incomplete fingerprints
Forgetting required name and date-of-birth information
Assuming embassies or consulates take fingerprints abroad
Mailing fingerprints without the request form and payment
Using a non-approved company while thinking it is FBI-approved

Practical tip: If your fingerprints are rejected, get a new set taken by a trained fingerprint technician and follow the FBI’s current rejected-fingerprint instructions.

FBI Criminal Record Check Fees and Extra Costs

The FBI processing fee for an Identity History Summary Check is listed as $18. Extra costs can apply depending on fingerprinting method, channeler service, mailing, apostille, translation or international courier needs.

Cost type	Who charges it	When it may apply
FBI processing fee	FBI	Identity History Summary request
Fingerprinting fee	Post Office, law enforcement agency, private provider or channeler	When you need fingerprints captured or printed
Channeler service fee	FBI-approved channeler	When using a channeler instead of direct FBI submission
Mail or courier cost	Postal/courier service	Mail submissions, international delivery or document forwarding
Apostille/authentication fee	U.S. Department of State or related authority	Using FBI results abroad
Translation/notary cost	Translator, notary or foreign-document service	If the destination country requires translation or additional authentication

Payment warning: Do not pay random websites that pretend to be the FBI. Start from an official FBI.gov page or the official FBI EDO system.

What Your FBI Identity History Summary Result May Show

Your FBI result may show that there is no Identity History Summary on file for you, or it may show fingerprint-supported criminal history information submitted to the FBI. The exact contents depend on records submitted by law-enforcement or authorized agencies.

Possible result types

No summary / no record response
Identity History Summary with arrest information
Entries that may include federal employment, naturalization or military service-related fingerprint submissions
Incomplete disposition information
State-origin arrest data needing state correction
Federal data needing submitting-agency or court-order correction

Review carefully

Name and personal identifiers
Arrest date and arresting agency
Charges listed
Disposition or missing disposition
State or federal source agency
Whether a court record is needed to prove final outcome

Important: If an arrest appears without a final disposition, it may not tell the full story. You may need court records from the state, county or federal court to show dismissal, conviction, acquittal, expungement or other final action.

FBI Background Check Apostille and Use Abroad

If you need to use your FBI Identity History Summary outside the United States, the foreign authority may require authentication, apostille or additional embassy legalization. Requirements depend on the destination country.

FBI authentication basics

The FBI places an FBI watermark and official signature on fingerprint search results.
The FBI does not provide apostilles directly.
Previously processed results may not be accepted for later FBI authentication requests.
Use the result exactly as issued unless the requesting authority says otherwise.

State Department apostille route

Check whether the destination country requires apostille or authentication.
Use the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications for federal documents when required.
Specify the country where the document will be used.
For non-Apostille countries, additional foreign embassy legalization may be needed.

State Department Criminal Records Guide Apostille Requirements

How To Challenge or Correct an FBI Criminal Record

If your FBI Identity History Summary is incomplete or inaccurate, use the FBI challenge process. Corrections may require proof from the court, arresting agency, prosecutor, state repository or submitting agency.

Get your current FBI Identity History Summary first

Review the exact entry you believe is inaccurate, incomplete or missing a disposition.

Identify the source agency

Determine whether the data came from a state agency, local arresting agency, federal agency or court.

Collect supporting documents

Useful documents may include certified court disposition, dismissal order, expungement order, judgment, prosecutor letter or state repository correction record.

Submit the FBI challenge

Use the FBI challenge route and include the information you believe is wrong or incomplete, plus supporting documents.

Contact the state repository when needed

For state-origin arrest data, the FBI may depend on the state identification bureau or submitting agency to update source records.

Request an updated summary after correction

Once the source agency or FBI updates the record, request a fresh Identity History Summary if you need proof of the corrected record.

No-fee challenge note: The FBI FAQ says there is no fee for challenging your Identity History Summary, but you may still have costs for obtaining court records, fingerprints, copies or mail.

Can You Get Someone Else’s FBI Criminal Record Check?

Private individuals generally cannot use the FBI Identity History Summary process to order another person’s FBI record. The FBI route requires the subject’s identity and fingerprints, and the FBI will not provide copies of other people’s arrest records to you through this public process.

Use public routes instead for general research

State court case searches
County clerk or court clerk records
Sheriff jail rosters
State Department of Corrections offender searches
Sex-offender registry searches
PACER for federal cases

Use authorized routes for serious decisions

Employment screening with proper authorization
Tenant screening through compliant consumer-reporting processes
Licensing board fingerprint checks
Government agency background checks
Volunteer or childcare checks required by law
State or federal processes required by the requesting authority

Responsible-use warning: Do not use public-record searches to harass, stalk, threaten, shame or discriminate. For employment, housing, licensing or eligibility decisions, follow FCRA, state law and the requesting agency’s rules.

FBI Criminal Record Check Route Finder

Select your purpose and situation. This tool runs only in your browser and does not collect your name, date of birth, fingerprints or private information.

Find the best FBI record route

What do you need?

Where are you?

Common FBI Criminal Record Check Mistakes

Mistake	Why it matters	Better action
Using FOIA instead of the Identity History Summary process	FOIA/Privacy Act requests are a separate FBI records process and may not produce the fingerprint-based criminal history result you need.	Use the FBI Identity History Summary process for your FBI criminal record check.
Assuming a channeler result is always accepted	Some requesting agencies or foreign authorities may require a direct FBI result or a specific procedure.	Ask the requesting organization before using a channeler.
Submitting poor fingerprints	Low-quality fingerprints can be rejected or delay processing.	Use a trained fingerprint technician and follow FBI instructions.
Thinking the FBI report is a state court certified disposition	FBI records may show arrest history but may not prove final court outcome in the way a court-certified document can.	Get certified court records when final disposition proof is required.
Trying to order another person’s FBI record	The public FBI Identity History Summary route is tied to the subject’s fingerprints and identity.	Use public court records or authorized background-check processes.

Responsible Use, FCRA and Screening Warnings

FBI criminal record checks can affect immigration, work, licensing, housing, volunteering, adoption and travel. Use the correct route and do not treat an informal copy, old report or public search as a compliant background check.

Do not assume

An FBI entry proves final court outcome.
An arrest means conviction.
A missing disposition means the case is still pending.
A channeler result is accepted everywhere.
A public court search replaces FBI fingerprints.
You can order someone else’s FBI record as a private person.

Be careful for screening

Employment and tenant screening may trigger FCRA rules.
Some checks require written consent and specific notices.
Licensing boards may require state or FBI fingerprinting through an authorized route.
Immigration or foreign authorities may require apostille or authentication.
Use current instructions from the requesting agency.
Consult qualified counsel for regulated decisions.

FTC Employer Background Check Guidance FTC Landlord Screening Guidance

FBI Criminal Record Check Glossary

Identity History Summary: The FBI’s fingerprint-based summary of certain information from fingerprint submissions retained by the FBI.
Rap sheet: A common term for a criminal history record or Identity History Summary.
CJIS: FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division, which processes Identity History Summary requests.
EDO: Electronic Departmental Order, the FBI’s electronic request route for Identity History Summary Checks.
FBI-approved channeler: A private FBI-approved provider that submits fingerprints and required data to FBI CJIS for Identity History Summary processing.
FD-1164: The FBI Identity History Summary fingerprint card used for mail submissions.
Challenge: The process for disputing or correcting inaccurate or incomplete information in an FBI Identity History Summary.
Apostille: A certificate used to authenticate a document for use in certain foreign countries.

FBI Criminal Record Check FAQs

What is an FBI criminal record check called?

The official public request is called an FBI Identity History Summary Check. It is also commonly called a rap sheet, FBI background check or FBI criminal history record.

How much does an FBI Identity History Summary cost?

The FBI FAQ lists the Identity History Summary Check processing fee as $18. Fingerprinting, channeler services, mailing, courier, apostille or translation costs may be extra.

Do I need fingerprints for an FBI criminal record check?

Yes. The FBI Identity History Summary process is fingerprint-based. The FBI does not provide name checks for Identity History Summary requests.

Can I submit an FBI criminal record check online?

Yes. The FBI provides an electronic request route. You still must submit fingerprints according to FBI instructions.

Can I mail my FBI criminal record check request?

Yes. You can mail the required request form, current fingerprint card and accepted payment to the FBI CJIS Division using the current official FBI instructions.

What is an FBI-approved channeler?

An FBI-approved channeler is a private provider approved to receive fingerprints and required data, forward them to FBI CJIS, and return the Identity History Summary result to the individual.

Can I request someone else’s FBI criminal record?

Private individuals generally cannot use the FBI Identity History Summary route to order another person’s FBI record. The process is tied to the subject’s fingerprints and identity.

Does the FBI provide apostilles?

The FBI authenticates fingerprint search results with the FBI watermark and an official signature, but apostille or authentication for use abroad is handled through the U.S. Department of State when required.

How do I correct an error on my FBI criminal record?

Use the FBI challenge process and provide details plus supporting documents. For state-origin information, you may need to work with the state identification bureau or submitting agency.

Is an FBI Identity History Summary the same as a local police clearance?

No. A local police clearance usually covers a local or state search by a police department. An FBI Identity History Summary is a fingerprint-based FBI record process.

Official Sources and Final-Action Links

Use these official links for final FBI request actions, fingerprint guidance, channeler selection, challenge/correction, apostille and related screening guidance.

Editorial Accuracy and Use Note

This guide separates FBI Identity History Summary Checks from state criminal-history checks, local police clearances, court records, FOIA records, consumer-reporting background checks, and public searches of another person’s criminal record.

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Last reviewed: October 13, 2026