FBI Fingerprinting Requirements

FBI fingerprint background checks are required for anyone who has direct access to Criminal History Record Information (CHRI). This includes access in any form – online, printed, written, or even verbal communications.

This fingerprint check is in addition to other name-based checks, such as the Texas Criminal History and DFPS History checks, when the person will have access to sensitive information or to the DFPS Information Management Protecting Adults and Children in Texas (IMPACT).

Who Must Get an FBI Fingerprint Check?

All non-DFPS staff who have direct access to CHRI or DFPS systems. This includes:

  • Document destruction contractors
  • IT contractors
  • Staff from other state agencies
  • SSCC staff
  • Any other DFPS contractor with access to CHRI

When is an FBI Fingerprint Check Required?

FBI fingerprint background checks are required when:

  • The requestor confirms in the Automated Background Check System (ABCS)  that the person will have access to IMPACT or CHRI. In these cases, ABCS will automatically require the FBI fingerprint check, and the requestor must include an email address or phone number for the person when prompted by the system.
  • Non-DFPS staff have lived outside Texas within the past two years, or currently live outside Texas.
  • Purchased Client Services (PCS) contractors or their staff have lived outside Texas within the past five years, or currently live outside Texas.
  • DFPS has a reasonable belief that the subject of the background check may have criminal history in another state.

Do I need to Complete the FBI Fingerprint Check More Than Once?

You only need to complete an FBI fingerprint check one time, as long as you stay with the same agency or organization that requested your background check. If you leave and return later, you will need a new FBI fingerprint check.

Visit the background checks FAQ about fingerprinting for additional information. If you have any questions about this background check requirement, contact the Ask Background Checks mailbox.

How Do I Schedule a Fingerprint Appointment?

Fingerprint appointments are scheduled through the DFPS fingerprinting vendor. You will need a six-digit Service Code before scheduling. See the FAQ for How do I find my service code? To schedule an appointment online, complete the steps on the rest of this page.

Note: If you live outside of Texas and cannot access an approved enrollment center, please contact Ask Background Checks for information on how to complete this process.

  1. Go to the IdentoGO website
  2. Enter your Service Code on the first screen and click "Go".
    IdentoGO first screen
  3. Click on "Schedule or Manage Appointment".
    screenshot of 11BRHH - TEXAS CPS Foster/Adoptive Household Members and Visitors
  4. Select either "UEID / Date of Birth" or "Name / Method of Contact".

    NOTE: Choosing the "UEID / Date of Birth" option is the better option. If you provided an email address when your background check was requested, your UEID is provided in an email from the fingerprinting vendor. See the FAQ for What is a UEID for more information about UEID numbers.

    If you didn't receive an email, please email Ask Background Checks to obtain your UEID number.

    1. If you choose “UEID / Date of Birth”, enter your UEID number and date of birth.
      screenshot of 11BRHH choosing UEID Date of Birth radio button
    2. If you choose "Name / Method of Contact", enter your full legal name, date of birth, and method of contact.
      NOTE: This information must match the information entered when your background check was requested
      screenshot of choosing Name/Method of Contact
  5. Verify and enter additional details on the next several screens.
  6. Schedule a fingerprint appointment at the nearest enrollment center.

If you are experiencing difficulty scheduling a fingerprint appointment, and you have followed the instructions listed above, please contact IdentoGO at (855) 845-7434. You may also email Ask Background Checks to report any customer service issues you are unable to resolve with IdentoGO. When contacting Background Checks staff, please include your full name and date of birth in the body of your email.