There are three official ways to obtain your FBI Identity History Summary- through an FBI-approved channeler, through the FBI's eDO online portal, or by mailing a fingerprint card directly to the FBI. Each method leads to the same result but the difference is in speed, convenience, and how you submit your fingerprints.

An FBI-approved channeler is a private company authorized to collect fingerprints and submit requests to the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. This method is faster and more streamlined. This can be used by applicants based in the United States or outside the United States. Some companies also support international applicants through mail-in fingerprint cards. 

Rather than mailing physical fingerprint cards to the FBI and waiting weeks for a response, you submit through a channeler/company who transmits your fingerprints , cutting the turnaround from weeks down to 1 to 3 business days. 

The FBI maintains an official list of approved channelers at fbi.gov. 

Why Use a Channeler Instead of Mailing Directly?

The difference in speed alone makes the channeler route the clear choice for most applicants. But beyond speed, channelers offer electronic submission that means fingerprints are transmitted digitally, reducing the risk of postal delays or lost documents. This makes sure that results arrive digitally within 1 to 3 business days of FBI processing. They also accept ink fingerprint cards mailed from outside the United States, meaning you don't need to be in the U.S. to use this method. Channeler or FBI -approved companies walks you through each step, reducing the chance of errors that lead to rejection

Step-by-Step Process via Channeler

The process is outlined below in clear steps, from application and fingerprinting to submission and receiving your results.

Step 1 : Start Your Application

Visit the channeler’s official website and select the option for an FBI Identity History Summary. Choose the purpose of your request, such as immigration, employment, or residency.

Step 2: Create an Account and Fill in Details

Register and complete the online application form with your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number (if applicable), and contact details.

Step 3: Choose Your Fingerprinting Method

Select how you would like to submit your fingerprints:

• Within the U.S.: Schedule an appointment at a nearby fingerprinting center for fingerprints capture.
• Outside the U.S.: Choose the mail-in option and get your fingerprints taken locally on an FD-258/FD-1164 card. Some providers may also offer mobile fingerprinting services, allowing technicians to come to your location for added convenience.

Step 4: Complete Payment

Complete the payment online as per the selected service. While using a channeler, it may be slightly more expensive than applying directly but it saves significant time and helps avoid delays, errors, and repeated back-and-forth in the process. 

Step 5: Submit Your Fingerprints

• For in-person appointments, bring a valid government-issued ID. Your fingerprints will be captured in 10–15 minutes.
• For mail-in applications, send your completed fingerprint card to the channeler as per their instructions.

Step 6: Application Review and Submission

The channeler reviews your application for accuracy and completeness, then securely submits your fingerprint data to the FBI.

Step 7: FBI Processing

The FBI processes your request and generates your Identity History Summary.

Step 8: Receive Your Results

Your results are delivered to your secure online account within 1-3 business days after FBI processing. Physical copies can also be requested for an additional fee.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

• One valid government-issued photo ID (passport strongly recommended).
• Your enrollment confirmation or appointment number.
• Payment confirmation if not paid online in advance.

Applicants can submit their fingerprint card and payment directly to the FBI by mail, bypassing any third-party service. This method is slower and involves more manual steps, but it remains fully valid and for applicants in remote locations without access to a channeler, it may be the only practical option. 

Required Documents

• Completed FBI Applicant Fingerprint Card (Form FD-258/FD-1164).
• A signed cover letter stating the purpose of the request and your complete mailing address. If you have an immigration or visa deadline, include that deadline in the cover letter and note it on the outside of the envelope.
• Payment of $18 per applicant which is accepted as a money order, certified check, or credit card (with a completed credit card payment form), all payable to the Treasury of the United States. Cash and personal checks are not accepted. 

Note: the FBI's credit card payment form cannot accompany packages sent via expedited courier services. For expedited shipping, use a money order or certified check. Verify current payment rules at fbi.gov before submitting. 

Mailing Address

FBI Mailing Address:

FBI CJIS Division - Summary Request

1000 Custer Hollow Road

Clarksburg, WV 26306

USA  

Processing time: 4 to 8 weeks from the date the FBI receives your submission.

How the FBI Processes Your Request

Once your fingerprint submission is received, the Federal Bureau of Investigation CJIS Division processes it through a series of system-driven checks. Your fingerprints are run through the Next Generation Identification (NGI) system to verify identity and retrieve any associated criminal history records. This process also connects to state-level repositories through systems such as the Interstate Identification Index (III), which helps identify records held across different states.

Based on the results, the FBI compiles your Identity History Summary- either listing any existing records or confirming that no record was found. The report then undergoes a final quality review before the official document is generated and returned to the channeler or sent directly to you.

The FBI’s electronic system allows individuals to submit an Identity History Summary request directly online without using a third-party channeler. This option sits between the channeler route and traditional mail where you complete the application and payment online, then submit your fingerprints separately.

How does it work?

Step 1: Create your account

Register through the FBI’s online portal and select the Identity History Summary self-request option.

Step 2: Complete your application

Enter your personal details, including full legal name, date of birth, and place of birth.

Step 3: Pay online

Pay the $18 fee securely by credit card.  No money order or certified check required.

Step 4: Submit your fingerprints

You must still provide fingerprints after submitting your application. Mail your completed FD-258 or FD-1164 fingerprint card to the FBI CJIS Division at the address provided in your eDO account after registration. Processing does not begin until the FBI receives your card. 

Step 5: Receive your results

Once processing is complete, your Identity History Summary is delivered electronically through your online account.

Key characteristics:

• No channeler required and no third-party fees.
• Online application and payment process.
• Fingerprints must be submitted by mailing a completed FD-258 or FD-1164 card to the FBI.
• Processing time: 4-8 weeks after the FBI receives your fingerprint card.
• Available to applicants both inside and outside the United States.

Limitations to consider:

• Still requires physical fingerprint submission (not fully online end-to-end).
• Slower than channelers when using mailed fingerprint cards.
• Processing does not begin until fingerprints are received by the FBI.

When this option makes sense

The eDO portal is a practical middle-ground option. It avoids third-party fees and allows online submission, while still offering electronic delivery of results. It is slower than a channeler since fingerprints must be mailed to the FBI, but it costs less and delivers results electronically.

Through an FBI-approved channeler, results are delivered digitally to your secure online account within 1 to 3 business days of FBI processing. A physical copy can be requested for an additional fee.

Through the FBI eDO portal, results are delivered electronically to your online account once the FBI has processed your mailed fingerprint card.

Through direct mail to the FBI, results are sent by U.S. Mail to the address you provided in your application. Electronic delivery is not available for paper mail submissions.

In all cases, the Identity History Summary includes your identifying details, the date of the search, and either a confirmed criminal history record or a No Record Found result, issued in official FBI format.