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Fingerprinting explained

What Is Fingerprinting and Why Is It Required?

Fingerprinting means recording the ridge patterns on your fingers so they can be used in an identity-based check. The prints may be captured with an electronic scanner or placed on a paper card. A job, professional license, volunteer program or foreign document request may require them. The appointment records your fingerprints; it does not itself issue a clearance or approve an application.

Sources checked: 2026-10-30 · Edited: 2026-11-02

Your next step

Confirm the requested service before arranging a visit. A question or quote request is not a confirmed appointment.

What actually happens when your fingerprints are taken?

A technician checks the identification and instructions required for your service, then records the requested impressions. With Live Scan, your fingers are placed on a scanner. For a physical card, the service may involve ink or another capture-and-print method accepted by the recipient.

The method matters because a digitally captured image, a printed card and an electronic submission are different deliverables. Ask which one your appointment includes rather than assuming that anything called “fingerprinting” completes the entire request.

Why would an employer or licensing board ask for fingerprints?

Fingerprints help link a records check to the person being screened. Certain regulated jobs and applications use fingerprint-based screening to protect people served by the organization and meet the applicable program’s rules. Being asked for prints does not, by itself, mean someone suspects you of wrongdoing.

A personal FBI report for an overseas purpose is a different request from a Florida job or licensing submission. A private fingerprinting appointment also does not replace a government biometrics appointment you were specifically instructed to attend.

Who provides the result after the appointment?

The fingerprinting office collects the prints and performs the submission or card service you arranged. The responsible records authority processes the appropriate request, and the authorized recipient handles the result under its program. Your employer or licensing body makes its own eligibility decision.

For some services you receive cards; for others the requesting agency receives screening information. A receipt proves an appointment or transaction, not final approval. Ask what confirmation you will receive and keep it.

How do you choose the right appointment?

Start with who asked for the prints, the job or application involved, and any written instructions. Tell Oraz Fingerprinting whether you need a Florida agency check, a personal FBI request or physical cards before booking in Hallandale Beach.

When does an ORI number become relevant?

For a Florida agency submission, the instructions may identify the ORI and other required references. Once the correct program is clear, use the ORI guidance to understand those details. Do not choose a service only because a code looks familiar.

Questions about this topic

Does fingerprinting automatically include a background-check report?

No. Capture, submission and the issued result are separate parts of the service. Confirm the deliverable before paying.

Do I need fingerprints even if I have never been arrested?

A program may require fingerprint-based screening regardless of your personal history. Follow the requesting organization’s instructions.

Is Live Scan the same thing as an FBI personal report?

No. Live Scan describes electronic fingerprint capture; a personal FBI Identity History Summary is a particular records request.

Official sources

Requirements vary by program and may change. Match the guidance to your recipient’s current instructions.

Your next step

Confirm the requested service before arranging a visit. A question or quote request is not a confirmed appointment.

Related answers

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Questions about the service, your instructions or a mobile visit? Contact our fingerprinting team.

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