Frequently Asked Questions About Fingerprinting
If you’ve never been fingerprinted before, it’s normal to have questions. At Jax Florida Fingerprinting, we want the process to be as simple and stress-free as possible. Below are answers to some of the questions we hear most often.
How long does a fingerprinting appointment take?
Most appointments take between 10 and 15 minutes. The exact time depends on the type of fingerprinting you need and whether all of your paperwork is complete when you arrive.
What should I bring to my appointment?
In most cases, you’ll need:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Any paperwork or instructions provided by your employer or licensing agency
- Your ORI number, if one is required
- Payment for your appointment
If you’re unsure what to bring, feel free to contact us before your visit.
What is an ORI number?
An ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) is a unique code that tells the Florida Department of Law Enforcement where to send your fingerprint results.
Using the correct ORI number is important because it ensures your results are delivered to the right agency.
What’s the difference between Live Scan and ink fingerprinting?
Live Scan uses a digital scanner to capture your fingerprints electronically. It’s commonly required for employment, professional licensing, and background checks.
Ink fingerprinting involves rolling your fingerprints onto an FD-258 fingerprint card. This is often required for out-of-state applications, federal agencies, or other organizations that accept fingerprint cards.
If you’re not sure which one you need, we’ll help you determine the correct service.
How long does it take to receive my background check results?
Processing times vary depending on the agency requesting the background check.
Some electronic submissions are processed within a few business days, while others may take several weeks. Your employer or licensing agency can usually provide an estimate based on your application.
Will I receive my background check results?
In most cases, no.
The results are typically sent directly to the employer, licensing board, or government agency that requested the background check.
If you’re applying for a personal FBI Identity History Summary, the results are generally sent directly to you.
What happens if my fingerprints are rejected?
Fingerprint rejections are uncommon, but they can happen if the fingerprint images aren’t clear enough to be processed.
If this occurs, the requesting agency will usually provide instructions on what to do next. In many cases, you’ll simply need to submit a new set of fingerprints.
Our technicians use quality equipment and proper techniques to help reduce the likelihood of a rejection.
Do I need an appointment?
Appointments are recommended because they help minimize wait times and ensure we can serve you promptly.
If you need same-day service, contact us and we’ll do our best to accommodate your schedule.
Can you fingerprint children?
Yes. We can fingerprint children when required by an authorized agency, court, school, adoption process, or other official purpose.
If you have questions about fingerprinting for a minor, contact us before your appointment.
Do you offer mobile fingerprinting?
Yes. We provide mobile fingerprinting services for businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, government agencies, and other organizations that prefer on-site service.
Mobile fingerprinting is a convenient option for groups or individuals who cannot travel to our office.
Can I use fingerprints from a previous job?
Not always.
Many employers and licensing agencies require a new fingerprint submission, even if you’ve been fingerprinted before. Requirements vary depending on the organization and the purpose of the background check.
What if I don’t know which fingerprinting service I need?
That’s perfectly okay. Many of our customers aren’t sure whether they need Live Scan fingerprinting, fingerprint cards, or another service.
Bring your paperwork or application instructions, and we’ll help you determine the correct option before your appointment.
Why Choose Jax Florida Fingerprinting?
We understand that fingerprinting is often part of an important life event—starting a new career, obtaining a professional license, volunteering, or completing an immigration application. That’s why we’re committed to providing friendly service, accurate fingerprinting, and a smooth experience from start to finish.
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is always happy to help.
Have More Questions?
Whether you’re scheduling your first fingerprinting appointment or you’ve been through the process before, we’re here to make everything as easy as possible.
Contact Jax Florida Fingerprinting today—we look forward to assisting you.
