FBI Fingerprinting Requirements

FBI fingerprint-based record checks are  required for anyone who has direct access to Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) in any format, including printed, electronic, or even verbal communications.

This fingerprint requirement will apply to all non-DFPS staff who have direct access to DFPS information resources or the ability to view CHRI and is in addition to other required name-based criminal history and DFPS history background checks. This includes anyone who has access to the DFPS Information Management Protecting Adults and Children in Texas (IMPACT) system and staff who have a direct responsibility to configure and maintain computer systems and networks with direct access to CHRI, and it includes all the following applicants:

  • Document destruction contractors
  • IT contractors
  • Other state agency staff
  • SSCC staff
  • Any other DFPS contractor who has access to CHRI

When the FBI fingerprint background check is required and the background check request is entered in the Automated Background Check System (ABCS), the requestor must answer the following questions, indicating if the person will have access to IMPACT or CHRI. Access is defined as the ability to view CHRI in any format, including electronic, written, printed, or even verbal communications.  

  • Will the subject of this background check have access to IMPACT? 
  • Will the subject of this background check have access to criminal history information? 

If the answer to either question is “yes”, 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.

FBI fingerprint background checks are also required for any of the following circumstances:

  • Non-DFPS staff who have resided outside the state of Texas in the past two years or who currently live outside Texas.
  • Purchased Client Services (PCS) contractors and the contractor’s staff who have lived outside the state of Texas in the past five years or who currently live outside of Texas.
  • Non-DFPS staff and PCS contractors when DFPS has a reasonable belief that the subject of the background check may have criminal history in another state.

When will I need to get an FBI fingerprint check?

All new non-DFPS staff who have direct access to CHRI will be required to complete an FBI fingerprint check once his or her initial background check is submitted to Background Checks.

Will I have to get an FBI fingerprint check more than once?

You will only need to complete an FBI fingerprint check once for as long as you continuously remain associated with the agency or organization that requested your background check. If you leave the agency or organization that requested your background check and later return, 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?

The Texas DFPS fingerprinting vendor’s website provides a simple and mobile-friendly experience for scheduling fingerprinting appointments. In order to schedule a fingerprinting appointment, you must first have a six-digit Service Code. 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 reside outside of Texas and are unable to be fingerprinted at 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.