This site is proudly operated and administered by Anshin Mobile Notary and Live Scan. We assist applicants throughout California, across the United States, and overseas with FBI background checks, electronic fingerprinting, FBI apostilles, and international document authentication.
For additional information, visit:
One of the most common things we hear from applicants is:
“The FBI website told me to go to the Post Office. Is that where I have to get fingerprinted?”
The short answer is no.
Many people assume that because the FBI website directs them toward the Post Office appointment system, the Post Office is somehow the official place to obtain an electronic FBI background check.
Applicants are often surprised to learn that the FBI does not actually fingerprint people itself, and that the Post Office is only one of several options available.
Many applicants don’t realize that whether they visit the Post Office, a fingerprinting company, or a mobile fingerprinting provider, the fingerprints are often ultimately transmitted through an FBI-approved channeler before reaching the FBI. If you’re unfamiliar with the term FBI channeler, you can read our complete FBI Channeler Guide here.
Many applicants assume the Post Office is somehow performing the FBI background check itself. In reality, the important part is that your fingerprints are successfully collected and transmitted through the appropriate FBI-approved systems. The FBI processes the background check regardless of where the fingerprints were captured.
In fact, many applicants ultimately choose to work with fingerprinting specialists because fingerprinting is what those businesses do every day and fingerprint technicians will submit their records, rather than postal employees.
Why Does The FBI Website Send People To The Post Office?
When applicants begin the process of obtaining an electronic FBI background check, the FBI website often directs them toward participating United States Post Office locations.
This causes many people to believe that the Post Office is somehow part of the FBI background check process.
It isn’t.
The Post Office is simply one fingerprint collection option that the FBI makes available to the public.
The FBI receives the fingerprints electronically and processes the background check. The Post Office merely collects the fingerprints.
The Post Office’s Primary Business Is Delivering Mail
This distinction is important.
The Post Office’s primary function is processing and delivering mail.
Fingerprinting is not their core business.
By contrast, professional fingerprint technicians spend all day working with fingerprint capture, identity verification, rejected prints, fingerprint quality issues, FBI submissions, and DOJ compliance requirements.
Many applicants are surprised to discover that the staff collecting fingerprints may spend most of their day performing entirely different tasks.
By contrast, fingerprint technicians spend their entire day working with fingerprint equipment, fingerprint quality issues, identity verification requirements, and electronic submissions.
That difference often matters when problems arise.
Some applicants contact us after being told their fingerprints could not be captured successfully or after experiencing delays that require them to schedule another appointment.
Why Some Applicants End Up Looking For Other Options
We frequently hear from applicants who initially scheduled fingerprinting appointments through the Post Office.
Some later contact us after experiencing issues such as:
- Equipment problems
- Long wait times
- Appointment scheduling difficulties
- Fingerprint quality concerns
- Limited assistance with the overall FBI process
In many cases, applicants simply want someone who performs fingerprinting every day and can answer questions about the process.
Many Applicants Don’t Realize Mobile FBI Fingerprinting Exists
For example, we regularly fingerprint attorneys in their offices, hospital staff between procedures, travelers flying through Los Angeles, and applicants who cannot easily leave their homes.
In one case, surgeons stepped out of an operating room, removed their gloves, washed and dried their hands, completed the fingerprinting process, and returned to surgery within minutes.
In another case, we fingerprinted construction workers at an active school construction site. Workers arrived wearing hard hats and work gear, completed fingerprinting, and immediately returned to their jobs.
The process is often much faster and less disruptive than people expect.
One of the most common misconceptions is that fingerprinting must occur at a government office.
In reality, many applicants can be fingerprinted at:
- Homes
- Offices
- Hospitals
- Law firms
- Corporate offices
- Hotels
- Airports
We regularly provide mobile FBI fingerprinting services for busy professionals, attorneys, executives, elderly applicants, and travelers who cannot easily visit a traditional office.
The fingerprints are still submitted electronically to the FBI.
The difference is simply where the fingerprinting takes place.
Electronic FBI Background Checks Are Usually Very Fast
Obtaining results from an electronic FBI background check is usually much faster than applicants expect.
Once the fingerprints are submitted successfully, many applicants receive access to their FBI Identity History Summary the same day, although processing times can vary.
Many applicants are surprised by how quickly the process can move once fingerprints have been submitted electronically.
In many cases, the FBI report becomes available the same day.
The actual fingerprinting appointment itself often takes only a few minutes once identification has been verified and fingerprints are captured.
The Goal Is Obtaining A Quality Electronic Submission
The most important part of the process is not where the fingerprints are taken.
The goal is obtaining a complete and accurate electronic submission that the FBI can process successfully.
Fingerprint quality matters.
Identity verification matters.
Accurate applicant information matters.
The location itself is secondary.
Many Applicants Need An Apostille After Receiving Their FBI Report
For applicants planning to use their FBI background check internationally, obtaining the report is often only the beginning.
Many countries require the FBI report to be authenticated through the federal apostille process before it can be used abroad.
This is particularly common for:
- Residency applications
- Visa applications
- Citizenship applications
- Teaching abroad
- Immigration matters
That is why many applicants eventually move from electronic fingerprinting to obtaining an FBI apostille after receiving their report.
Final Thoughts
If the FBI website directed you to the Post Office, that does not necessarily mean you must go there.
The Post Office is simply one fingerprint collection option.
Many applicants choose to work with fingerprinting specialists who perform electronic fingerprinting every day and can assist with the broader FBI background check process.
The important thing is obtaining a successful electronic submission so you can receive your FBI Identity History Summary and, if needed, move forward with apostille authentication for international use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to go to the Post Office for an FBI background check?
No. The Post Office is only one fingerprint collection option available for electronic FBI background checks.
Does the FBI actually fingerprint people?
No. The FBI receives and processes the fingerprint submission but generally does not collect fingerprints directly from applicants.
Can I use mobile FBI fingerprinting?
Yes. Many applicants choose mobile fingerprinting services at homes, offices, hospitals, and other locations.
How long does an electronic FBI background check take?
Many electronic FBI submissions are processed quickly, often becoming available the same day, although processing times can vary.
Will I need an apostille after receiving my FBI report?
If the document will be used internationally, many countries require an FBI apostille before accepting the report.