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FBI-APPROVED CHANNELER — DO ORDER 556-73
Get an official copy of your FBI Fingerprint-Based Background Check — also known as your Identity History Summary or Rap Sheet. This service is ideal for immigration, naturalization, international adoption, visa applications, employment abroad, and personal record review. Your fingerprints are captured digitally at one of our six New Mexico locations and submitted electronically to the FBI through our approved channeler. Results are delivered as a secure PDF to your email within 24 to 48 hours.
ABQ Fingerprinting specializes in federal and out-of-state requirements, including immigration, foreign visa applications, federal employment, and firearms related federal submissions. We are authorized under DO 556-73, one of the FBI's approved channeling programs. Unlike IdentoGO, which handles New Mexico state licensing boards, ABQ Fingerprinting focuses on federal submissions. We also offer statewide mobile fingerprinting for groups and employers across New Mexico. Book an appointment online today or call us at (877) 340-8822.
⚠ NEW MEXICO STATE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
Professional licensing for NM state boards — nursing, real estate, contractors requires fingerprinting through IdentoGO by IDEMIA call 877-467-9215.
ABQ Fingerprinting specializes in federal and out-of-state requirements not served by IdentoGO.
What Is an FBI Background Check?
An FBI background check is your official Identity History Summary — sometimes called a "rap sheet" — compiled by the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. It contains criminal history information taken from fingerprint submissions retained by the FBI in connection with arrests, federal employment, naturalization, or military service.
DO Order 556-73 | 28 CFR 16.30–16.34
This is a personal records request — you are requesting your own federal record. Common uses include working or living abroad, international adoption, foreign visa applications, immigration/naturalization, and reviewing or correcting your own criminal history.
ABQ Fingerprinting submits your fingerprints electronically to the FBI through our approved channeler. Results are delivered as a secure PDF to your email within 24–48 hours — compared to 6–8 weeks for traditional paper FD-258 card submissions.
Our FBI Background Check Process
Schedule Your Appointment
Book an appointment online at any time or call (877) 340-8822. Available at all six New Mexico locations. Mobile service available for groups of 15 or more.
Fingerprint Capture
Takes 5 to 10 minutes. Our certified technicians use FBI approved LiveScan equipment to capture all 10 digital fingerprints. Quality is verified on site, keeping our rejection rate under 1 percent.
Electronic Submission to FBI
Your fingerprints and identity information are submitted electronically to the FBI through our authorized channeler under DO 556-73, the same day as your appointment.
FBI Processing
Takes 24 to 48 hours. The FBI CJIS Division processes your Identity History Summary request. Results are emailed to you as a secure, printable PDF. No waiting for mail.
Need an apostille for international use? Click to Learn about our Apostille Services.
Who Needs an FBI Background Check?
Employment & Licensing
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Federal government positions & contractors
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Security clearance applications (DOD, CIA, FBI)
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Healthcare professionals with federal licensing
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Banking at federally chartered / FDIC-insured institutions
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Education professionals in federal programs
Legal & Immigration
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USCIS immigration & naturalization applications
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Visa applications for foreign countries
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Court-ordered background checks
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Expungement & record review requests
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Legal name changes requiring
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federal verification
Personal & Family
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Domestic & international adoption
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Foster care applications
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Moving or working abroad
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Foreign visa applications & residence permits
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Volunteer work with vulnerable populations
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Personal record review & correction
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FBI apostille for international document authentication
Federal Programs
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Firearms rights restoration (§925(c))
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SBA applications & federal grants
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Peace Corps and AmeriCorps
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Federal contractor registration
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Federal employment & security clearances
Private & Nonprofit
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Grant-funded programs requiring federal background checks
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Faith community volunteers (children's ministry, youth groups, counseling)
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Mission trips & international ministry work
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-Church staff & pastoral positions
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Nonprofit organizations working with vulnerable populations
Electronic vs. Paper FD-258 Submission
The FBI accepts both electronic and paper fingerprint submissions.
The difference in speed and reliability is significant.
ABQ Fingerprinting — Electronic
LiveScan Digital Submission via FBI-Approved Channeler
⚡ Processing: Results in 24–48 hours
📧 Delivery: Secure PDF emailed directly to you
🔬 Technology: Digital LiveScan — <1% FBI rejection rate
✅ Accuracy: Lower rejection rate, fewer re-submissions
📅 Convenience: Book online, 5–10 min appointment, no mailing
💰 Cost: Flat-rate pricing — no re-submission surprises
FD-258 Card Submission — Also Offered
Digitally printed on official card stock — no ink rolling
⏳ Processing: 6–8 weeks after FBI receipt — plan accordingly
📬 Delivery: You mail to FBI CJIS — trackable via USPS certified
🖨️ Technology: Digitally printed on official FD-258 card stock — clean, precise
✅ Accuracy: High-quality digital print — no smudging from ink rolling
📃 Convenience: Includes 2 cards, chipboard backing & mailing envelope
💡 Best for: Agencies that specifically require physical FD-258 submission
What Shows Up on an FBI Background Check?
Understanding what your Identity History Summary does and does not include helps ensure you're requesting the right type of check for your situation.
✓ FBI Check Includes
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Arrests & convictions processed through federal courts
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Interstate criminal activity involving federal jurisdiction
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Federal agency records (immigration, customs, tax crimes)
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Military criminal history (court martials)
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Federal prison records
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Multi-state offenses reported to FBI by state agencies
✗ FBI Check Does NOT Include
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State-only criminal records not reported to FBI
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Local arrest records not forwarded to federal databases
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Traffic violations & municipal violations
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Civil matters (divorce, bankruptcy, civil lawsuits)
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Dismissed charges (varies by jurisdiction)
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Juvenile records (with rare exceptions)
› State Background Checks Also Include
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In-state criminal history & local prosecutions
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State court convictions & dispositions
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Sex offender registry data
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Outstanding warrants within the state
Many employers and agencies require BOTH an FBI and a state background check for comprehensive screening. Call us at 877-340-8822 to determine which type you need.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
📱 Valid Photo ID
Driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID
📃 Purpose Statement
Know why you need the check (employment, visa, adoption, etc.)
📧 Email Address
Where results will be delivered — must be accessible within 48 hrs
💳 Payment
Payment is made online when booking to secure your appointment.
FBI Background Check Services Across New Mexico
Frequently Asked Questions — FBI Background Check
What is an FBI Identity History Summary?
An FBI Identity History Summary — also called a rap sheet or FBI background check — is your official federal criminal history record compiled by the FBI's CJIS Division under DOJ Order 556-73. It reflects fingerprint-linked records from federal arrests, federal employment, military service, and naturalization proceedings. If no federal record exists, the summary will state that clearly — which is the most common result. ABQ Fingerprinting is an approved FBI channeler serving all of New Mexico, delivering results as a secure PDF in 24 to 48 hours.
How long does an FBI background check take?
Electronic submissions via LiveScan and our approved channeler are typically processed within 24 to 48 hours. Traditional paper FD-258 card submissions mailed directly to FBI CJIS in Clarksburg, WV can take 6 to 8 weeks or longer. Walk-in and scheduled appointments are available at all six New Mexico locations in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Las Cruces, Taos, Farmington, and Carlsbad.
Do I need an FBI background check for immigration?
Yes. An FBI background check is commonly required for green card applications, adjustment of status, naturalization, visa applications, and other immigration proceedings. ABQ Fingerprinting submits your fingerprints electronically to the FBI through our approved channeler and delivers your Identity History Summary as a secure PDF within 24 to 48 hours. Book your appointment online or call 877-340-8822.
Can I use my fingerprints for multiple background checks?
Each FBI background check request requires its own current fingerprint submission. However, ABQ Fingerprinting offers secure fingerprint archiving services for 1, 3, or 5 years. If you anticipate needing multiple background checks in the future, we can archive your prints and use them for future submissions.
What happens if my fingerprints are rejected by the FBI?
Quality rejections are rare with our FBI-approved LiveScan technology — our rejection rate is under 1%. If your fingerprints are rejected due to quality issues, we will retake them at no additional charge.
Do I need an apostille for my FBI background check?
If you are using your FBI background check for international purposes — employment abroad, immigration, foreign education, or visa applications — you will likely need an apostille. Contact ABQ Fingerprinting for more information at 877-340-8822 and select option 3 to be connected to a live representative.
Is an FBI background check the same as a state background check?
No. An FBI background check covers federal criminal history and records submitted to the FBI's NGI system. State background checks cover records within a specific state. Many employers and agencies require both. For New Mexico state licensing boards, contact IdentoGO at 877-467-9215. ABQ Fingerprinting handles all federal and out-of-state requirements, including FD-258 fingerprint cards for out-of-state agencies and licensing boards that require physical card submissions.
Can an immigration attorney order FBI background checks for their clients?
Yes. ABQ Fingerprinting works with immigration attorneys and law firms across New Mexico for green card applications, adjustment of status, naturalization, and other immigration proceedings. Attorneys must complete a whitelist form to be accepted by our FBI channeler. Contact us at 877-340-8822 and select option 3 to get started.
How do I challenge or correct my FBI Identity History Summary?
Per 28 CFR 16.30 through 16.34, you have the right to review and request corrections to your FBI Identity History Summary. Contact FBI CJIS directly at 304-625-5590. Our team can help you understand your results and what steps to take next.
How much does an FBI background check cost in New Mexico?
ABQ Fingerprinting offers flat-rate pricing with no re-submission fees. Exact pricing is listed during online booking. Call 877-340-8822 or visit any of our six New Mexico locations — Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Las Cruces, Taos, Farmington, and Carlsbad — for current rates.