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What is an FBI Background Check?
An FBI background check is an official criminal history report compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation that shows your complete federal criminal record — also known as an FBI Identity History Summary. This document contains information about arrests, prosecutions, and convictions maintained in FBI criminal history files.
Authorized under U.S. Department of Justice Order 556-73, this is a personal records request — meaning you are requesting your own FBI record. Common reasons include working or living abroad, international adoption, foreign visa applications, and reviewing or correcting your own criminal history.
ABQ Fingerprinting provides fast, electronic FBI background check services throughout New Mexico using advanced LiveScan technology. We submit your fingerprints directly to the FBI through our approved channeler, and your results are delivered directly to your email within 24–48 hours — compared to 6–8 weeks or longer for traditional paper submissions.
Who Needs FBI Background Checks?
⚠️ New Mexico State Licensing: Professional licensing for NM state boards (nursing, real estate, contractors, etc.) requires fingerprinting through IdentoGO by IDEMIA — call 877-467-9215 to schedule. ABQ Fingerprinting specializes in federal and out-of-state requirements.
Employment & Licensing
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Federal government positions and contractors
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Security clearance applications (DOD, CIA, FBI)
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Healthcare professionals with federal licensing requirements
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Education professionals in federal programs
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Banking positions at federally chartered or FDIC-insured institutions
Personal & Family
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Adoption and foster care applications
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International adoption proceedings
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Volunteer work with vulnerable populations
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Personal record review and verification
Legal & Immigration
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Immigration and naturalization applications (USCIS)
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Visa applications for certain countries
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Court-ordered background checks
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Expungement and record review requests
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Legal name changes requiring federal verification
Federal Programs
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Federal firearms license applications (FFL)
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Federal contractor registration
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Small Business Administration (SBA) applications
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Federal grant applications
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Peace Corps and AmeriCorps participation
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Firearms rights restoration (§925(c))
Private & Nonprofit Organizations
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Private school staff background checks
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Nonprofit volunteer screening
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Faith community staff verification
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CASA and child welfare programs
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Corporate pre-employment federal screening
Electronic vs. Paper Submission Comparison
Understanding the difference between electronic and paper FBI background check submissions can save you significant time and frustration.
ABQ Fingerprinting Electronic Submission
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⚡ Processing Time: Results in 24–48 hours
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📧 Delivery: PDF emailed directly to you
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🔬 Technology: Digital LiveScan — higher acceptance rate than ink cards
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✅ Accuracy: Lower FBI rejection rate, fewer re-submissions
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📅 Convenience: Book online, appointments recommended, no mailing required
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💰 Cost: Transparent flat-rate pricing — no surprise re-submission fees
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⏳ Processing Time: 6–8 weeks or longer
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📬 Delivery: Mailed to FBI address on file — no tracking
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🖋️ Technology: Ink rolled on paper card — prone to smudging
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❌ Accuracy: Higher FBI rejection rate due to print quality
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😤 Convenience: Requires mailing, waiting, and hoping it arrives
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💸 Cost: Lower upfront — but re-submission fees add up fast
Processing Times and Delivery Methods
Electronic FBI Background Check Timeline
Day of Appointment:
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5-10 minute appointment for fingerprint capture
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Same-day transmission to FBI — processed immediately after fingerprint capture and identity verification.
Within 24-48 Hours:
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FBI processing completed
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Results emailed directly to you as a secure PDF
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Instructions to access and download your results included
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No waiting for mail delivery or postal delays
What Shows Up on FBI Checks vs. State Checks
Understanding the scope of different background check types helps ensure you request the correct service for your needs.
FBI Background Check Includes:
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Federal Criminal History: Arrests, prosecutions, and convictions processed through federal courts
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Interstate Criminal Activity: Crimes that crossed state lines or involved federal jurisdiction
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Federal Agency Records: Immigration violations, customs violations, federal tax crimes
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Military Criminal History: Court martials and military justice proceedings
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Federal Prison Records: Time served in federal correctional facilities
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Multi-State Offenses: Crimes reported to FBI by multiple state agencies
FBI Background 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 and minor municipal violations
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Civil matters (divorce, bankruptcy, civil lawsuits)
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Dismissed charges not resulting in conviction (varies by jurisdiction)
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Juvenile records (with rare exceptions)
State Background Checks Include:
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Criminal history within that specific state
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Local arrest records and prosecutions
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State court convictions and dispositions
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Sex offender registry information
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Outstanding warrants within the state
Many employers and agencies require BOTH FBI and state background checks for comprehensive screening. Call our Albuquerque office at (505) 414-1787 or book online to determine which type of background check you need for your specific situation.
Our Professional FBI Background Check Process
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Book online or call 877-340-8822. Choose any of our New Mexico locations or request mobile service.
2. Fingerprint Capture
Using advanced LiveScan technology, we capture high-quality digital fingerprints in just 5-10 minutes with less than 1% rejection rate..
3. Electronic Submission
Your fingerprints are electronically submitted to the FBI through our approved channeler within hours of your appointment.
4. Results Delivery
Receive your official FBI background check via email within 24-48 hours as a secure, printable PDF document.
5. Verification Support
Our team is available to answer questions about your results or assist with agency submissions.
What You'll Need for Your FBI Background Check Appointment
Come prepared with the following items:
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Valid Photo ID - Driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID
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Purpose for Background Check - Information about why you need the check
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Email Address - Where you want results delivered (must be accessible within 48 hours)
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Payment - We accept credit/debit cards at all New Mexico locations. Cash accepted at our Albuquerque main location only. Schedule and pay online for fastest service!
Questions about your specific requirements? Check our FAQ page or call us at 877-340-8822
FBI Background Check Services Across New Mexico
ABQ Fingerprinting provides professional FBI background check services at convenient locations throughout New Mexico:
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Albuquerque - Main ABQ Fingerprinting location with walk-in availability and same-day service.
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Farmington- Available at Safety, LLC with fast electronic fingerprinting.
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Las Cruces - Available at HTM Security Services with same-day appointments.
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Rio Rancho - Available at Beyond Mail & Print with convenient scheduling.
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Taos - Available at 9 to 5 Ship and Print in the Taos Plaza
Mobile FBI background check appointments available
for groups, businesses, throughout the state.
(minimum 15 people)
Frequently Asked Questions - FBI Background Checks
Q. How long does an FBI background check take to process?
A. FBI background check processing times typically take 1-2 business days for electronic submissions. Traditional ink card submissions can take 6-8 weeks to process. We use digital LiveScan technology to electronically transmit your fingerprints, ensuring the fastest possible results.
Q. What is an FD-258 fingerprint card and do I need one?
A. The FD-258 is the official FBI fingerprint card required for federal background checks. This standardized form captures both your biographical information and fingerprints. We capture your fingerprints digitally and print them directly onto official FD-258 cards on-site during your appointment - all in about 10-15 minutes. Each appointment includes two fingerprint cards, chipboard backing, and a mailing envelope.
Q. What information appears on an FBI background check?
A. FBI background checks show your federal criminal history, including:
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Arrests and convictions from the past 7 years
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Federal offenses
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Any records submitted to the FBI database
Important: FBI background checks may not include state-only records. They do not include traffic violations, MVR records, or civil matters unless they resulted in federal charges. If you need a state-specific background check, please contact IDENTOGO at 877-467-9215.
Q. Can I use my fingerprints for multiple FBI background checks?
A. Each background check requires its own set of fingerprint cards. However, ABQ Fingerprinting offers secure fingerprint archiving services for one, three, or five years. If you anticipate needing multiple background checks in the future, we can archive your prints and access them upon request. Standard fees apply for each card printed from archived fingerprints.
Q. What happens if my FBI fingerprints are rejected?
A. Quality rejections are rare with our digital LiveScan fingerprinting technology. However, if your fingerprints are rejected due to quality issues, we will retake them at no additional charge. Our certified technicians use FBI-approved equipment to ensure your prints are captured correctly the first time, eliminating delays in your background check process.
Q. Do I need an apostille for my FBI background check?
A. If you're using your FBI background check for international purposes (employment abroad, immigration, foreign education, or visa applications), you'll likely need an apostille. An apostille is an official certification that authenticates your FBI report for use in foreign countries.
ABQ Fingerprinting offers convenient online apostille services. Simply upload your FBI report PDF through our website, select your delivery option (standard or expedited), and we'll handle the authentication process - no additional office visit required. [Learn more about apostille services →]
Schedule Your FBI Background Check Today
Don't wait 6 to 8 weeks for paper processing. Get your FBI background check results in 24-48 hours with our electronic submission service. Professional, fast, and reliable fingerprinting services you can trust.
Contact ABQ Fingerprinting
📞 Call: 877-340-8822
📧 Email Results: Delivered within 24-48 hours
📍 Serving: All of New Mexico
⏰ Appointments: Available every 10 minutes
🚗 Mobile Service: We come to your location
💳 Convenient Payment: Schedule and pay online at any location
Professional FBI background check services for employment, immigration, adoption, licensing, and personal record review. Trusted by New Mexico residents for fast, accurate, and reliable federal background screening since [year]. Electronic submission through approved FBI channeler for guaranteed 24-48 hour results.