How to Get an FBI Background Check in New Mexico: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the FBI background check process can feel overwhelming if you’ve never done it before, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you need it for immigration, a professional license, federal employment, or working abroad, this guide breaks down exactly what to do, what to expect, and how ABQ Fingerprinting can make the whole thing easy.

We support both submission methods; electronic channeler and mail-in fingerprint cards, at 5 locations across New Mexico, with mobile service available statewide.

Fingerprint card ready for FBI background check submission

First Things First: What Is an FBI Background Check?

An FBI background check — officially called an FBI Identity History Summary — is a federally-issued record of any criminal history tied to your fingerprints in the FBI’s national database. It’s not the same as a state background check or a standard employment check. The FBI background check is specifically based on fingerprints, which is why getting quality prints matters so much.

You might need one for:

•       Immigration and visa applications (USCIS, foreign consulates)

•       International adoption

•       Federal employment or security clearances

•       Reviewing your own record

•       Working or living abroad

Important note for New Mexico residents: If you’re applying for a state-issued professional license in New Mexico — such as nursing, real estate, or financial services — the state typically requires fingerprinting through IdentoGO (IDEMIA) under its exclusive contract with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. That is a separate process from the FBI Identity History Summary we provide. Always confirm with your licensing board exactly which background check they require before scheduling your appointment.

Your Two Options: Electronic Channeler or Mail-In Cards

Good news — ABQ Fingerprinting supports both ways to submit. Here’s how they differ:

Option 1: Electronic Submission Through an FBI-Approved Channeler (Fastest)

A channeler is an FBI-approved company that submits your fingerprints electronically and receives your results directly from the FBI on your behalf. This is the DO 556-73 process — and it’s by far the quickest route. Results typically come back in 1 to 3 business days. We handle the electronic submission for you, so once your fingerprints are captured, you’re basically done.

What to bring:

•       A valid government-issued photo ID

•       The name of the agency or reason requiring your background check

Option 2: Mail-In FD-258 Fingerprint Cards

Some agencies — especially for immigration, international applications, or certain federal forms — require physical fingerprint cards rather than electronic results. In that case, we capture your fingerprints digitally and print them onto standard FD-258 fingerprint cards. These are digital captures printed to card format (not traditional ink rolling), which gives you cleaner, more accurate prints with a much lower rejection rate. Once your cards are ready, you can mail them yourself to the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division along with your completed applicant information and payment - or if you’d prefer, our Albuquerque, Taos, and Rio Rancho locations can handle the mailing for you. Mail-in processing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, so plan ahead.

Step-by-Step: How the Process Works

1.    Get your fingerprints taken

Stop by any of our 5 New Mexico locations or book an appointment online. Our digital capture technology produces clean, FBI-compliant prints — whether we’re submitting electronically or printing your FD-258 cards.

2.    Fill out your applicant information

Your fingerprint card includes an applicant information section with your full legal name, date of birth, and other identifying details. We’ll help make sure this is completed accurately — errors here are one of the most common causes of delays.

3.    We submit or you mail — your choice

For electronic channeler submissions, we handle the entire submission process for you. For FD-258 card orders, you’ll mail your completed cards directly to the FBI CJIS Division at the address listed on the FBI’s official website.

4.    Pay the required fees

The FBI charges a processing fee for Identity History Summary checks. Channeler submissions include an additional service fee. We’ll walk you through exactly what’s owed at your appointment.

5.    Receive your results

Channeler results are typically delivered electronically within 1-3 business days to the destination your email. Mail-in results are returned by the FBI to the address on your fingerprint card.

Not Sure Which Option to Use?

Check the instructions from the agency requesting your background check — they’ll usually specify. If they accept either method, we’d recommend the electronic channeler route for the faster turnaround. If they specifically require physical fingerprint cards, we’ve got you covered there too.

One thing worth knowing: IdentoGO (IDEMIA) handles New Mexico’s state-level fingerprinting under an exclusive contract with the Department of Public Safety — but that contract only covers state submissions. For FBI Identity History Summary (federal) requests, ABQ Fingerprinting is fully authorized and not bound by that contract. And unlike IdentoGO, we offer mobile fingerprinting statewide.

Need Fingerprinting for a Group? We Come to You

If you’re an employer, nonprofit, government contractor, school, or healthcare facility with 15 or more people who need fingerprinting, our mobile service is built for you. We bring everything to your location anywhere in New Mexico — no need to coordinate multiple individual appointments. It’s efficient, professional, and something IdentoGO simply doesn’t offer.

Quick Tips to Avoid Delays

A little preparation goes a long way:

•       Always use a professional fingerprinting service — poor print quality is the #1 reason for FBI rejection

•       Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to your appointment

•       Double-check every field on your applicant information before submitting

•       Verify the FBI’s current mailing address and fee schedule before sending mail-in cards

•       Not sure which method you need? Just ask us — we’re happy to help you figure it out

How Long Will It Take?

•       Electronic channeler (DO 556-73): 1–3 business days

•       Mail-in FD-258 cards to FBI CJIS: 6–8 weeks (varies by FBI workload)

If you’re working toward a deadline — an immigration filing, a licensing renewal, a job start date — give yourself extra buffer and use the electronic channeler route when you can.

FBI background check report ready for review

Ready to Get Started? Book Online Today

ABQ Fingerprinting has earned over 846 five-star reviews across New Mexico — and we’d love to help you check this off your list quickly and stress-free. We have 5 convenient locations in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Taos, and Farmington, plus statewide mobile service for groups.

•       Online booking recommended; walk-ins welcome based on availability.

•       Online booking available for faster, guaranteed service

•       FD-258 digital fingerprint cards for mail-in submissions

•       Electronic FBI channeler submission (DO 556-73)

•       Mobile fingerprinting anywhere in New Mexico for groups of 15+

Book your appointment now at abqfingerprinting.com — it only takes a few minutes, and we’ll take care of the rest.