FBI Criminal Background Checks / Departmental Order 556-73

The FBI Criminal History Report is generated from the fingerprint-based criminal record check conducted using the FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) which searches the National Criminal History Repository database. If records exist, a detailed report, including information retained by the FBI in connection to a felony arrest, such as arresting agency name, date of arrest, the arrest charge, and the disposition of the arrest, if known by the FBI, is included in the report. This is often referred to as a “rap sheet.”

The federal law that allows US Citizens and Permanent Residents this access is referenced in Departmental Order 556-73 (https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks). This special access was granted to select FBI contracted channeling companies in July, 2011. Prior to July, 2011, in order for a person to get their own FBI background check, they would have to submit their fingerprints for their personal review using postal mail; a process that takes 6 – 8 weeks.

Today, an individual can now receive their personal FBI report within SEVEN DAYS of fingerprint processing by one of many livescan facilities, rather than waiting 6 – 8 weeks for the FBI response. We have developed an easy to use secure web retrieval website for quick retrieval of the FBI response.

LiveScan USA is also able to convert FD-258 fingerprint cards into a file which is electronically submitted (for those areas without livescan capabilities)

If you own a fingerprint facility or provide fingerprinting services and would like to provide this service in your community - YOU TOO CAN OPERATE A LIVESCAN FACILITY and submit to the FBI for various applications.