Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about our fingerprinting services

FAQs

Frequenlty Asked Questions

At Houston Fingerprint, we understand that you may have questions about our fingerprinting and notary services. To make your experience as smooth as possible, we’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions along with detailed answers. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us directly, and we’ll be happy to assist you!

General Questions

We provide a wide range of services including ink and roll fingerprinting, FBI background checks, mobile fingerprinting, FBI & state apostille services, and notary services—both in-office and mobile.

Pricing

Standard live scan fingerprinting in Houston starts at $20–$25 per person for a single submission. FBI channeled background checks are typically $18–$22 on top of the fingerprinting fee. Prices may vary depending on the type of submission, agency requirements, and whether mobile services are needed. Contact us for an exact quote.

FBI Checks

A standard FBI background check submitted directly to the FBI typically takes 4–8 weeks. Channeled submissions through an approved FBI channeler are significantly faster results are usually returned within 2–5 business days. Processing times can vary based on volume and your specific circumstances.

Mobile Services

We provide mobile fingerprinting services throughout the greater Houston metropolitan area, including Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, The Woodlands, Pasadena, Humble, Baytown, and surrounding communities. Service availability outside this area depends on group size contact us for long-distance mobile requests.

Ink Roll Cards

We can complete ink roll fingerprinting on the most common standard fingerprint cards including FBI FD-258, OPM SF-87, and FD-1164 cards. We also support other standard-format cards required by state agencies, ATF, and other federal bodies. Please bring your card or let us know in advance which form is required.

Apostille

An apostille is an international certification that authenticates the origin of a public document so it will be recognized in another country. You typically need an apostille when using an FBI background check, birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other official U.S. document abroad for immigration, employment, education, or visa applications in countries that are members of the Hague Convention.

Notary

Our licensed notaries can notarize a wide range of documents, including affidavits, power of attorney forms, real estate documents, legal declarations, wills, travel consent forms, and business contracts. Please note that notaries certify identity and signatures; they do not provide legal advice. Bring your unsigned document and a valid government-issued ID.

Immigration

Absolutely. Our FBI background checks and apostille services are commonly used for immigration and visa applications. We work with individuals applying for visas, permanent residency, citizenship, and USCIS-related purposes. Our team can help you determine whether a channeled FBI check or a direct submission is appropriate for your specific immigration case.

ATF Fingerprint Services

ATF Form 4 (Tax-paid NFA transfer) requires two completed FBI FD-258 fingerprint cards submitted with your application. Both cards must be inked in black, with rolled and flat impressions clearly captured. We ensure your cards meet ATF quality standards to avoid costly rejections or processing delays.

Florida Live Scan

Florida requires electronic live scan fingerprints for many professional licenses, including nursing, healthcare, real estate, teaching, and other state-regulated fields, regardless of where the applicant lives. If you're a Texas resident applying for a Florida license, employment, or volunteer clearance, we can submit your fingerprints electronically to the Florida FDLE on your behalf.

FINRA Fingerprinting

FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) requires fingerprinting for individuals working in the securities industry including registered representatives, brokers, dealers, and associated persons at FINRA member firms. The fingerprints are submitted to the FBI for a criminal background check as part of the registration and licensing process.

Additional Questions

We recommend scheduling an appointment to ensure a timely and efficient service. However, walk-ins are also welcome depending on availability.