Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about our fingerprinting services
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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.
The fingerprinting process typically takes 10-15 minutes, depending on the service required. Our mobile service also ensures that we come to you for added convenience.
Yes, we prioritize your privacy and security. All information provided during the fingerprinting process is kept confidential and handled in full compliance with privacy laws and regulations.
You’ll need to bring a valid government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license or passport). Additional documents may be required depending on the service, so feel free to contact us beforehand to ensure you have everything needed.
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.
Yes! We offer volume discounts for groups of 5 or more individuals. Corporate accounts with recurring fingerprinting needs receive preferential pricing and priority scheduling. Please reach out to our team to set up a corporate account or request a group quote.
We accept cash, all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover), and digital wallets including Apple Pay and Google Pay. Corporate clients may be invoiced with net-30 terms upon account approval. Personal checks are not accepted.
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.
Yes, expediting is possible through an FBI-approved channeler rather than submitting directly to the FBI. Channeled results are typically returned in 2–5 business days. We partner with authorized channelers to offer this faster processing option. Additional fees from the channeler apply.
A standard FBI check is submitted directly to the FBI and can take 4–8 weeks. A channeled FBI check is processed through an FBI-approved private channeler, which typically returns results in 2–5 business days. Channeled checks also allow results to be sent electronically to you or a third party. Both are official FBI results.
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.
Yes, a travel fee applies for mobile visits. The fee typically ranges from $50–$100 depending on your distance from our office location. For large corporate or group fingerprinting events, the travel fee is often waived or significantly reduced. Contact us for an exact mobile quote.
There is no strict maximum; we can accommodate small groups of 5 as well as large corporate events with 50+ employees in a single visit. We recommend a minimum of 5 individuals for a mobile appointment to make the trip cost-effective. For very large events, we may deploy multiple technicians.
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.
Yes, we accept fingerprint cards provided by your employer, licensing agency, or government body. Please bring the card(s) with any pre-filled information completed prior to your visit. Our technician will verify the format is compatible and complete the fingerprint impressions accordingly.
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.
The apostille process typically takes 6–10 business days once your document is ready. Rush processing may be available for an additional fee depending on the issuing state. Our team can coordinate the apostille request for your FBI background check results and guide you through the full process.
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.
Yes, mobile notary services are available throughout the Houston area. This is especially convenient for real estate closings, hospital visits, assisted living facilities, or whenever you cannot travel to our office. Mobile notary visits start at a flat travel fee. Contact us to schedule and confirm document type in advance.
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.
Yes, we offer a bundled FBI Background Check + Apostille package that covers the full workflow from fingerprinting through to the apostilled result, ideal for immigration, visa applications, and international employment. The bundle saves time and simplifies coordination. Ask our staff about current bundle pricing when you call or visit.
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.
An ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) is a code assigned to the Florida agency or employer requesting your background check. You must have a valid ORI number before your live scan appointment, as it tells the system where to route your results. Your employer, licensing board, or the requesting agency will provide this number to you.
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.
FINRA fingerprint results are typically returned within 1–3 business days once the electronic submission is processed. Results go to FINRA and your member firm's compliance department not to you directly. Your firm will notify you once clearance is confirmed and your registration can proceed.
Additional Questions
We recommend scheduling an appointment to ensure a timely and efficient service. However, walk-ins are also welcome depending on availability.
We accept government-issued IDs such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. Please contact us if you have any questions about acceptable identification.
Our pricing is transparent and based on the type of service you need. For detailed pricing, please visit our pricing page or contact us for an estimate.
Yes, we offer bulk and corporate services, including mobile fingerprinting for employees or large groups. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.