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FBI-Approved Channelers, Explained

A Channeler is a private company the FBI has approved to submit noncriminal-justice fingerprint requests and return results. This article sets out what a Channeler does, who may use one, and the documented cases where a Channeler-delivered summary is not accepted.

Last updated 2026-08-01 · 7 min read

Overview

An FBI-approved Channeler is a private business that has been approved by the FBI to receive fingerprint submissions for noncriminal-justice purposes, forward them to the FBI, and return the resulting Identity History Summary to the individual. [1]

Definitions

Channeler
A private business approved by the FBI to receive noncriminal-justice fingerprint submissions, submit them to the FBI, and return the result. [1]
Noncriminal-justice purpose
A use of criminal history record information other than the administration of criminal justice — for example, licensing, employment suitability determinations authorized by statute, or an individual obtaining their own record. [2]
Lawful permanent resident
A non-citizen granted authorization to live and work in the United States permanently. Together with U.S. citizens, the population eligible to use a Channeler. [1]
Also called LPR · Green card holder

Requirements

Where both constraints are satisfied, the Channeler route is a legitimate and FBI-sanctioned way to obtain the document. Where either fails, it is not.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Step 1: Verify the company appears on the FBI's list

    The FBI publishes the list of approved Channelers. A company that does not appear on it is not an FBI-approved Channeler, whatever its marketing says. [1]

    Verification

  2. Step 2: Confirm eligibility

    U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. [1]

    Eligibility

  3. Step 3: Confirm the receiving authority accepts Channeler output

    Check the documented position of whichever authority will receive the summary before paying anything.

    Acceptance

  4. Step 4: Enrol, submit fingerprints, receive the result

    The Channeler collects fingerprints and identifying information, submits to the FBI, and returns the FBI's summary.

    Execution

Common Misconceptions

Claims about Channelers
ClaimAssessment
"FBI-approved means government-operated."Incorrect. Channelers are private businesses. Approval describes a relationship with the FBI, not government status. [1]
"A Channeler result is a different or lesser document."The underlying search and record are the FBI's. What varies is the delivery route and how particular receiving authorities treat it.
"Every country accepts Channeler results."Incorrect. Canada does not. [3] Most other authorities publish no position either way, which is not the same as acceptance.
"A foreign national living in the U.S. can use a Channeler."Only if they are a lawful permanent resident. [1]

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this site recommend a Channeler?
No. This site does not recommend, rank, or link to commercial providers of any kind. The FBI's published list is the authoritative reference. [1]
Why would an authority refuse a Channeler-delivered summary?
Authorities that publish a position on the point generally frame it as a chain-of-custody requirement: the certificate must arrive from the issuing agency rather than through an intermediary. IRCC states the requirement without giving a rationale. [3]
Can a Channeler-delivered summary be apostilled?
Authentication depends on the document bearing the signature of a federal official that the Department of State can verify. [4] Applicants intending to apostille should confirm the requirement with the Office of Authentications before selecting a channel — see Apostille and Authentication of an FBI Identity History Summary.

Historical Changes

  1. 2000s

    Program established

    The FBI begins approving Channelers for noncriminal-justice submissions. [1]

  2. Ongoing

    The approved list changes

    Companies are added to and removed from the FBI's published list over time. The list, not a third-party directory, is the current state of the program. [1]

References

Every source below is a primary publication of the body that controls the fact it supports. See the citation policy.

  1. [1]List of FBI-Approved Channelers — Federal Bureau of Investigation. Reviewed 2026-08-01.fbi.gov rejects automated retrieval; reviewed manually in a browser.https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/more-fbi-services-and-information/identity-history-summary-checks/list-of-fbi-approved-channelers
  2. [2]28 CFR 20.33 — Dissemination of criminal history record information — Office of the Federal Register (eCFR). Reviewed 2026-08-01.https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-28/chapter-I/part-20/subpart-B/section-20.33
  3. [3]Police certificates — United States — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Reviewed 2026-07-31.https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/police-certificates/united-states.html
  4. [4]Office of Authentications — U.S. Department of State. Reviewed 2026-08-01.https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/records-and-authentications/authenticate-your-document/office-of-authentications.html

Change log

  • 2026-08-01Initial publication.

Related topics

Last updated 2026-08-01