How to Request Your Identity History Summary

The FBI accepts Identity History Summary requests through three channels. [1] Two are direct — the request goes from the individual to the FBI — and one is intermediated by a private company the FBI has approved to handle noncriminal-justice submissions. [2]

Direct submission

A request sent by the individual to the FBI, with no intermediary. Both the electronic and mail paths are direct submissions. [1]

FBI-approved Channeler

A private business the FBI has approved to receive noncriminal-justice fingerprint submissions, forward them to the FBI, and return the result to the submitting individual. [2] A Channeler does not conduct the search; the FBI does.

Also called Channeler

FD-258

The FBI's standard fingerprint card. It carries a specific layout and is the form used for card-based submissions. [3]

FD-1164

The FBI's credit card payment form, used where payment for a mailed request is made by card rather than by money order or certified check. [6]

Common to every channel

• A complete set of the applicant's fingerprints, captured to a standard the FBI can process.
• Identifying information for the applicant.
• Payment of the applicable fee.

Specific to a mailed request

• A completed FD-258 fingerprint card bearing the applicant's name and date of birth. [3]
• Payment by credit card using form FD-1164, or by money order or certified check. [6]
• A mailing address to which the result will be returned.

Specific to a Channeler request

Direct electronic submission

1. 1

   Step 1: Submit the request online

   The applicant completes the FBI's electronic request and pays the fee. [1]

2. 2

   Step 2: Provide fingerprints

   Fingerprints are captured and associated with the submitted request, either electronically at a participating location or by mailing an FD-258 card referencing the request.

3. 3

   Step 3: FBI processes the request

   The FBI states that it processes requests in the order received and does not expedite them. [7]

4. 4

   Step 4: Result is delivered

   The summary is returned by the delivery method selected at submission.

Direct submission by mail

1. 1

   Step 1: Complete the applicant information

   The applicant fills out the request form the FBI publishes for mailed submissions.

2. 2

   Step 2: Obtain fingerprints on an FD-258 card

   Fingerprints are rolled onto a standard FD-258 card, typically at a law enforcement agency or a commercial fingerprinting site. [3]

3. 3

   Step 3: Enclose payment

   Payment is enclosed as a completed FD-1164 credit card form, a money order, or a certified check. [6]

4. 4

   Step 4: Mail the package to CJIS

   The complete package is mailed to the address the FBI publishes for Identity History Summary requests.

Through an FBI-approved Channeler

1. 1

   Step 1: Confirm eligibility

   The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. [2]

2. 2

   Step 2: Select a Channeler from the FBI's published list

   The FBI maintains the authoritative list. A company not on that list is not a Channeler. [2]

3. 3

   Step 3: Enrol and provide fingerprints

   The Channeler collects the applicant's information and fingerprints under its own process.

4. 4

   Step 4: Channeler forwards to the FBI and returns the result

   The FBI performs the search; the Channeler transmits the result back to the applicant.

1. Historic

   Mail-only submission

   For most of the program's history, a mailed FD-258 card with enclosed payment was the only route available to an individual.

2. 2000s

   Channelers introduced

   The FBI began approving private Channelers for noncriminal-justice submissions, adding an intermediated route. [2]

3. Present

   Electronic direct submission

   Electronic submission directly to the FBI became available, and the FBI states it should be processed faster than mail. [7]