An FBI Identity History Summary (IdHS), commonly called a “rap sheet,” is a nationwide background check report that lists information derived from fingerprint submissions kept by the FBI
Most people expect a FBI Identity History Summary to take weeks due to manual processing. With DTIS, results can be available the same day. As an FBI-approved channeler, we transmit your fingerprints directly to the FBI, reducing your wait time. From scheduling to results, we handle every step of the process.
An FBI IdHS is one of the most widely requested federal documents in the United States. Here are the most common reasons people request theirs:
Many countries require an FBI background check for visa or residency applications. If you’re planning to live, work, or retire abroad, your FBI Criminal History Record is often one of the first documents requested.
Domestic and international adoption agencies commonly require a federal background check as part of the approval process. An FBI Criminal History Record helps agencies verify the background of prospective parents quickly and officially.
Green card holders and visa applicants frequently need their FBI record on file as part of the application process. Having your Criminal History Record ready in advance can help avoid delays with USCIS or consular processing.
Sometimes you simply want to know what’s on your federal record before someone else does. If you have no criminal history, your FBI report serves as official proof of that fact.
Note: DTIS processes personal record requests only. For employment or licensing background checks within the U.S., please contact your state identification bureau.
Schedule an appointment at a DTIS fingerprint location. Live scan technology captures your fingerprints digitally and transmits them directly to the FBI — it’s fast, accurate, and requires no ink.
If you can’t make it to a location, visit your local law enforcement agency to have your fingerprints taken on a standard hard card, then mail it to DTIS for processing.
Before you schedule your FBI fingerprinting appointment, there are a few important requirements to keep in mind. Please review the information below to make sure you’re prepared before you get started.
In accordance with FBI requirements, DTIS may only process requests for U.S. persons, meaning U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (green card holders). We are unable to process requests from individuals without lawful permanent residency status.
DTIS processes personal record requests only. If you need a background check for employment or licensing purposes within the United States, that request must be coordinated through your state identification bureau or state police.
When you arrive for your fingerprinting appointment, you’ll need to bring two forms of identification:
If the name or address on any of your documents doesn’t match your application, bring documentation that explains the difference, such as divorce papers, a court-approved name change, or a USPS change of address card.
The FBI application form requires the following:
To protect your results, we verify your identity using a security access code sent to a phone number registered in your name. If your phone is registered to someone else (a spouse, parent, or employer), verification by phone may not be possible. In that case, your results will be mailed to your address on file.
Some countries require a certified copy of your FBI Criminal History Record with an Apostille issued by the U.S. Department of State. This is common for countries that participate in the Hague Apostille Convention.
DTIS does not provide Apostille services.
Have questions before you get started? Our customer support team knows the FBI background check process inside and out. Reach out Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM ET and we’ll point you in the right direction.
cscenter@dtis.com
703.797.2592