Do I Have to Get Fingerprinted Again? Full Legal Guide 2026

You may have to get fingerprinted again if your prints expire, your job changes, or the agency that issued your clearance updates its rules. Federal and state laws set strict time limits—typically 1 to 5 years—after which prints become invalid for background checks.

Fingerprinting serves as the cornerstone of identity verification for employment, licensing, security clearances, and immigration. Agencies like the FBI, state police, and professional boards use prints to run criminal history checks through databases like the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS). When prints expire or rules change, re-fingerprinting ensures records stay current and compliant.

---

Federal Laws & Agencies

1. FBI Fingerprint Submission Rules (28 CFR Part 16)

The FBI requires fingerprints for criminal justice employment, firearms permits, and national security positions. Prints must be submitted on FBI Form FD-258 and are valid for 1 year unless the hiring agency specifies otherwise.

2. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) (49 CFR Part 1572)

TSA mandates fingerprinting for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) applicants. Prints expire after 5 years and must be resubmitted for renewal.

3. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) (8 CFR Part 103)

USCIS requires fingerprints for green card applications, naturalization, and employment authorization documents (EADs). Prints are valid for 15 months but may need resubmission if processing exceeds this window.

4. Federal Bureau of Prisons (28 CFR Part 500)

Employees and contractors must submit fingerprints every 2 years for continued access to federal prisons.

State-Specific Rules (Examples)

Industry-Specific Requirements

• Healthcare: The Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) require fingerprinting for licensed professionals (e.g., nurses, doctors) every 2 years.
• Education: State education departments (e.g., NYSED, TEA) mandate fingerprinting for teachers, bus drivers, and school staff every 1 to 3 years.
• Finance: FINRA and SEC require fingerprinting for broker-dealers and investment advisors every 3 years under SEC Rule 17f-2.
• Childcare: State child welfare agencies (e.g., California’s Community Care Licensing Division) require fingerprinting for daycare workers every 2 years.

---

1. Determine If Re-Fingerprinting Is Required

• Check expiration date: Most agencies send renewal notices 30–90 days before prints expire.
• Review agency guidelines: Visit the official website of the licensing board, employer, or regulatory body (e.g., FBI Fingerprinting, TSA TWIC).
• Consult your employer: Some companies require re-fingerprinting annually regardless of state rules.

2. Gather Required Documents

3. Schedule an Appointment

• Authorized providers:
• IdentoGO (TSA, state licensing)
• USPS (FBI fingerprinting)
• Local police departments (varies by state)
• Private fingerprinting services (e.g., Accurate Biometrics, Fieldprint)
• Walk-in vs. appointment: Some locations require online scheduling (e.g., IdentoGO).
• Mobile fingerprinting: Some vendors offer on-site services for employers.

4. Submit Fingerprints

• Electronic submission: Most agencies prefer Live Scan (digital fingerprints) for faster processing.
• Manual submission: If using FD-258 cards, mail them to the designated agency (e.g., FBI CJIS Division, Clarksburg, WV 26306).
• Fees:
• FBI: $18 (electronic) / $25 (card submission)
• TSA TWIC: $125.25 (includes background check)
• State fees: $20–$60 (varies by agency)

5. Wait for Processing & Results

• Processing time:
• FBI: 24–48 hours (electronic) / 4–6 weeks (card submission)
• TSA TWIC: 2–4 weeks
• State agencies: 3–10 business days
• Status tracking:
• FBI: Identity History Summary Check
• TSA: TWIC Application Status
• State portals: (e.g., California DOJ, Texas DPS)

6. Address Rejections or Delays

• Common reasons for rejection:
• Poor print quality (smudges, incomplete ridges)
• Mismatched personal information (name, DOB, SSN)
• Expired payment method
• Next steps:
• Resubmit prints within 30 days to avoid additional fees.
• Contact the agency if processing exceeds 60 days (e.g., FBI: 304-625-5590).

---

Compliance Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming prints never expire: Even if your job hasn’t changed, agency rules may require renewal.
2. Using expired prints for a new application: Some agencies reject prints older than 90 days.
3. Submitting to the wrong agency: FBI prints ≠ state prints. Always confirm which database your employer checks.
4. Ignoring renewal notices: Missing deadlines can lead to license suspension or employment termination.
5. Failing to update personal information: A name change (e.g., marriage, divorce) requires new prints to avoid mismatches.

Exceptions to Re-Fingerprinting

• Federal employees with active clearances: Some agencies (e.g., DoD, CIA) allow continuous vetting without re-fingerprinting.
• State reciprocity agreements: Some states (e.g., Texas, Florida) accept out-of-state prints for licensing if submitted within 6 months.
• Minor job changes: If you transfer within the same agency (e.g., FBI to DEA), re-fingerprinting may not be required.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

---

Can I use my old fingerprints for a new job?

No. Most employers require new prints submitted within 90 days of hire. Old prints may be incomplete, expired, or incompatible with the employer’s background check system.

What happens if my fingerprints are rejected?

If prints are unreadable or smudged, you’ll receive a rejection notice with instructions to resubmit within 30 days. Some agencies (e.g., FBI) allow one free resubmission before charging additional fees.

How long does it take to get fingerprint results?

• Electronic (Live Scan): 24–48 hours (FBI), 3–5 days (state agencies).
• Card submission (FD-258): 4–6 weeks (FBI), 2–3 weeks (state agencies).

Do I need new fingerprints if I move to another state?

Yes. State fingerprint databases are not shared. You must re-submit prints to the new state’s licensing board (e.g., moving from California to Texas requires Texas DPS prints).

Can I get fingerprinted at a police station?

Some local police departments offer fingerprinting, but not all. Call ahead to confirm:

• Availability (walk-in vs. appointment)
• Fees ($10–$50)
• Accepted payment methods (cash, card, money order)

What if I have a criminal record? Will my prints be flagged?

Yes. Fingerprints link to criminal databases (NCIC, IAFIS). Agencies review:

• Felony convictions (automatic disqualification for TSA, FBI, healthcare jobs)
• Misdemeanors (case-by-case review)
• Arrests without conviction (may require additional documentation)

---

Action Plan

• ✅Step 1: Confirm expiration date – Check your last fingerprint submission date and agency rules.
• ✅Step 2: Gather documents – ID, payment, agency-specific forms.
• ✅Step 3: Schedule appointment – Use IdentoGO, USPS, or local police.
• ✅Step 4: Submit prints – Live Scan (preferred) or FD-258 card.
• ✅Step 5: Track status – Use agency portals (FBI, TSA, state DOJ).
• ✅Step 6: Address rejections – Resubmit within 30 days if needed.

Official Contact Portals

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute formal legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.