Fingerprinting is the process of capturing the unique patterns of ridges and valleys on a person’s fingertips. These prints are used for identification, as no two individuals have the same fingerprints—not even identical twins. What Is Fingerprinting Used For? Fingerprinting is a biometric method of identity verification, often used for background checks, security clearance, and legal documentation. Common Reasons People Get Fingerprinted Employment background checks Required by employers (especially in healthcare, finance, education, and government) Licensing or certification For professional licenses (nursing, real estate, child care, security, etc.) FBI or state criminal background checks To check for arrests, convictions, or pending charges Immigration or visa processing Required for green cards, work permits, or citizenship Adoption or foster care applications To ensure child safety and confirm identity Firearms permits Required in many states to apply for concealed carry licenses or firearm purchases Court-ordered requirements For expungement, probation, or other legal matters Volunteer screening For youth organizations, religious institutions, and schools Travel and identity documents For passports, TSA PreCheck, or Global Entry enrollment Security clearance or military enlistment Required to verify identity and criminal history Types of Fingerprinting Ink fingerprinting Traditional method using ink on a fingerprint card Live Scan fingerprinting Digital, electronic scanning used for faster processing (required by FBI/state agencies) How Long Does It Take? Live Scan results: 24–72 hours Ink card submissions: 1–2 weeks or more depending on mailing and processing