In plain terms, if you are applying for visas, nationality, or certain types of employment (for example), you might be required to prove that you were not convicted of any crimes in another country (where you have previously lived). You can do this by requesting an Identity History Background Check from that country. Different authorities require different information to process one of these requests, but often, if you're outside of the country, you have to mail your fingerprints to that authority so they can cross-reference their criminal database.

You need to bring: Your photo ID (not a photograph or copy) or 2 pieces of photo ID if requested. Payment (cash or bank transfer) An A4 envelope or folder to carry your prints home

We will meet you at the appointed time and ask for your photo ID (or sometimes 2 forms of photo ID). We will complete the forms alongside you and ask you to check and sign them. Then we will take your fingerprints using fingerprint ink. The ink won't stain your hands.

At our office in Paris, our prices are from 120€ for two cards. Additional cards cost 30€ each. Tax is included. Appointments that take place in London or elsewhere will be quoted separately. For two sets of different authority cards (e.g. FBI cards and RCMP cards), the price starts from 180€.

With nearly 10,000 fingerprint submissions, we have a rejection rate of less than 0.5% (while rare, there are some people who both the FBI and the RCMP agree are not printable). If your prints are deemed illegible by the authorities, we will do them again at no additional cost.

As soon as you book your appointment, it's best to use hand cream as much as possible. If your hands are known to be particularly dry, consider using Reparative Hand Cream (e.g. Cerave) as much as you can weeks before your appointment. Most illegible prints are down to dry hands. ​ If you are collecting prints for the RCMP, you will need to select an agency/channeler in Canada before your appointment. Different agencies require different forms.

If the authority needs fingerprints collected with ink , then we can usually help. However, you may have to print out the forms from the authority, if they are different from the FBI (FD-1164) or RCMP (C-216C) forms.

Please get in touch via email with: Your specific availability (dates/times) The authority you need prints from (e.g. FBI, RCMP, etc.) Your preferred location (e.g. London or Paris) We will do our best to arrange an appointment as soon as possible.

Officially, police in France are not allowed to collect fingerprints; although you might find some who will be willing to help unofficially.

No, we do not send the prints for you. You will take the fingerprint cards away with you and submit them to the authority yourself. For data protection reasons, we cannot hold onto your fingerprints. This is why we recommend you bring an A4 folder or envelope with you as the forms must be kept flat.

You are welcome to request a quote to have an appointment at an alternative location (other than our offices in Paris and London), however we will need sufficient notice and there will be additional costs to accommodate for travel needs and time lost. If there is sufficient demand in a specific location (for instance, if a group of employees or colleagues need fingerprints), we will do our best.

Please let the person you have the appointment with know via email as soon as you can as we often have a waiting list. Because of this, any cancellations or no-shows will incur a small cancellation fee.

In short, yes. You will need to check the options available to you in that state as they are not all the same. In some states, you can go to a Post Office; in others, it's the police; and some states may require you to see an independent collector. You should determine which applies to whichever state you will be in your Identity History Summary Check.

Here is the link to the FBI Identity History Check information and online form. Scroll down to 'How to Submit a Request' and enter your email address in the box that says 'Enter your email address to get started!' You'll be prompted to enter all the necessary information and will be able to pay the FBI's fee here too. Once you've submitted the form online and paid, you'll get an email confirmation with a barcode and an address. You print out this email and send it alongside your prints.

Many people do attempt this and it is permitted for FBI prints. However, for a better chance of them being accepted, we recommend engaging a Fingerprint Technician if you can. Please note, many other authorities require a professional technician to take your fingerprints so please check this before submitting.

The RCMP does not accept fingerprint submissions from outside of Canada. A third party within Canada must make the submission. Have a look online for available channelers: Liste des firmes accreditees par la GRC.