Now you can submit your fingerprints electronically for an identity history summary check (IdHSC) while you pick up your mail, post a package, or buy postage stamps. On September 26, 2018, the FBI and the U.S. Postal Service began a pilot program that allows the public to submit fingerprints through biometric scans captured at participating post office locations in connection with IdHSC requests.

The first two participating post offices were located in the District of Columbia, and the first submission was made the very next day, September 27. As of May 1, 2019, the number of participating locations had grown to 28 post offices in California, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The U.S. Postal Service and the FBI will consider whether to continue the program and whether to expand it to new post office locations.

The U.S. Department of Justice Order 556-73, also known as the Departmental Order, sets rules and regulations for an individual to obtain a copy of his or her IdHSC for review or proof that one does not exist. Individuals use IdHSCs for personal review or challenging information on their IdHSC.

Submitting a request was originally a manual process, but on February 2, 2018, the Bureau launched the Electronic Departmental Order (eDO). The new system reduced response times from more than 100 days to less than a week, including mailing time. Those who choose to have their fingerprints scanned and submitted from post office locations via the pilot project could experience even shorter FBI response times of less than 24 hours.

Using the eDO online form, the public can request copies of their IdHSCs or proof that no IdHSCs exist for them and challenge information on their IdHSCs.

Individuals who make an IdHSC request online but do not go to a participating post office location are still required to submit hardcopy fingerprint cards. But the rest of the process—official request, payment, and response—are now performed electronically through the FBI’s online form.

Visit our IdHSC page for more information, including other submission options.