Frequently Asked Questions

Carolina Fingerprinting is a fingerprinting service provider serving North Carolina and South Carolina.
The following are some of the questions we receive regarding our fingerprinting services. Feel free to call or email us with any other questions you may have.

What is FBI Channeling?
FBI Channeling is an expedited request for a personal FBI background check. FBI Channelers are approved to collect fingerprints and relevant demographic data, collect the associated fees, and electronically forward the information to the FBI CJIS Division for an Identity History Summary check. The FBI Channeler then receives the electronic results from the request and forwards the results to the individual requesting the check.
Who can use the FBI Channeler?
FBI Channelers can only process requests for U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents. There are also several countries that are not yet familiar with the FBI channeling process and therefore will not accept these results. Check with the agency or country you are sending the results to first to make sure they will accept results that are obtained through a channeler.
What is the difference between sending fingerprints directly to the FBI and sending fingerprints to an FBI channeler?
By sending fingerprints to an FBI Channeler, your request for an FBI background check is expedited. Results are typically received electronically within 24 hours when using an FBI Channeler. Tamperproof copies of the results can be sent Regular Mail, Priority Mail, or FedEx Overnight. When submitting directly to the FBI, requests can take 11-13 weeks to process before receiving results. Results are sent via USPS First Class Mail.
What information will be provided in my FBI Background Check?
The report you receive will include arrest data retained by the FBI, and in some instances, federal employment, naturalization, or military service records. If the fingerprints are related to an arrest, the results will include the name of the agency that submitted the prints to the FBI, the date of the arrest, the arrest charge, and the disposition of the arrest, if known to the FBI.
How will I receive my results from the FBI channeler?
By default, FBI Channeled results are returned electronically via email. You will also have the option of having a tamperproof copy of your results sent via Regular Mail, Priority Mail, or FedEx Overnight.
Can my results be sent to an address outside of the United States?
No. FBI Channelers are not permitted to send results outside of the United States.
Can the Channeler send my results to my employer?
FBI Channelers cannot process a request for employment and/or licensing purposes. The results can only be sent to the individual requesting the check.
What if my fingerprints get rejected?
If your fingerprints are rejected, the FBI Channeler offers one free resubmission. If your prints are rejected for a second time you will need to submit another request and pay the channeling fee again. A rejection is considered a result.
How do I get my results Apostilled?
If you require an Apostille please let us know at the time of printing and we can arrange to have a complete Apostilled document sent to you. It can take anywhere from 3-5 weeks to receive a complete Apostilled document. If you need more information, please contact us.
I need LiveScan fingerprinting done for another State, can you do that?
No, Live Scan fingerprinting is not networked and can not be transmitted from one state to another state. In these cases we fingerprint you and can archive your prints for the future. You send the cards to the state(s) requiring the prints and they can be scanned into that states system. Call for more information.
How long does the finger printing process take with your company?
It is fast, probably about 30 seconds to one minute per fingerprint card. It will take you longer to fill out your cards then to be fingerprinted.
How soon can I get an appointment with your company when I call?
Usually within a day or two.
What forms of ID are acceptable to bring with me when I get fingerprinted?
Acceptable forms of ID are:

  • State Driver’s License
  • State Issued ID Card
  • Military ID
  • Alien Registration Card (Green Card)
  • Current Passport
I have very dry hands or flat fingerprints, what do you suggest I use to produce clear prints?
Wash your hands with warm water and a dish washing liquid. Dry your hands and apply a moisturizing lotion.
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