The FBI background check form gives the Federal Bureau of Investigations the authority to conduct a thorough review of your criminal history. This is common when applying for federal employment or for State recognized legal profession such as a medical physician or attorney. There are 2 ways to submit this form: through a LiveScan Location which processes the check immediately or through the standard mail.

Fees ($38 total) – $20 for fingerprinting and $18 for the background check.

How Long Does it Take? Between 4-6 business days.

Background Check Forms

FBI Background Authorization (Form I-783) – Granting release of your background information to the FBI.

Fingerprint Sheet (Form FD-258) – Print this form TWICE if you will be mailing the application.

*Credit Card Authorization – *Required only if payment is to be made by credit card. Personal and business checks are not accepted for payment.

How to Get an FBI Background Check

Step 1 – Download and print Form I-783 and FD-258 (print 2 copies).

Step 2 – Get your fingerprints taken. This will cost $20. If you live near a metropolitan area you may be able to get a LiveScan (View LiveScan Locations) which will send your fingerprints instantly to the FBI. Otherwise you will need to get your fingerprints completed at a Standard Fingerprint Location with at least 2 copies of Form FD-258.

Step 3 – Send the forms. If you did not use a LiveScan Location then you will need to send your 3 forms (1 Form I-783 and 2 Form FD-258), the *fee of $18 to:

FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request 1000 Custer Hollow Road Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306

*The fee is cannot be paid by personal or business check. A credit card may be provided by attaching the Credit Card Authorization Form or by enclosing a Certified Check or Money Order made to “Treasury of the United States“.

Waiting Period – The wait time is usually 4-6 business days. The background information will arrive in 1st Class USPS Mail.

How to Fill-in Form I-783

Step 1 – Download in Adobe PDF.

 

Step 2 – Begin by submitting the following applicant information in the first section of the form:

• Full name
• DOB
• POB
• U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
• Country of citizenship
• Country of residence
• Prisoner number (if applicable)
• Last four digits of SSN
• Height
• Weight

Step 3 – Check the appropriate box that corresponds with the applicant’s hair color. Do the same for eye color.

Step 4 – Provide your home address and contact information here.

Step 5 – Supply the address to which the results should be sent. If the phone number of the contact person is different that the one listed before, enter it where applicable.

Step 6 – Check the box to indicate which payment method you’ll be using. Indicate your reason for the request as well where applicable. The date can be supplied followed by the applicant’s signature (once printed).