Kansas City, MO 64134 Open 24/7

FBI background check Kansas City

Live Scan Fingerprinting Kansas City

Digital, ink-free fingerprint capture, submitted electronically for FBI Identity History Summary processing. Results typically arrive approximately 1 hour to 5 business days after successful electronic submission, and many customers receive them in approximately one hour. Timing is not guaranteed. No smudged ink fingerprints, no mailing, no delays.

  • No ink required
  • Electronic submission
  • Approximately 1 hour to 5 business days (not guaranteed)
  • Same-day available
A hand on a Live Scan scanner with the captured fingerprint shown on screen

Quick facts

  • 24–72 hrsTypical FBI result turnaround
  • 5-StarCustomer Reviews
  • 5+Years serving Kansas City
  • Results typically within approximately 1 hour to 5 business days of electronic submission; not guaranteed
  • FBI Live Scan Fingerprinting, $90
  • No ink, no smudges, fewer rejected submissions
  • Same-day available
  • Appointment recommended for faster service
  • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID

About this service

What is Live Scan fingerprinting?

A digital fingerprinting technology that captures your fingerprints electronically using a specialized scanner, no ink, no mess.

We capture your fingerprints electronically and submit them for FBI Identity History Summary processing. FBI Identity History Summary results typically arrive approximately 1 hour to 5 business days after successful electronic submission, and many customers receive them in approximately one hour. Timing is not guaranteed.

Unlike traditional FD-258 ink fingerprints, which must be physically mailed and processed manually, Live Scan delivers a faster, cleaner and more reliable result with a significantly lower chance of rejection due to poor print quality.

Live Scan or FD-258 ink fingerprints, which do you need?

Not every agency accepts Live Scan. If your agency, licensing board or employer specifically requires a physical FD-258 ink fingerprint form, you need that service instead. Need several printed cards? See digital print-to-card: $60, with additional printed cards quoted, when permitted by the receiving agency. Not sure? Check My Requirements or call us before you come in.

An applicant completing the paperwork that accompanies a Live Scan submission
Before you come

What to bring

  • Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID, driver’s licence, state ID or U.S. passport
  • The name or reference number of the agency requesting the check, if applicable
  • Any forms, instructions or ORI numbers provided to you by the requesting agency
When you leave

What you receive

  • Electronic submission of your fingerprints for FBI Identity History Summary processing
  • FBI Identity History Summary often returned within approximately 1 hour to 5 business days
  • Submission receipt for your records
  • Follow-up assistance if results are delayed or questioned

Who needs Live Scan

People & situations that require Live Scan

If you need an FBI-based digital fingerprint background check for any of the following, Live Scan is your service.

  • Visa & immigration applicants

    Many countries ask for an FBI Identity History Summary with a visa, residency or work permit application. USCIS biometrics for green card and naturalization applications are taken at a USCIS Application Support Center, not by private providers. See immigration fingerprinting.

  • People working abroad

    Foreign employers, teaching abroad programs and international work permit offices frequently require a certified FBI background check before issuing a contract or work authorization.

  • Federal agency requirements

    Certain federal licensing applications, clearance processes and agency onboarding requirements specifically request digital fingerprint submissions rather than ink fingerprints.

  • International adoption

    Adoptive parents pursuing international adoption through Hague-compliant countries are typically required to submit FBI fingerprint records through embassy or consulate channels. Hague adoption, embassy submission.

  • Apostille documentation

    Some foreign countries require an FBI Identity History Summary with an apostille certification for legal purposes such as residency, asset registration or business licensing abroad.

  • Personal record request

    You can request your own FBI Identity History Summary at any time for personal knowledge, to correct a record, or to provide to any party that requires it.

Step by step

How the Live Scan process works

The entire appointment typically takes 15–20 minutes from the moment you walk in.

  1. Schedule or book your appointment

    Booking online takes two minutes and helps reduce your wait time. Bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID.

  2. Identity verification & intake

    We verify your identity against your government-issued ID and collect the required applicant information, full legal name, date of birth, place of birth and the reason for fingerprinting. This data is required by the FBI for processing.

  3. Digital fingerprint capture

    Your fingerprints are captured digitally using our certified Live Scan scanner, a flat-bed optical device that reads all ten fingers with no ink. The scanner immediately checks print quality and alerts us if a rescan is needed before we proceed.

  4. Encrypted transmission to the FBI

    Once quality is confirmed, your fingerprint data is encrypted and submitted electronically for FBI Identity History Summary processing. Results are sent directly to you at the email or address you provide.

  5. Results typically within approximately 1 hour to 5 business days of electronic submission; not guaranteed

    FBI Identity History Summary results typically arrive approximately 1 hour to 5 business days after successful electronic submission, and many customers receive them in approximately one hour. Timing is not guaranteed. Results can be forwarded to the requesting agency, embassy or employer as required.

On the day

Appointment checklist

  • Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID
  • Name of the requesting agency or program, if applicable
  • ORI number or form reference if provided by the agency
  • Email address, results are delivered electronically
  • Allow 15–20 minutes for the appointment
Afterwards

Result delivery

  • FBI Identity History Summary emailed, often within approximately 1 hour to 5 business days
  • Can be forwarded directly to an embassy, employer or agency
  • Available in hard copy by mail if required by the requesting party
  • We assist with follow-up if there are processing delays

Comparison

Live Scan vs FD-258 ink fingerprints

Both services capture your fingerprints. The method, format and use case differ, here is how to decide which one you need.

Live Scan and FD-258 ink fingerprints compared. Always confirm with the agency requesting your prints.
FeatureLive Scan (digital)FD-258 ink fingerprints
MethodDigital scanner, no inkTraditional ink on a paper form
SubmissionElectronically to the FBI or agencyMailed physically to the agency
Result speedApproximately 1 hour to 5 business days (not guaranteed)Days to weeks, mail dependent
Risk of rejectionVery low, quality checked before sendingHigher, ink smears and poor ridge clarity
FBI Identity History SummaryYesYes, by mail
ATF firearms applicationsNot used (ATF takes cards or an EFT file)Accepted
State licensing boardsSome accept, confirm firstMost boards require ink fingerprints
Foreign embassy / visaAccepted by mostSome require physical ink fingerprints
Best forFBI personal checks, visa, immigration, federal useATF, state boards, out-of-state agencies
Not sure which one your agency requires?

Call us at (816) 442-0295 before your appointment. Tell us the name of the agency asking for fingerprints and we will help confirm whether Live Scan or FD-258 ink fingerprints are required, or send us your requirements. You can also compare the methods in detail.

Why choose Midwest Identity Services

Why Kansas City trusts us for Live Scan

We have built our reputation on getting fingerprints right the first time, fast results, secure electronic submission and zero guesswork on your submission.

Clear guidance on submission

We capture your fingerprints electronically, submit them for FBI Identity History Summary processing and guide you through the request, so you know exactly what happens next.

Results typically within 1 hour to 5 business days

Electronic submission means your results do not wait in a mail pile. Most applicants receive their FBI Identity History Summary significantly faster than with ink fingerprint submissions.

Quality checked on the spot

Our scanner validates print quality in real time before we transmit. If a finger needs to be rescanned, we do it immediately, so far fewer submissions are rejected for poor print quality.

Encrypted & secure

All fingerprint data is encrypted before transmission and handled in strict compliance with FBI and federal security standards. Your biometric data never leaves our system unprotected.

Appointments available

Book any time, 24/7. Most appointments are completed in 15–20 minutes.

We answer your questions

Not sure if Live Scan is what you need? Call us before you drive over. We will confirm your service, what to bring and what to expect, in under two minutes.

Live Scan FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Call (816) 442-0295 and we will sort it out in two minutes.

What is an FBI Identity History Summary?

An FBI Identity History Summary, sometimes called a “rap sheet”, is an official record of all federally reported criminal history associated with your fingerprints. It is issued by the FBI and is one of the most widely accepted background check documents for international, federal and immigration purposes. It covers arrests and dispositions reported to the FBI from law enforcement agencies across the United States.

Do I need an appointment or can I come in?

Appointments are available for Live Scan fingerprinting 24/7, 7 days a week. Booking online is recommended to minimize wait time. Most appointments take 15–20 minutes.

How long does it take to get results back?

FBI Identity History Summary results typically arrive approximately 1 hour to 5 business days after successful electronic submission, and many customers receive them in approximately one hour. Timing is not guaranteed. In most cases you will receive your FBI Identity History Summary by email. Timing is set by the FBI and can be longer, but digital submissions are significantly faster than mailed ink fingerprints.

What ID do I need to bring?

A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID is required, a driver’s licence, state-issued ID or U.S. passport. Your ID must not be expired. If you are a foreign national, a passport is strongly preferred over other forms of identification.

Does my visa, embassy or agency accept Live Scan results?

Most embassies, consulates and foreign agencies that require an FBI background check accept the electronic Identity History Summary that Live Scan produces. However, some countries or specific consulates may require a physical ink fingerprint submission instead. We strongly recommend confirming with the requesting agency before your appointment. If in doubt, call us at (816) 442-0295 and we can advise.

Can I use Live Scan for my ATF firearms application?

Not as a Live Scan FBI submission. For NFA applications and FFL licensing, the ATF takes FD-258 fingerprint cards or, for eForms, an electronic fingerprint (EFT) file. We offer both, and ATF / EFT fingerprinting is $75. See our dedicated ATF & FFL fingerprinting page.

What if I have poor fingerprint quality, ridges worn down or scarring?

Worn ridges from manual labour, aging or skin conditions can affect print quality. Our scanner checks quality in real time and we will attempt multiple scans before submitting. If prints are truly unreadable, the FBI may still process the submission with a notation. We will inform you during the appointment if there are any quality concerns before we transmit. See also why fingerprints get rejected.

What does Live Scan fingerprinting cost?

FBI Live Scan Fingerprinting is $90. If you need printed fingerprint cards, digital print-to-card is $60 for the digitally printed card, with additional cards quoted, when permitted by the receiving agency. Standard FD-258 fingerprinting is $45 for an ink-rolled card, with additional cards quoted. We will confirm the total cost before you begin your appointment, no surprises.

My employer gave me an ORI number. What type of fingerprinting do I need?

The ORI number identifies the agency that receives your results. It does not tell you the fingerprinting method on its own. The agency’s instructions decide whether you need Live Scan, an FD-258 fingerprint card or a state-specific electronic submission. Send us those instructions and the ORI through Check My Requirements and we will help you identify the correct fingerprinting method before your appointment. More on what an ORI number is.

Book your Live Scan fingerprinting today

Appointments available 24/7. FBI results are often returned within approximately 1 hour to 5 business days.

8101 E. Bannister Rd, Kansas City, MO 64134