How to Submit a Fingerprint Card to the FBI for an Adoption
- 1). Complete an application information form. You may receive this from your adoption agency or you can access it directly on the FBI website. The application information form asks for your contact information, date of birth, Social Security number and return mailing address. All people in the home 18 or older must the sign the application form.
- 2). Obtain legible fingerprints. Fingerprints should be recorded on a standard fingerprint form (FD-258), available on the FBI website. This form includes both rolled impressions of all 10 fingerprints and flat impressions of all 10 fingerprints taken simultaneously. You may attempt to take your own fingerprints, but it is highly recommended that you have your fingerprints taken by a fingerprinting technician. A good first step in finding a fingerprinting technician in your area is to contact your local law enforcement agency. When you go in for your fingerprinting appointment, don't forget to bring valid photo identification, such as a driver's license or a passport.
- 3). Submit payment via a money order or cashier's check made payable to the "United States Treasury." As of 2011, the fee for this service was $18 per person. You may also choose to pay by credit card using the Credit Card Payment Form found on the FBI website. If this request is for a family or couple, be sure to include $18 for each person.
- 4). Mail the applicant information form, fingerprint card and payment to the following address:
FBI CJIS Division -- Record Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306 - 5). Wait for a response. If the FBI finds no criminal record, you will receive a "no record" letter. If you do have a criminal history on file, you will receive a detailed "rap sheet" to include in your adoption application. Depending on caseload, the FBI may take up to six weeks to process your fingerprint request.