Chicago Fingerprinting FAQs
About
Family owned and operated. Not related to any other organization or franchise.
TRACE2 Biometrics opened 8/2015 providing mobile services. In 2016, we opened our first walk-in location. In 2019, we opened our 2nd location in Hoffman Estates. In 2023, we opened our 3rd location.
No, our main office in Chicago offers all services. Aurora and Hoffman Estates offices as satellite offices that offer fingerprinting and notary services only. Hoffman Estates currently does not have the TSA PreCheck/Hazmat/TWIC programs.
- Fieldprint
- Print Scan/First Advantage
- IDEMIA (IdentoGo)
- NCCT
- Fastest Labs of NW Chicago
Appointments are encouraged but not required for most services. Walk-ins are welcome at any TRACE2 location.
Appointments are required for Fieldprint fingerprinting, I-9 verification, and ID badge photos. Schedule these services directly through Fieldprint.
No but, we open early and close late with weekend availability and same day appointments.
General Fingerprinting Questions
All type with the exception of the Gaming industry, CPS and DCFS. We can fingerprint under NCP – National Child Protection act as this is different than DCFS.
Your TCN (Transaction Control Number) is generated automatically once your fingerprints are processed. You will receive it as a receipt or confirmation after your prints have been submitted. As a result, there is no separate application needed. If you need to locate your TCN later, visit our TCN Number lookup page.
An ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) is a unique character code assigned to law enforcement and criminal justice agencies. It identifies them within background check and criminal justice information systems. In Illinois, the ORI code is nine digits long. Other states use shorter or longer codes. Your employer or licensing department will provide the correct ORI needed to complete your state license or employment background check.
Most results come back within 24 to 48 hours. However, processing may take longer if additional information is under review at the state or FBI level. For example, cases that require further investigation will need extra time. If you have concerns about the status of your results, see the section below on checking your fingerprint status.
The submission is set to Isp the same day and the turnaround time is 24/72 hours. The process can take up to 30 days if the fingerprints need to be manually reviewed.
The ISP will notify you with a letter via mail. Prints are rejected mostly for poor quality and this happens when the rigges of the person’s fingerprints are worn due to many reasons including old age.
Fingerprinting Services and Processes
Ink card fingerprinting is the process of recording your fingerprints on the standard FBI FD-258 ink card. At TRACE2 Biometrics, we can roll your prints directly onto the ink card. Alternatively, we can process your prints on our digital system and then print them onto the card. We automatically provide two sets of ink cards with every service.
Card scanning allows us to digitally scan your FBI FD-258 fingerprint ink card into our system. The process works as though you were present in our office for a live session. Out-of-state residents can use our online portal to submit personal information securely, pay the fee, and mail their ink card to our Chicago headquarters at 6972 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 60707.
Yes! We offer mobile services for the following:
- Fingerprinting (live scan and ink card)
- Drug, alcohol, and DNA testing
- Notary services
- CPR classes
Please contact our office at 773-494-2211 to schedule an offsite appointment with one of our team members.
Appointments, Documents, and Identification
No, appointments are not required. We welcome walk-ins for all services at every location. However, appointments are available if you prefer a specific time. Simply visit our booking page to reserve a slot. The only exception is for customers who schedule through our partnership with Fieldprint, where an appointment is required.
You need one valid government-issued photo ID. Accepted forms include a state driver’s license, state ID, passport, or other government-issued identification. In addition, for I-9 verification, two forms of identification are required. Be sure to check with your employer if specific documents are needed.
Bring any documents or applications provided by your employer or licensing department. Our staff will sign off on them at the time of service. Furthermore, we have consent forms available at our offices that authorize us to process your fingerprints.
Results, Privacy, and Expiration
Live Scan submissions are sent to the organization directly via the Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP) system.
Yes. Two separate processes with two separate fees. FBI Channeling and Access & Review.
It’s called your rap sheet and it’s sent to you via mail once lied scan submission is sent to ISP – IL State Police.
You can check your fingerprint status by contacting the relevant agency directly:
- Illinois State Police: Call 800-560-6420
- IDPH: Visit the Illinois Department of Public Health Worker Registry
- Florida (FDLE): Use the FDLE Criminal History TCN Lookup
We store personal information for no more than 45 days for Illinois and 60 days for Florida. We follow all applicable state privacy laws. After this period, all personal information is permanently deleted from our systems — as though you were never processed. We can only verify your assigned TCN number, the reason you were fingerprinted, and the date of processing. For more details, read our Biometrics Retention and Destruction Policy.
Yes, fingerprint results generally expire after 30 days. If your results expire, you will need to be fingerprinted again. A reprocessing fee applies depending on the service required. Additionally, we offer archival services that keep your fingerprints on file for an extended period at an additional cost. Contact our office for pricing details.
