Short answer: you can do either. Walk-ins are welcome, and same-day appointments are open. Most people who need walk-in fingerprinting in Portland can simply show up and be on their way in a few minutes. But there are a handful of situations where booking ahead saves you a wasted trip — so here's how to tell which one you're in.
When walking in works fine
If you need a standard FBI background check or a set of fingerprint cards, walking in is usually the easiest path. These are our most common requests, and they don't require any special setup on our end. You bring your ID and your instructions, we print you, and you're done.
An FBI Background Check is $125, submitted electronically with results back in about 30 minutes. Fingerprint Cards are $75, with two cards included so you have a spare or a second copy for a different agency. For either of those, a walk-in is genuinely the whole plan.
When it's smart to book ahead
Booking a same-day appointment through our scheduling page makes sense when the details get more specific:
- Tight timing. If you only have a narrow window between other commitments, reserving a slot means you're not waiting behind anyone.
- A hard deadline. When your prints are due to an agency by a certain date, a scheduled appointment removes the guesswork.
- Specialized submissions. Requests like ATF or EFT files, or an FDLE submission for a Florida requirement, benefit from a heads-up so we have everything set before you arrive.
- Mobile service. If you'd rather we come to you — an office, a group, or a home visit — that's arranged in advance rather than walked in.
None of these are hard requirements. They're just the cases where a two-minute booking spares you a return trip.
What to bring
For any appointment, walk-in or scheduled, bring two things: a valid government-issued photo ID, and any instructions from the agency or board requesting your prints. That second part matters more than people expect — an ORI number, a specific form, or a required card format can change how we submit. If you were given paperwork, bring it.
A couple of things we don't do
We're an independent provider — not IdentoGO or Fieldprint — so you deal directly with a real person who can flex to your schedule. Two limits, stated plainly: we don't offer HAZMAT (TSA) fingerprinting, so for that you'll want IDEMIA/IdentoGO, and we don't do SWFT. Everything else on the standard and specialized list, we handle. We're women- and minority-owned and State of Oregon COBID certified (MBE, WBE, ESB).
A few common questions
Can I really just walk in?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome for standard FBI checks and fingerprint cards. If you'd feel better holding a spot, same-day appointments are open too.
What do I need to bring?
A valid government-issued photo ID and any instructions from the agency requesting your prints — a form, an ORI number, or a card format.
How much will it cost?
FBI Background Check $125 (results in about 30 minutes), Fingerprint Cards $75 (two included). Additional fees may apply and will be discussed during the appointment.
Do you do HAZMAT fingerprinting?
No — for HAZMAT (TSA), contact IDEMIA/IdentoGO. We also don't do SWFT.
Walk in, or book a same-day slot
Fingerprinting for Portland Metro and Clark County, WA — your choice on timing.