What to Expect During Your Fingerprinting Appointment
Whether you’re applying for a new job, renewing a license, volunteering with an organization, or completing a background check, fingerprinting is often a required step. If it’s your first time, you may be unsure what to expect — but don’t worry. At Trusted Identity Partners (TIP), we make the process simple, quick, and stress-free.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about your fingerprinting appointment: what to bring, how it works, and what happens afterward.
Why Fingerprints Are Required
Fingerprinting is a critical part of verifying your identity. Employers, licensing boards, government agencies, and volunteer organizations use fingerprint-based background checks to ensure safety, trust, and compliance. Unlike a name or photo ID, your fingerprints are unique and virtually impossible to duplicate.
In Arizona, most fingerprinting is required by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) or another state/federal agency. These agencies use the fingerprints to conduct background checks through their systems — but it all starts with a visit to a trusted provider like TIP.
Scheduling Your Appointment
At TIP, we recommend making an appointment ahead of time so we can prepare for your visit and help you avoid any wait times. Walk-ins may be accepted if time permits, but scheduling is the best way to ensure fast and efficient service.
When booking, please let us know:
What agency or organization the fingerprints are for
Whether you were given any special fingerprint cards or forms
Any deadlines or requirements we should be aware of
We’re conveniently located in downtown Casa Grande and are happy to answer any questions before your appointment.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
To make sure everything goes smoothly, come prepared with the following:
1. Valid Government-Issued Photo ID
We accept driver’s licenses, state-issued IDs, passports, and military IDs. The ID must be current and not expired. We cannot accept photocopies or pictures of an ID.
2. All Required Forms or Fingerprint Cards
Some agencies provide specific cards (like FD-258 fingerprint cards) or pre-filled paperwork. Bring everything you were given — including instructions, envelopes, or special agency directions.
3. Payment
We accept Credit Cards, Cash, or Apple/Google/Samsung Pay. Feel free to call ahead to confirm pricing or payment options.
When You Arrive
Here’s what you can expect when you walk in for your appointment:
Friendly Check-In – A team member will greet you, verify your ID, and review or provide your paperwork.
Prep & Questions – We’ll confirm which agency or purpose the prints are for, check that everything is filled out correctly, and answer any last-minute questions.
Fingerprinting – You’ll be guided to our fingerprinting system, where we’ll take your fingerprints digitally and print them onto the required card(s).
The process usually takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.
The Fingerprinting Process
At TIP, we use digital technology, which captures your fingerprints digitally — no messy ink, no smudging, and better accuracy. Here’s what the process looks like:
Clean Hands – You may be asked to wash or sanitize your hands before we start. Avoid lotion or oils beforehand, as they can affect scan quality.
Scan Each Finger – You’ll place your fingers on a scanner one at a time or in groups, and our technician will guide you step-by-step.
Print to Card – Once your digital fingerprints are captured, we print them directly onto the appropriate fingerprint card(s).
Review – We’ll inspect the card to make sure your prints are clear and meet agency standards.
What Happens After Your Appointment?
What happens after we complete your prints depends on what type of fingerprint clearance you are obtaining.
After we complete your prints, one of the following will happen:
receive the physical fingerprint card(s) to take with you.
If it is for IVP, we will send all fingerprints and paperwork in for you.
❗ TIP does not submit your prints electronically ❗
We will also provide you with a receipt for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment?
No, appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are always welcome!
Can you submit my fingerprints to DPS or the FBI for me?
No. We do not submit fingerprints electronically.
What if I don’t have a fingerprint card?
In many cases, we can provide standard FD-258 cards. If your agency requires a specific card, please bring it with you.
Understanding IVP vs. Non-IVP Fingerprinting
If you’ve been told you need IVP (Identity Verified Prints), it’s important to know how this differs from a standard fingerprinting process. IVP is typically required for individuals working in education, childcare, or other positions that involve vulnerable populations. The key difference is that IVP fingerprints must be submitted with a specialized form and are sent directly to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS).
At TIP, if your appointment is for IVP:
We will collect your digital fingerprints
You will complete the required DPS paperwork
And we will submit the packet on your behalf via mail
For non-IVP appointments that are not paying for the full-service option, we provide you with the completed fingerprint card(s), and you are responsible for submitting them to the appropriate agency.
Not sure which one you need? Just bring any paperwork you’ve received, and we’ll help clarify before we begin.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Appointment
Bring all documents and fingerprint cards provided to you
Double-check your ID for expiration
Wear comfortable clothing — the process is quick but requires hand movement
Why Choose TIP?
At Trusted Identity Partners, we offer professional, friendly fingerprinting services using up-to-date digital technology in a calm and efficient setting. No long lines, no confusion — just fast and accurate fingerprinting you can count on.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients across Casa Grande with fingerprinting, notary services, and more. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, we’re here to make it easy.
Book Your Appointment Today
Ready to get started? Call or visit us to book your fingerprinting appointment. At TIP, we’re proud to be your trusted partner in identity services.
