FPCheck | FAQ

Our FPCheck System offers services and software applications developed by i3, an American company located in Blacksburg, Virginia. This service enables organizations to collect and submit electronic fingerprints to various Clearinghouses. There are two applications within the FPCheck System architecture. The essential parts of this service are:

FPCheck.com Web App: A web application for organizations to create and track fingerprint background check enrollments. Enrollment is the process of initiating a request for a fingerprint background check by entering a person’s personally identifying information into FPCheck.com Web App.
FPScan: The FPScan application is used to obtain a person’s fingerprints and submit them to the appropriate security officer.
FPCheck System: The back end servers that combine the data entered in the FPCheck.com Web App enrollment process and the applicant’s fingerprints collected in FPScan. These are combined into a fingerprint transaction file, known as an Electronic Biometric Transmission Specification (EBTS) file, also referred to as an Electronic Fingerprint Transmission Specification (EFTS) file. The filename consists of the Transaction Control Number (TCN) followed by an ‘.eft’ extension. This file is encrypted and emailed as an attachment to the security officer. The security officer then submits the EBTS file to the appropriate clearinghouse to complete the company’s part in the fingerprint background check process.

i3 shares service revenue with organizations that provide fingerprinting services using FPCheck for third party background checks. Click here to learn more.

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A FPCHECK SYSTEM ACCOUNT?

Email us at support@fpcheck.com or call (540) 443-6500 to speak with one of our support specialists. We will send you the necessary documentation to get started and answer all your questions.

WHAT DETERMINES WHAT I CAN DO IN FPCHECK?

We assign roles in the FPCheck system that determine the features and functionality you will have access to in FPCheck Web App as well as FPScan. It’s important to understand these when assigning roles to your staff.

Supervisor: Generate aggregate fingerprint reports, enroller reports, activate and deactivate enrollers, report on payment codes, scanning reports, manage personal account.
Enroller: Create fingerprint transactions, give enrollee capture instructions, manage personal account, report on fingerprint transactions (initiated by Enroller), and manage scan location data by modifying operator passwords and modifying scan location hours of operation.
Operator: Verify enrollee’s identity using photographic identification, scan fingerprints, print fingerprint receipts and submit fingerprint transactions. Livescan equipment required.
Fingerprint recipient: Receive fingerprint files via encrypted email with Outlook, must possess active medium security token, and often submits received fingerprint files to SWFT. You won’t need to provide any fingerprint recipients if i3 will submit on your behalf.
Financial report recipient or Financial POC: Receive transaction reports for the given CAGE Codes via email. Transaction reports contain a monthly accounting of transactions related to the company. Responsible for paying for fingerprint transactions as well as managing receipt of fingerprint service revenue that is sent to the company.
FSO or Corporate POC: Responsible for overall implementation of the FPCheck service at the company.

ARE WE CHARGED FOR APPLICANTS WHO ARE ENROLLED BUT NEVER HAVE THEIR FINGERPRINTS SCANNED?

No. Your organization is charged only after the applicant's fingerprints have been submitted. Enrollments that are not completed with fingerprint submissions will expire and are removed from the system after 60 days. There is no charge for enrollments.

HOW IS THE PRICE PER TRANSACTION CALCULATED?

The final price of a fingerprint transaction cannot be accurately determined until the transaction has been submitted to the Facility Security Officer (FSO.) The estimated price displayed before the scan has been submitted on the Fingerprint Checks page, is based on what is known about the possible scan locations, submission fees, and the fees for additional printed or returned cards at the time of enrollment.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE APPLICANT’S PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION?

The applicant's personally identifiable information, also known as PII, is stored and protected on secure servers. It is used in these ways:

A portion of the PII is transmitted to the fingerprint scanning location in order to verify the applicant's identity. PII is not stored on the fingerprint scanning computer.
When the transaction is submitted to SWFT, PII is included according to transaction requirements. The transaction is delivered in the manner specified by the recipient organization.
Administrators of the FPCheck System occasionally access PII to verify, update, backup, or otherwise securely manage the PII.
Less common uses and more information about the PII can be found in i3's Privacy Policy. Our privacy policy is also available by clicking the link at the bottom of any FPCheck web page.

WHAT FORMS OF PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION ARE ACCEPTABLE?

State-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, passports, passport cards, and other valid government and military issued photographic identification are the acceptable forms of photographic identification.

WHAT IS A SWFT ACCOUNT?

Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission (SWFT) – The SWFT program enables cleared Defense industry organizations to submit electronic fingerprints (e-fingerprints) and demographic information through SWFT to DCSA’s Fingerprint Transaction System (FTS) for individuals who require an investigation by the DCSA for a personnel security clearance.

DO I NEED A SWFT ACCOUNT FOR MY FILES TO BE UPLOADED?

No. i3 also offers the option of uploading to SWFT on behalf of our customers. If they choose this option, they will receive status emails when their files are uploaded to SWFT.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN FINGERPRINTS HAVE BEEN PROCESSED BY i3?

You can view the status of fingerprint transactions from the Fingerprint Checks page on your FPCheck.com Web App account. After demographic information has been entered and processed, a Transaction ID will be assigned and the status of the transaction will be "Fingerprinting," indicating that fingerprints have not yet been scanned. Once the scan is complete the Status will change to “Submitted” and a Transaction Control Number (TCN) will also be created.

CAN AN INKED FINGERPRINT CARD BY SUBMITTED FOR SCANNING?

Yes. Some fingerprint scan locations can submit ink and paper fingerprint cards. The instructions on the enrollment receipt will tell the applicant what to do with the fingerprint cards. If there are no scan locations near the applicant that have this capability, inked fingerprint cards can be mailed to i3 at our Corporate office in Blacksburg, VA, where the card will be scanned and submitted. Additional fees apply.

i3 can also scan fingerprint cards for specific purposes. Contact us to learn more.

HOW DOES AN ENROLLER INITIATE A FINGERPRINT CHECK THROUGH FPCHECK?

Follow this simple process:

Click on the "Start a new fingerprint check" button.
Enter the applicant's identification and demographic information.
Print the enrollment receipt.
Instruct the applicant to follow the instructions on the enrollment receipt.

DOES THE APPLICANT HAVE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR FINGERPRINTING?

It is advisable to contact the fingerprint scanning location to verify whether an appointment is required, unless the Enrollment receipt specifies contacting the site by email or walk-ins are accepted.

DOES THE APPLICANT NEED TO PAY FOR THEIR FINGERPRINT SCAN AT THE SCANNING LOCATION?

No. The billing is handled between i3 and both the applicant’s organization and the scanning site. During our FPCheck monthly processing, the scanning site will receive their revenue share. At no time does the applicant need to pay the scanning site directly.

HOW DO I FIND THE CLOSEST LIVESCAN LOCATION TO SEND AN APPLICANT FOR FINGERPRINT PROCESSING?

Go to our home page at www.fpcheck.com. Below our banner heading you will see a section to enter the ZIP Code of the applicant. The system will then search for the closest scan location and will provide an address. Keep in mind that not all offices are open due to COVID-19, so your closest location may be hundreds of miles away. If there are no Livescan locations near the applicant, an inked fingerprint card can be mailed to i3 at our Corporate office in Blacksburg, VA where the card will be scanned and submitted. Additional fees apply. The most likely inked fingerprint location may be your local law enforcement agency.

WHAT IF THE APPLICANT HAS LOST THEIR ENROLLMENT RECEIPT?

We advise that the applicant reach out to their Facility Security Officer (FSO) to reprint the enrollment receipt and can then email the PDF version to the applicant. To do so, the FSO will need to login to their account, go to Fingerprint Checks and find the transaction or use the search feature for a quick lookup. Click the Transaction ID to view the transaction details and then click "Print Enrollment Receipt".

If you cannot find the transaction in the list of your fingerprint checks, the transaction has more than likely expired, and a new enrollment will have to be completed for this applicant.

Under no circumstances should the scanning site need to recreate an enrollment receipt for the subject – the reprint or new enrollment needs to be handled by the applicant’s organization.

THE APPLICANT IS MISSING FINGERS OR HAS A CONDITION THAT DOES NOT ALLOW CERTAIN FINGERS TO BE PRINTED – IS THIS A PROBLEM?

No. These conditions can be handled at the fingerprinting location. If both hands are completely unprintable, we recommend that the applicant should request dispensation from having to submit a fingerprint background check. For more information on this last condition, we recommend that the applicant work with their FSO for contacting the clearinghouse agency needed for proper handling.

DO I NEED LIVESCAN EQUIPMENT TO USE FPCHECK.COM?

No, if you plan to do enrollments only and utilize our network of livescan locations. Yes, if you also plan to become an operator to scan fingerprints. This is encouraged if you expect to require livescan on a regular basis or if you want to be open to the public to scan. Remember, scanning locations are paid by transactions as well, so it’s a win-win.

WHAT LIVESCAN EQUIPMENT WILL I NEED TO BECOME AN OPERATOR TO SCAN FINGERPRINTS?

Simply put, you’ll need a device to scan the applicant’s fingerprints that will connect to FPCheck.com’s website and desktop solutions. Contact Sales for pricing

Choose the device that is right for your application:

digID mini+ – Built to go where you need it, the digID mini+ weighs less than four pounds and operates via a single power, data, and control interface. The digID mini+ is made from high-quality optical components for excellent image quality.
digID rugged+ – A smart choice for mobile security professionals requiring extra protection in the field. The digID rugged+ is a portable Livescan device built to withstand the rigors of travel and operation in high-intensity environments. Field-tested across the globe, this device enhances our digID mini+ with a hardened base and cover for additional protection. With all the digID mini+ features and more, this easy-to-use device produces.
Terrain – The next dimension of fingerprinting. Introducing the world’s first high-resolution, FBI-certified livescan device capable of capturing 3D fingerprints. The Terrain series shares the physical dimensions of our popular digID Livescan series, augmenting the digID mini+ with new features. The Terrain delivers the same high quality as the digID devices, including features and ease of use, while simultaneously capturing 3D images at the standard frame rate. Once saved in a BMP format, the 3D images can be visualized using utilities provided in the SDK.
TerrainX – 2D and 3D fingerprint capture in high-intensity environments, the TerrainX was built to withstand the rigors of travel and operation in high-intensity environments. This device enhances our Terrain with a hardened base and cover for additional protection. With all the Terrain features and more, this easy-to-use device produces exceptional results in both 2D and 3D imagery.
Card Scanners – FPCheck software packages use FBI-certified flatbed scanners to convert hard copy fingerprint cards into fingerprint records that can be submitted electronically. Supported fingerprint card scanners include Epson V600 and V700 scanners, as well as several flatbed scanners from Epson that are no longer manufactured.

WHO CAN I CALL OR CONTACT REGARDING OTHER QUESTIONS?

Email us at support@fpcheck.com or call (540) 443-6500