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IdentoGo: How to Get Fingerprinted in South Carolina

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What IdentoGo is and how it works in South Carolina

IdentoGo is a fingerprinting service run by Idemia, a private company contracted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). When you need fingerprints for a background check—whether for employment, licensing, adoption, or a government clearance—you can go to an IdentoGo location instead of a police station or sheriff's office. The service captures your fingerprints digitally and submits them directly to SLED and the FBI.

The process takes about 15 minutes. You walk in, provide identification, have your fingerprints scanned electronically, and receive a receipt. IdentoGo then sends your prints to the agencies that need them. You don't wait for results on-site; SLED or the FBI will contact you or the organization that requested the fingerprints, depending on who ordered the background check.

IdentoGo locations are spread across South Carolina, often in shopping centers or office parks rather than government buildings. This makes fingerprinting more convenient than driving to a courthouse or police station, especially if you live far from those offices.

Key Takeaways

  • IdentoGo is a private fingerprinting service contracted by SLED that captures your prints digitally and submits them to state and federal agencies.
  • The appointment takes about 15 minutes, and you receive a receipt with a transaction number to track your results.
  • You can find IdentoGo locations across South Carolina through the official SLED website or by calling 1-844-SLED-FP (1-844-753-3377).
  • Fees vary by the type of background check you need, and you pay at the time of your appointment.
  • Results are sent to the requesting agency, not to you directly, so confirm with your employer or licensing board where to expect your clearance.

Finding an IdentoGo location near you

SLED maintains a list of active IdentoGo sites on its official website. You can search by county or city to find the location closest to you. Most locations are open during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, though some offer extended hours or Saturday appointments.

If you can't find a location online or have questions about hours, call the IdentoGo customer service line at 1-844-SLED-FP (1-844-753-3377). They can tell you which sites are currently operating, whether you need an appointment, and what documents to bring. Some locations accept walk-ins; others require you to book ahead.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. IdentoGo will not fingerprint you without it. If you're getting fingerprints for employment or licensing, also bring any paperwork the employer or licensing board gave you, such as a form showing what type of background check is needed.

Wear clean hands and avoid heavy lotions or oils on your fingers the day of your appointment. Extremely dry or damaged skin can make fingerprints harder to capture, so if your hands are in rough condition, moisturize lightly a few hours before you go. If you have scars, missing fingers, or other unusual fingerprint patterns, mention this when you arrive—the technician may need to take extra time or note it in your record.

Cost and payment

IdentoGo charges a fee for each fingerprinting session. The amount depends on the type of background check you need—a standard criminal background check costs less than a more detailed check that includes federal records or out-of-state searches. Fees typically range from around $15 to $50, though the exact amount can change.

You pay at the time of your appointment, usually by cash, card, or check. Ask the location what payment methods they accept when you call or arrive. Some employers or organizations reimburse fingerprinting costs, so check your paperwork or ask your HR department before you pay.

How long results take and what happens next

After your appointment, IdentoGo sends your fingerprints to SLED and the FBI. The time it takes to get results depends on the type of check and how busy the agencies are. A standard criminal background check through SLED may take a few days to a couple of weeks. Federal checks can take longer, sometimes three to four weeks or more.

Results go to the organization that requested the fingerprints—your employer, the licensing board, the adoption agency—not to you directly. You'll receive a receipt with a transaction number at your IdentoGo appointment; keep this in case you need to follow up. If you don't hear back from the requesting organization within a reasonable time, contact them to confirm they received your results.

When IdentoGo may not be the right choice

IdentoGo works for most routine background checks, but some organizations require fingerprints taken by law enforcement or a specific agency. Before you book an IdentoGo appointment, confirm with the employer, licensing board, or organization requesting the fingerprints that they will accept IdentoGo results. A few government agencies or security clearance programs have their own requirements and may direct you to a different fingerprinting method.

If you've been fingerprinted before and already have prints on file with SLED or the FBI, you may not need to be fingerprinted again. Ask the requesting organization whether they can use your existing record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

It depends on the location. Some IdentoGo sites accept walk-ins during business hours, while others require you to book ahead online or by phone. Call 1-844-SLED-FP to confirm the policy at the location you plan to visit, or check the SLED website for that specific site's hours and appointment requirements.

What if my fingerprints don't scan properly?

The technician will try multiple times and may adjust the scanner or your hand position. If your prints still won't scan clearly—because of scars, calluses, or other reasons—the technician will note this and may take a rolled ink print as a backup. You may be asked to return for another attempt, or the technician will document the issue for the agencies reviewing your background check.

Can I get a copy of my fingerprint results?

IdentoGo gives you a receipt with your transaction number at your appointment. To get an official copy of your fingerprint record or background check results, contact SLED directly or the agency that ran the check. Some results are confidential and only released to the organization that requested them.

What if I move out of state after my fingerprinting?

Your fingerprints are stored with SLED and the FBI and remain valid. If you need to use them in another state, contact that state's law enforcement agency or the organization requesting the check to see if they can access your existing record or if you need to be fingerprinted again in that state.

How do I know if my background check passed?

The organization that requested your fingerprints will tell you the results. IdentoGo only captures and submits your prints; it does not determine whether you pass or fail a background check. Contact your employer, licensing board, or the agency that ordered the check to learn the outcome.