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IdentoGo: Where to Get Fingerprinted in South Carolina

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What IdentoGo does and why you might need it

IdentoGo is a fingerprinting and background check service run by IDEMIA, a private company contracted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). When you need official fingerprints for a job, professional license, volunteer position, or court requirement, IdentoGo is often where South Carolina directs you to go. The service captures your fingerprints digitally, submits them to state and federal databases, and produces a report showing any criminal history or lack thereof.

You do not apply through IdentoGo itself — instead, the organization requiring your fingerprints (your employer, a licensing board, a court, or a volunteer coordinator) tells you to use IdentoGo and provides you with a transaction number or authorization code. You then schedule an appointment at an IdentoGo location, show up with ID, and the process takes about 15 minutes.

IdentoGo locations exist across South Carolina, often inside or near law enforcement offices, courthouses, or government buildings. The service is not free — fees vary depending on whether the fingerprints are for state use only, federal use, or both — but the cost is typically between $15 and $50 per set of prints.

Key Takeaways

  • IdentoGo is the official fingerprinting service for South Carolina and handles background checks for employment, licensing, and court orders.
  • You cannot walk in without authorization; the organization requesting your fingerprints must send you to IdentoGo with a transaction number or code.
  • Appointments are scheduled online or by phone, and the actual fingerprinting takes about 15 minutes.
  • Fees range from roughly $15 to $50 depending on whether prints go to state, federal, or both databases.
  • Results are typically available within one to two weeks, though some employers or agencies may receive them faster through direct channels.

How to find and schedule an IdentoGo appointment

Start by visiting the IdentoGo website (identogo.com) or calling 1-844-889-3464. You will need the transaction number or authorization code provided by whoever sent you there — this code tells IdentoGo which organization is requesting your prints and what type of background check is needed. Without it, you cannot schedule.

On the IdentoGo website, enter your transaction number and zip code to see available locations near you. South Carolina has IdentoGo service centers in most counties, often located in or near SLED offices, sheriff's departments, or government complexes. The website shows you the address, hours, and available appointment times. You can book online or call the location directly if you prefer to speak with someone.

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID) and arrive 10 minutes early. The fingerprinting itself is quick — a technician will scan your fingers digitally, verify the quality of the prints, and you are done. You will receive a receipt with a reference number to track your results.

What happens after your fingerprints are submitted

Once IdentoGo submits your fingerprints, they go to SLED for a state background check and to the FBI for a federal background check (if your authorization code requires both). The time it takes to receive results depends on the complexity of your history and the current workload at both agencies.

Most results come back within one to two weeks. Some employers or licensing boards have direct access to results and may see them before you do. You will typically receive your results by email or mail, depending on what the requesting organization set up. If you need results faster, contact the organization that sent you to IdentoGo — they may be able to request expedited processing, though this is not always possible.

If your results show a criminal record or flag, you have the right to dispute inaccurate information. Contact SLED directly if you believe the state report is wrong, or the FBI if the federal report contains errors. Both agencies have dispute processes, though they can take additional time to resolve.

IdentoGo locations across South Carolina

IdentoGo operates service centers throughout South Carolina, but the exact locations and hours change. The fastest way to find the one nearest you is to use the location search on identogo.com — enter your zip code and it will show you all nearby centers with their hours and whether appointments are available.

Common locations include SLED regional offices in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and Spartanburg, as well as sheriff's offices and courthouse complexes in smaller counties. Some locations are open weekdays only; others offer limited evening or Saturday hours. If you cannot reach a location by phone or online, call the main IdentoGo line at 1-844-889-3464 and they can help you find an alternative nearby.

Costs and what they cover

IdentoGo fees depend on the type of background check you need. State-only fingerprinting (for South Carolina jobs or licenses) typically costs around $15 to $20. Federal fingerprinting (for jobs requiring FBI clearance, such as positions in schools, banks, or federal agencies) costs more, usually $30 to $50. Some organizations cover the cost; others require you to pay at the time of your appointment.

Ask the organization that sent you to IdentoGo whether they will reimburse you or cover the fee. If you are paying out of pocket, bring cash or a card — most IdentoGo locations accept both, though it is worth confirming when you schedule your appointment.

When you might need IdentoGo fingerprints

Employers often require fingerprinting for positions involving children, vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information. Teachers, daycare workers, healthcare workers, and bank employees frequently go through IdentoGo. Professional licensing boards — for real estate, nursing, security, and other fields — also use IdentoGo to verify background checks before issuing licenses.

Courts may order fingerprinting as part of a criminal case, probation, or custody proceeding. Volunteer organizations, especially those working with youth or seniors, often require fingerprints before you can start. Some landlords also request fingerprints as part of a rental application, though this is less common in South Carolina than in other states.

If you are unsure whether you need fingerprinting, the organization requesting it will tell you directly and provide you with the authorization code to give to IdentoGo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have never been fingerprinted before?

IdentoGo handles first-time fingerprinting the same way as repeat fingerprinting. The technician will scan all 10 fingers, verify the quality, and submit them to the databases. If you have no criminal history, your report will show that. There is no difference in the process or cost based on whether you have been fingerprinted before.

Can I get my fingerprints done somewhere other than IdentoGo?

It depends on what the requesting organization will accept. Some employers or agencies specifically require IdentoGo because it is the official South Carolina service and connects directly to SLED. Others may accept fingerprints from a local police department or a private fingerprinting service. Always ask the organization sending you whether they have a preference or requirement before you go elsewhere.

What if my fingerprints do not scan properly the first time?

IdentoGo technicians will re-scan your fingers if the first attempt does not produce clear prints. This is common and does not cost extra or delay your results. If your fingerprints genuinely cannot be captured (due to scars, age, or other factors), the technician will document this and may recommend alternative verification methods — discuss this with the organization that sent you.

How long do fingerprint results stay valid?

Background check results do not expire, but some organizations require updated fingerprints after a certain period — often every three to five years for ongoing employment or licensing. If you need new fingerprints, you will need a new authorization code from the requesting organization and will go through IdentoGo again. Ask your employer or licensing board about their renewal timeline.

What if I move out of state after getting fingerprinted?

Your South Carolina fingerprints and background check results remain on file with SLED and the FBI. If you need them for a job or license in another state, you can request official copies from SLED or provide the reference number from your IdentoGo receipt. Some states accept out-of-state fingerprints; others require you to be fingerprinted in their state. Check with the organization in your new state before assuming your South Carolina results will work.