What is an FBI Channeler? Comprehensive Guide to Channeling Services for FBI Background Checks
What is an FBI Channeler?
An FBI channeler is a private company or organization that is officially approved by the FBI to receive fingerprint submissions, collect identity information, and channel those requests directly to the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS). FBI channelers are authorized intermediaries—they do not make decisions about your history or background, but expedite the process of retrieving your Identity History Summary or “FBI background check.”
The use of channelers is intended to streamline the process of personal background checks, allowing applicants to obtain results more quickly and conveniently compared to direct submission to the FBI. Channelers utilize secure digital technology to transmit your information, ensuring privacy and speed.
Who Are FBI Channelers?
FBI-approved channelers are businesses vetted and authorized by the FBI to act as liaisons for identity history summary checks. These companies must comply with strict FBI standards for data security, privacy, and transmission integrity. Channelers operate under the FBI’s guidelines and are listed publicly to ensure transparency and public access.
Some popular examples include National Background Check, Inc., IdentoGO, and Certifix. You can find a complete, authoritative list on the FBI’s channeler page.
Why Do FBI Channelers Matter?
FBI channelers matter because they provide a secure, efficient, and reliable means of obtaining your FBI background check for personal review, adoption, international travel, work, or other legal purposes. The main benefits of using an FBI channeler include:
- Speed: Most channelers deliver electronic results within 1-7 business days, often faster than the FBI’s direct processing time.
- Convenience: Channelers offer online status tracking, order management, and the option to request digital or hard copy results.
- Compliance and Security: As approved entities, channelers are required to follow FBI’s protocols, safeguarding applicants’ sensitive biometric and identity information.
- Support: Most channelers provide customer service for any submission or technical issues, making the process more accessible to the general public.
What Do FBI Channelers Do?
FBI channelers act as the middleman between you and the FBI. Their role in the background check process involves:
- Collecting Fingerprint Submissions: Channelers gather your fingerprints via live scan (digital) or ink card and identity information securely.
- Transmitting Data to the FBI: Your biometric data is electronically sent to the FBI CJIS division in accordance with federally mandated protocols.
- Receiving and Delivering Results: Once processed, channelers receive your official FBI Identity History Summary and deliver it to you—either electronically or as a printed document.
- Answering Applicant Queries: Channelers often handle questions about submissions, rejections, or resubmissions if prints are unreadable.
Note: FBI channelers can only channel submissions for personal review and specific legal uses outlined by the FBI. Channelers cannot process background checks for employment or licensing applications mandated by state or federal law—those must often be submitted directly by the requesting agency.
Do Consumers Need to Know Which Channeler Is Used?
For most consumers, it is not necessary to know the specific FBI channeler used for fingerprint submissions. This is because only officially-approved channelers have the ability to submit fingerprints and request FBI background checks. All legitimate fingerprint vendors, Live Scan providers, and background check services must use an FBI-approved channeler in order to process your request. If not, your fingerprints cannot even be submitted to the FBI. For consumers, the essential choice is selecting a reputable service provider—the channeler will always be one approved by the FBI.
If You Want an FBI Background Check, Is It Necessary to Know Which Channeler Will Process Your Fingerprints?
Yes, it is highly recommended to know and purposefully select an FBI-approved channeler when arranging for your background check. Here’s why:
- Official Approval: Only FBI-approved channelers are authorized to submit and receive background checks; unapproved parties may delay, mishandle, or compromise your application.
- Service Options: Channelers differ in pricing, locations, digital services (such as live scan), turnaround time, and support. Knowing your channeler means you can choose the one that fits your needs best.
- International Use: Some channelers provide apostille and international delivery services for those who need records authenticated for use overseas.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your channeler provides confidence that your personal data is handled according to FBI and federal guidelines.
However, for most personal fingerprint submissions, you will always be routed through an approved channeler by your provider. As a consumer, you do not have to select or know the channeler yourself—this is handled automatically. Your focus should be on choosing a reputable fingerprinting or background check vendor!
How to Choose an FBI Channeler
Do your research. Check the FBI’s official list, verify a channeler’s credentials, and compare services and customer reviews. Consider cost, processing speed, and whether you need digital, mail, or walk-in fingerprinting.
To conclude: When you want a personal FBI background check, choose an official, reliable provider for peace of mind and the best experience. Your background check is too important—trust it to experienced professionals.
FBI Channeler FAQ
What’s a simple definition of an FBI channeler?
An FBI channeler is a private company, approved by the FBI, to securely collect, transmit, and return FBI background check results to applicants.
How long does an FBI channeler take to process fingerprints?
Most channelers provide electronic (PDF) results within 1-3 days, and hard copies within 1-14 days, depending on shipping options. Always confirm with your chosen channeler.
Who can use an FBI channeler?
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents requesting an identity history summary for personal review or those who need documentation for travel, immigration, or adoption processes can use channelers. Some restrictions apply for certain types of checks.
Can employers or agencies use FBI channelers for hiring purposes?
No. Channelers handle only personal background checks. For employment, licensing, or official government purposes, checks must be requested by the agency directly through state or federal channels.
Is it safe to use an FBI channeler?
Yes, if you select a channeler from the FBI-approved list. They meet strict data security standards.
What information do I need to provide to an FBI channeler?
You will need to provide your fingerprints (live scan or ink card), government-issued identification, contact details, and payment.
Is there a difference in background check results between different channelers?
No. All channelers submit directly to the FBI and return official results. Differences lie in service quality, speed, and delivery options.
Can I request an apostille or authentication with my FBI background check?
Some channelers offer apostille and international document authentication services. Verify availability before you order if needed for overseas use.
How much does it cost to use an FBI channeler?
Fees vary by channeler, but generally range from $35 to $80 plus optional expedited shipping or digital delivery fees.
Do I need to know which FBI channeler my provider uses?
No. Approved background check providers (such as Live Scan or notary services) are required to use FBI-approved channelers for all fingerprint submissions. If a provider is not partnered with an FBI-approved channeler, your fingerprints cannot be submitted for an FBI background check at all. As a consumer, simply choose a trusted provider; the channeler used will always meet FBI regulations.
