If someone tells you that you need a “background check,” your next question should be:
What kind?
Two commonly requested options are an FBI fingerprint-based background check and a state background check. Although both can be used to review criminal-history information, they are not interchangeable.
Understanding the difference can help you avoid ordering the wrong service, paying unnecessary fees, or delaying an application.
📞 Call: 502-544-7400
📍 Conveniently Located: 11492 Bluegrass Parkway #134 Louisville, Ky. 40299
Book your appointment now:
What Is an FBI Background Check?
An FBI fingerprint-based criminal history check uses your fingerprints to search records maintained by the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division.
For an FBI Identity History Summary, the FBI uses fingerprints to establish positive identification. The FBI does not perform a name-only search for an individual requesting an Identity History Summary.
Fingerprint identification is particularly important because names aren't unique. People can have the same or similar names, change their names, or have variations in how their information appears in records.
Fingerprints help connect the search to you.
FBI fingerprint-based checks may be required for certain types of:
- Employment
- Professional licensing
- Government or regulated positions
- Adoption
- Immigration or international purposes
- Visa or residency applications
- Other legally authorized purposes
But the requesting organization determines what type of background check is required.
What Is a State Background Check?
A state criminal-history check generally searches criminal-history information maintained by that state's criminal-record repository.
The exact process varies by state.
Some state checks are name-based, while others are fingerprint-based.
For example, Kentucky State Police offers a Kentucky name-based criminal-history check that does not require fingerprints. Kentucky also has processes involving fingerprint-based Kentucky and FBI criminal background checks for organizations or agencies authorized by statute.
That distinction matters.
A state background check is generally focused on the state’s criminal-history repository, while an FBI fingerprint-based check searches FBI-maintained criminal-history identification records.
Is an FBI Check More Complete Than a State Check?
This is where one of the biggest misconceptions occurs.
People often assume:
“If it’s an FBI check, it must include absolutely everything.”
Not necessarily.
The FBI specifically recommends that authorized national fingerprint-based checks for noncriminal-justice purposes be submitted through the state's central record repository and
include a state criminal-history check.
Why?
Because according to the FBI, a state check can provide additional criminal-history record information that may not be maintained by the FBI.
That means an FBI check and a state check can serve different—and sometimes complementary—purposes.
FBI vs. State Background Check at a Glance?
| FBI Fingerprint Check | State Background Check | |
| Primary database | FBI-maintained criminal-history records | State criminal-history repository |
| Geographic scope | National/federal repository | Primarily state-level |
| Fingerprints | Generally required for fingerprint-based FBI criminal-history checks | Depends on state and purpose |
| Name-based option | FBI Identity History Summary is not name-based | Available in some states |
| Identification | Fingerprint-based | Name or fingerprints, depending on program |
| Common uses | Authorized employment/licensing, adoption, immigration/international and other purposes | State licensing, employment and other state-authorized purposes |
| Requirements | Depend on requesting agency and legal authority | Depend on state law and requesting agency |
Why Would Someone Need Both?
In some situations, the requesting agency requires both a state and FBI fingerprint-based criminal-history check.
That isn’t necessarily duplication.
The state repository may contain information that isn’t maintained in the FBI’s records, while the FBI check provides access to FBI-maintained criminal-history information.
The FBI describes the state-plus-national approach as an important part of fingerprint-based background checks for authorized employment and licensing purposes.
What About an FBI Identity History Summary?
Another source of confusion is the term FBI Identity History Summary, sometimes informally called an FBI “rap sheet.”
Individuals can request their own Identity History Summary from the FBI.
However, there is an important distinction: the FBI states that an Identity History Summary obtained for personal review is not itself provided for employment or licensing purposes. For employment, licensing, adoption, and certain other authorized purposes in the United States, applicants may need to go through a state identification bureau, requesting federal agency, or other authorized channel.
So don’t simply order an FBI report online because someone said, “Get a federal background check.”
Follow the instructions provided by the agency requesting your background check.
Why Fingerprints Matter
Fingerprint-based searches offer an important advantage: positive identification.
The FBI explains that fingerprint-based checks help eliminate false positives and false negatives associated with name-based searches.
Consider two applicants named John Smith.
A name-based search has to distinguish between people using identifying information associated with that name.
Fingerprint-based processing instead uses a biometric identifier unique to the individual.
That’s why fingerprinting is required for many regulated background-check programs.
So Which Background Check Do I Need?
Start with one simple question:
Who is requesting the background check?
Then follow that organization’s requirements.
Before scheduling fingerprinting, determine:
State or FBI?
Name-based or fingerprint-based?
What state?
What agency or licensing board is requesting it?
Is there an ORI or other identifying number/instruction?
Do they require electronic submission or fingerprint cards?
Are you supposed to receive the results, or are they sent directly to the requesting agency?
Getting those answers first can prevent delays.
The Genesis Shop Can Help You Get Started
If you’ve been told you need fingerprints for a background check, The Genesis Shop can help make the fingerprinting portion of the process straightforward.
Bring the instructions provided by your employer, licensing agency, government agency, or other requesting organization so the correct fingerprinting requirements can be identified before you begin.
Don’t guess which background check you need. Know before you go.
Background-check requirements vary by jurisdiction, requesting agency, profession, and purpose. The Genesis Shop does not determine an applicant’s legal eligibility or substitute its guidance for instructions from the requesting agency.
Contact The Genesis Shop today to schedule your FBI fingerprinting appointment.
📞 Call: 502-544-7400
📧 Email: lisa@thegenesisshop.com
📍 Address: 11492 Bluegrass Parkway #134 Louisville, Ky. 40299
