FAQs about IDEMIA

Background study subjects will receive an email from IDEMIA/IdentoGO that includes an individual specific tracking number called a Universal Enrollment Identification (UE ID). The email includes instructions for study subjects to use IDEMIA’s pre-enrollment system and information on locating a fingerprint location.

An email address will be required in the background study application entered in NETStudy 2.0.  

If a study subject does not have an email address, they will need to obtain one. We strongly encourage providers to assist those individuals in setting up an email account utilizing one of the many free email services.  

IDEMIA’s pre-enrollment process is an online system used by study subjects to:

1. Confirm that their name and date of birth are correctly entered in NETStudy 2.0.
2. Select what type of identity document they will use at the fingerprint and photo service location to verify their identity.
3. Locate an IDEMIA/IdentoGo fingerprint and photo service location using their ZIP code.
4. Schedule an appointment at an IDEMIA/IdentoGo fingerprint and photo service location.

If the study subject’s name or date of birth does not match their identity document, they will be turned away at the fingerprint and photo service location.

If there is a change to or an error in the study subject’s name, date of birth or email address, it must be corrected by the entity that entered it. Once the entity corrects the information, the study subject will receive an email from IDEMIA/IdentoGO informing them that their appointment has been canceled, followed shortly by a new pre-enrollment email. The pre-enrollment email will contain a new UE ID and a new unique URL for the study subject. Using their new UE ID and unique URL, the study subject can log onto IDEMIA’s website and complete pre-enrollment.

The email the study subject receives includes a unique tracking number called a UE ID. This number is used to securely connect the study subject to their pre-enrollment information for the fingerprint and photo service.

Yes. Study subjects must complete the online pre-enrollment process. The online pre-enrollment process provides an opportunity for the background study subject to be sure that data needed is correct, provides information about acceptable forms of identification that they must have, and lets them schedule an appointment.

The entity submitting the background study is required to provide study subjects with the required DHS privacy notice before initiating the background study application in NETStudy 2.0. This notice is also referred to as a Tennessen Warning.

Study subjects use IDEMIA’s pre-enrollment process to schedule an appointment at a fingerprint and photo service location.

Yes. IDEMIA offers a scheduling service through its pre-enrollment process at all IdentoGO enrollment center sites across the state.

Walk-ins may be accepted, however, scheduling an appointment is strongly encouraged and will help ensure that study subjects are able to complete the fingerprint and photo process as quickly as possible. Wait times for study subjects who do not have an appointment will vary as priority is given to maintaining the times for people who have scheduled appointments. 

The Universal Enrollment Identification, or UE ID number, is a unique IDEMIA tracking number for each background study subject. The UE ID is used by IDEMIA and does NOT replace the background ID study number used by DHS. It is helpful if the study subject has their UE ID when they go to the fingerprint and photo service location.

Study subjects must bring an acceptable form of identification with them to the fingerprint and photo service location. Study subjects are encouraged to have the email notification they received from IdentoGO ready to show the fingerprint technician, but it is not required.

All state issued drivers’ licenses and identity cards are accepted. All passports are accepted. IDEMIA’s pre-enrollment process provides a list of acceptable forms of identification. The list applies to study subjects regardless of age. Study subjects select which one they will bring to the fingerprint and photo service location. At the location, the study subject may provide a different form of identification, provided it is on the list of acceptable forms of identification.   

If a study subject does not have one of the acceptable forms of identification, the entity submitting the NETStudy 2.0 application may contact the DHS Background Studies Division by email to request an exception. The email must include the study subject’s background study number and the type of identification the entity used to verify the study subject’s background study information.

Acceptable forms of identification

• Driver's license permit issued by a state or outlying possession of the U.S.
• Driver's license paper/temporary issued by a state or outlying possession of the U.S.
• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)
• Commercial Driver's License permit issued by a state or outlying possession of the U.S.
• ID card issued by a federal, state, or local government agency or by a territory of the U.S.
• Enhanced Tribal Identification Card (for federally recognized U.S. Tribes)
• Department of Defense Common Access Card
• Uniformed Services Identification Card (Form DD-1172-2)
• U.S. military identification card
• U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card 
• Military dependent's identification card
• U.S. passport
• Foreign passport
• Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551)
• Employment Authorization Card/Document (I-766) that contains a photograph
• Canadian driver's license
• Mexican driver's license
• U.S. visa issued by the U.S. State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs for travel to or within, or residence within, the United States.

The fingerprinting and photo process takes about five to 10 minutes at an IDEMIA location.

IDEMIA’s UEP technology evaluates the quality of the study subject’s fingerprints and will identify if the fingerprints are at risk of rejection based on FBI standards. If it is likely that the person’s fingerprints will be rejected by the FBI, the fingerprint technician will be alerted. In these cases, the study subject will have a second set of fingerprints scanned. In the event of an FBI rejection, the second set of fingerprints are submitted automatically. There is no additional charge for this and the study subject does not need to return to a fingerprint location. Neither set of fingerprints is retained by IDEMIA after they are successfully processed.    

There could be a situation in which the FBI rejects the fingerprints even though they passed the UEP standard. This is unlikely, but if it happens, the study subject would need to be fingerprinted again. There would not be a charge for this, but the person would need to go to a fingerprint and photo service center.     

Study subjects have 10 days to complete the fingerprint and photo requirement, and should schedule a fingerprinting appointment as soon as they receive the IDEMIA pre-enrollment email. IDEMIA’s pre-enrollment process limits fingerprint scheduling options to dates that match the study subject’s fingerprint deadline.  

Personally Identifiable Information: IDEMIA must not store any data that includes personally identifiable information such as names, dates of birth, fingerprints, photographs or any data or information that is restricted by state or federal law. Fingerprint technicians are only able to see a minimum amount of information to confirm the study subject’s identity using the fingerprint authorization number that the study subject provides when they go to the location. Technicians are not able to view any other background study information. 

Fingerprints: Neither DHS, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), nor IDEMIA maintain electronic fingerprint images (after successful processing). In cases that require the fingerprint images to be forwarded to the FBI for a national criminal record search as required in current law, the fingerprint images may be kept by the FBI.

Photographs: Photographs are only available to subsequent entities when the study subject provides their Social Security number (SSN) and the entity uses the SSN to initiate the background study application. DHS does not routinely view photographs as part of the background study determination process. DHS staff who complete background studies do not have access to photographs unless there is a specific exception request. 

Fingerprint and photo service locations may be located with the “look-up” tool provided in the pre-enrollment process that study subjects complete using IDEMIA’s Universal Enrollment Platform (UEP). Study subjects receive an email from IDEMIA with the information needed to complete the pre-enrollment process. The UEP displays service locations near the study subject based on a city or ZIP code the study subject enters. 

In addition, there is a map of IdentoGO enrollment center locations on IDEMIA’s website.

Generally, the locations must provide fingerprint and photo services during all hours that they are open for business. The hours will vary based on when the location is open for general business. Hours of operation are a primary factor in IDEMIA’s selection of locations with preference given to businesses that have evening and weekend hours.

Information about the locations, including address and hours of operation, is available on the location look-up website provided to study subjects via email. Additional information can be found on the map of IdentoGO enrollment center locations on IDEMIA’s website.

IDEMIA has fingerprint and photo service locations within 35 miles driving distance of the study subject’s work or home.

IDEMIA seeks to partner with storefront type businesses for fingerprinting and photo service locations when possible. For example, a location may be in an office supply store. Entities that provide health and human services or child care services will generally not provide public fingerprinting and photo services. This is due, in part, to concerns about possible conflicts of interest.

IDEMIA has a structured process to select and support IdentoGO locations. This helps maintain reliable and quality locations. 

If a fingerprint site must close unexpectedly, IDEMIA will e-mail impacted study subjects about the cancellation. The cancellation e-mail will include a phone number to IDEMIA’s customer service call center and a link to reschedule the appointment. The cancellation e-mail lists IDEMIA’s national customer service phone number, but subjects who want to manage their appointment over the phone can receive faster service by calling IDEMIA’s Minnesota customer service number at 844-556-8505.

If a location closes unexpectedly, whenever possible IDEMIA tries to provide temporary services through alternative fingerprinting options, which may include bringing an agent to the closed site to handle scheduled appointments, setting up a mobile event near the closed partner site or extending the hours of nearby sites.

The Universal Enrollment Platform (UEP) is the technical system used by IDEMIA for fingerprinting and photo services. UEP systems are available in locations nationwide. Minnesota study subjects may schedule an appointment at a UEP location outside Minnesota using the ZIP code look-up tool during pre-enrollment; however, an additional fee will apply. See the last FAQ in Location section for fingerprinting options outside of Minnesota.

Study subjects can find information about locations, including address and hours of operation, by using the “look-up” tool provided in the pre-enrollment process. Information about Minnesota service locations can also be found at IdentoGo Minnesota.

All study subjects must use an IdentoGO location unless an exception is approved by DHS. An entity may submit an exception request when a study subject resides outside of Minnesota and will not be in Minnesota prior to being in a role or position that requires a DHS background study.

The BCA requires specific coding to be included in the electronic file with the fingerprint images when they are transmitted. Additionally, they must be transmitted by a state agency that meets state and federal security requirements. The coding is specific to civil fingerprinting for background studies and is included in NETStudy 2.0. It is different from fingerprinting interfaces that the BCA has with law enforcement agencies for criminal justice fingerprints.

Fingerprinting for civil purposes, such as DHS background studies, must meet vigorous state and federal controls and data protections, including the federal Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) requirements. IDEMIA’s fingerprint transactions for DHS are held to these standards.

IDEMIA calls their fingerprint and photo service locations, enrollment centers. Enrollment centers are identified with IDEMIA’s brand name “IdentoGO” and have consistent signage and equipment setup across all locations.

IdentoGO is the brand name used by IDEMIA . All website and location signage include this brand name for consistency. IDEMIA is the company that runs the IdentoGO locations. 

There are two options for background study subjects to be fingerprinted outside of Minnesota.

Option 1: Background study subjects may go to any UEP IdentoGO location in any state using IDEMIA’s pre-enrollment process. Approval from DHS is not required for this option. The DHS background study timeline, process, and determination is the same as if the fingerprints and photo were recorded in Minnesota.  

There is a fee of $39.95 when a UEP IdentoGO location outside of Minnesota is used, which is in addition to the $10.50 fingerprinting fee. That amount is paid to IDEMIA. There is no additional background study fee paid to DHS. Entities may use NCAC authorization codes to pay the $10.50 fingerprinting fee. NCAC codes cannot be used to pay the $39.95. Entities are NOT required to submit a live scan exception request form for this service. It is available to all background study subjects.

Option 2: Entities may request a live scan exception for a study subject. If approved by DHS, the study subject uses a paper card fingerprint process and will receive an email from DHS with information on the steps to complete the process. Note: These background study determinations are not transferable.

This option is available for study subjects who will not be in Minnesota prior to being in a role or position that requires a DHS background study. The entity emails DHS at dhs.netstudy2@state.mn.us. The email must include (1) the study subject’s background study number and (2) the reason that the person cannot be fingerprinted in Minnesota before beginning in a position that requires a DHS background study. If specific criteria are met, the study subject will be emailed instructions about how to complete the fingerprinting process using paper cards. Be aware that if the paper card option is approved the:

• Background study will not be transferable and the study subject will need to be fingerprinted again if they change jobs.
• Study subject must follow the instructions provided by DHS. This includes printing blank paper cards and bringing them to a law enforcement (or other approved location) to be fingerprinted.
• Study subject must locate an approved location for fingerprinting, such as a local law enforcement location or similar professional service location. There is usually a charge to capture the fingerprints. This is in addition to the $10.50 paid to IDEMIA. There is no additional background study fee paid to DHS.
• Process takes longer due to the manual review and systems work involved and mailing times. Allow approximately 30 days to receive a DHS background study determination.

The fee for the fingerprinting and the photograph is $10.50. The fingerprint and photo service fee is separate from the fee paid in NETStudy 2.0 for DHS to complete the background study. 

The fee covers the electronic recording of the fingerprint images on a live scan system and taking one photograph of the study subject. It also covers the secure transmission of the fingerprint and photo images to DHS.

Payment is collected at the time the fingerprinting and photo service is provided. This prevents the need for refunds when payment is made in advance, but the person is not yet fingerprinted.  

The following payment types are accepted:  

• Debit and credit cards
• Personal, business, and cashiers checks
• Money orders
• Authorization code from entities/providers. 

Cash is not accepted. 

Each customer receives a receipt at the location that includes the payment type that was used.  

The entity submitting the background study application request or the study subject can pay for the fingerprint and photo service.

Entities are not required to pay the fingerprinting and photo service fee for study subjects, but they may elect to do so.  If an entity chooses to pay the fingerprint and photo service fee, they establish a No Charge Authorization Code (NCAC) account with IDEMIA.  This means the study subject is not charged. 

Entities contact IDEMIA directly to open an NCAC account (PDF). There is an IDEMIA form to complete. Once submitted, it takes two to five days to receive access and be able to use the account.  A credit card is required and is billed for each completed fingerprint and photo transaction. There is no pre-paid amount of money to be held in reserve in the account nor is there a fee to establish or maintain the account. Initially, a minimum of 50 authorization codes are provided, but more may be requested. The codes are valid for six months from the date they are issued by IDEMIA.

NCAC accounts are available to all entities regardless of how many study subjects are fingerprinted. 

Entities receive NCAC authorization codes that are unique (i.e., the code is unique to a single fingerprint and photo service transaction). Entities provide the authorization codes to study subjects to redeem when the subject is fingerprinted and photographed. The credit card on file is charged when an NCAC authorization code is redeemed.  

Yes. IDEMIA provides a mobile fingerprinting and photo service option for groups of 30 or more study subjects for special events. There is no additional fee above the $10.50 standard per transaction fee, but the event must be coordinated with IDEMIA and scheduled based on available dates and times.  Contact IDEMIA at statemobileservices@us.idemia.com for more information or to schedule.

Yes. Entities may purchase live scan devices. 

Contact IDEMIA’s sales group at inside_sales@us.idemia.com for information and pricing.   

The purchase of fingerprinting equipment is between IDEMIA and the entity. DHS is not involved or included in IDEMIA’s enrollment center partnerships or equipment contracts or sales.  Entities that are interested in purchasing equipment should contact IDEMIA directly.

IDEMIA will provide a notice to entities considering purchasing a live scan system (UEP station) explaining that the equipment may only be used during the period in which IDEMIA is under contract with DHS for fingerprinting services required under the state background study act, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245C.  

Generally, it will take six to eight weeks from the date the entity submits payment to IDEMIA for the equipment to be delivered to the entity. IDEMIA provides training on use of the live scan equipment. IDEMIA has a sufficient number of systems for purchase to meet demand.

Live scan equipment and fingerprint equipment is used interchangeably in these FAQs. It is the equipment and software that captures fingerprints and photographs electronically. The software is programmed to securely transmit the images to DHS. DHS systems then transmit the images to the BCA and, as applicable, to the FBI to obtain criminal information (if available).  

Live scan equipment has a much lower fingerprint rejection rate and provides a faster and more efficient customer experience than using a manual ink and roll process. The electronic process also provides a secure chain of custody of the fingerprint and photograph images resulting in a more reliable background study result.

Generally, no. IDEMIA selects and contracts with fingerprint and photo service locations.  During the selection process, IDEMIA must ensure that there is no conflict of interest. IDEMIA seeks to partner with storefront type businesses for fingerprinting and photo service locations when possible. For example, a location may be in an office supply store. Entities that provide health and human services or child care services will generally not provide public fingerprinting and photo services. This is due, in part, to concerns about possible conflicts of interest. 

IDEMIA was selected as the statewide vendor for DHS fingerprinting through a competitive bidding process with cost, quality and reliability being considered in proposal evaluations. The request for proposals (PTRFP-4123) was published Oct. 28, 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, additional time was needed to finalize vendor selection. The selection process was finalized in March 2021.

IDEMIA refers to their fingerprint and photo service locations as enrollment centers and uses IdentoGO® branding when possible. Locations with IdentoGO® branding will have a similar appearance with consistent graphic and visual components, such as interior and exterior signage, informational materials, displays and color palette.

DHS monitors IDEMIA’s performance in multiple ways, including but not limited to: 

• Monitoring the number of locations, hours of operation and transaction volume at each location
• Monitoring compliance with accessibility requirements
• Reviewing data and reports submitted by IDEMIA with the number of successfully transmitted fingerprint images and the number of fingerprint images rejected due to insufficient quality 
• Reviewing IDEMIA's quality monitoring data 
• Tracking and monitoring any concerns that are reported to the DHS background study call center 

Study subjects and entities may report issues or concerns using the online IDEMIA Fingerprint and Photo Services Issue Report Form. This simple form is quick to complete and is sent directly to the fingerprint and photo service vendor. The form includes prompts to provide information that will help the vendor resolve the issue. DHS staff will review summary information on a regular basis to track that issues are addressed. Issues or concerns may also be reported to the vendor by calling IDEMIA’s customer service call center at 844-556-8505.