One of the questions we frequently hear is:
“Are you an FBI Channeler?”
Some applicants assume fingerprint providers are FBI Channelers. Others assume fingerprint providers are part of the FBI itself.
In reality, fingerprint providers, FBI Channelers, and the FBI are three separate entities that each perform a different role during the FBI background check process.
Understanding that relationship helps explain how electronic FBI fingerprint submissions actually work.
What Is An FBI Channeler?
An FBI Channeler is a company authorized to submit requests to the FBI and provide FBI Identity History Summary results to applicants.
Channelers are not the FBI.
They are not law enforcement agencies.
They are private organizations that act as secure intermediaries between applicants and the FBI.
There are only a limited number of approved FBI Channelers.
Most Fingerprinting Providers Are Not FBI Channelers
Applicants are often surprised to learn that most fingerprint providers are not Channelers.
Instead, providers work with approved Channelers to electronically submit fingerprints and retrieve FBI background check results.
The fingerprint provider obtains the fingerprints and applicant information.
The Channeler communicates with the FBI.
The FBI generates the Identity History Summary report.
Each participant has a different role.
The Process Actually Involves Three Different Participants
Think of the process like this:
- The applicant provides fingerprints and information.
- The fingerprint provider captures the fingerprints.
- The FBI Channeler securely transmits the request.
- The FBI produces the Identity History Summary.
Applicants are often surprised to learn that the fingerprint provider, the FBI Channeler, and the FBI are three separate entities.
Why You Usually Cannot Visit An FBI Channeler For Fingerprinting
Another common misconception is that applicants should simply locate an FBI Channeler and schedule an appointment there.
That is usually not how the system works.
Most Channelers do not operate retail fingerprint offices.
Instead, they serve as the secure hub connecting the FBI on one side and thousands of fingerprint providers on the other.
The fingerprint provider performs the in-person work.
The Channeler manages the secure connection and communication with the FBI.
Channelers Are Similar To A Hub
One way to understand the system is to think of Channelers as the hub connecting two sides.
On one side are the FBI systems.
On the other side are fingerprint technicians and providers throughout the country.
The Channeler facilitates secure communication between the two.
Without Channelers, electronic FBI submissions would be far less accessible to applicants.
Why Your FBI Report May Come From Someone You’ve Never Heard Of
Applicants are sometimes surprised when they receive correspondence from a company they do not recognize.
That is often because the Channeler—not the FBI itself—is responsible for delivering the results.
The email, mailing address, or customer support information may belong to the Channeler rather than the FBI.
This is completely normal.
Fingerprint Providers And Channelers Must Protect Your Information
FBI background checks involve sensitive personal information.
Providers and Channelers are responsible for safeguarding:
- Names
- Addresses
- Dates of birth
- Fingerprints
- Personal identifying information
Secure handling and transmission of this information is an important part of the process.
This responsibility extends beyond simply capturing fingerprints.
Final Thoughts
Many people assume fingerprint providers are FBI Channelers or that they are directly affiliated with the FBI.
In reality, the process involves three different participants, each performing separate functions.
The fingerprint provider captures the fingerprints.
The FBI Channeler securely communicates with the FBI.
The FBI generates the Identity History Summary report.
Understanding those roles helps explain why the system works the way it does and why applicants often interact with several organizations during the process.
For more information regarding FBI background checks and FD-258 fingerprint cards, visit:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an FBI Channeler?
An FBI Channeler is a private organization authorized to submit requests to the FBI and provide Identity History Summary results to applicants.
Are fingerprint providers FBI Channelers?
Usually not. Most fingerprint providers work with approved Channelers but are not Channelers themselves.
Can I go directly to an FBI Channeler for fingerprinting?
Generally no. Most Channelers do not operate retail fingerprint offices and instead work through fingerprint providers.
Is an FBI Channeler part of the FBI?
No. FBI Channelers are private companies that act as secure intermediaries between applicants and the FBI.
Why did my FBI report come from a company instead of the FBI?
Many Channelers deliver results directly to applicants, so emails or mailed reports may come from the Channeler rather than the FBI itself.
This article is part of How to Submit, where we cover the routes to an Identity History Summary and the paperwork each one needs.
Also in this section: What Paperwork Do You Actually Need, How Employers Can Coordinate It for an Employee and Do I Have to Go to the Post Office?.