FBI fingerprinting in Paris — frequently asked questions
Common questions about the FD-1164 card, the FD-258, the FBI QR code, pricing, and the FBI Identity History Summary for people in France.
Where can I get FBI fingerprints taken in Paris?
Sequana, a private investigations agency in Paris, takes ink fingerprints on the FBI FD-1164 card for people in France requesting their FBI Identity History Summary (background check). We fill in and sign the form with you and prepare it for submission to the FBI.
Do I need the FD-258 or the FD-1164?
For your own FBI Identity History Summary (background check), the form is the FD-1164 — the FBI’s “Identity History Summary Request”. The FD-258 is a different card, the “Applicant Fingerprint Form” used for US employment, licensing, and criminal-justice checks submitted by an employer or agency. If you’re requesting your own FBI record, you need the FD-1164, which is what we provide.
What is an FBI Identity History Summary?
It is the official record the FBI holds about you — arrests and certain federal employment, military, or naturalization information — informally called a “rap sheet”. Individuals can request their own, commonly for a visa, immigration, residency, naturalization, or adoption abroad.
How do I get my fingerprints done for it from France?
You have your ten fingerprints taken in ink on the FBI FD-1164 card, then submit it to the FBI — directly or through an FBI-approved Channeler. Sequana takes the prints and prepares the card in Paris.
What do I need to bring to start — is it the QR code?
Yes. Most people first request their Identity History Summary from the FBI and receive an email with a QR code. Bring that email (with the QR code) and your passport — we include the QR code with the documents sent. You do not need an ORI code for a personal Identity History Summary request.
How much does it cost?
€150 incl. VAT (TTC) per appointment — €125 excl. VAT — including your FD-1164 card prepared in two copies.
Which ID do you accept?
A valid passport only. The name on the card will be the name on your passport. We do not accept national ID cards or driver’s licenses, and we cannot use an expired passport. We only inspect your ID to complete the form — we do not keep a copy.
Can minors be fingerprinted?
No — we are not able to fingerprint minors.
Do I need ink fingerprinting or live-scan?
Two capture methods exist: ink-and-roll on the FD-1164 card and live-scan (electronic). Live-scan is faster and lower-rejection but is not available everywhere; from outside the US, ink-and-roll on the card is the standard route, which is what we provide in Paris.
Can I get fingerprinted at the US Embassy in Paris?
No. The U.S. Embassy in France does not provide fingerprinting services to the public; you must use a private provider or an FBI-approved Channeler. Sequana is one such private provider in Paris.
How long does an FBI Identity History Summary take?
The FBI publishes 3–5 business days for electronic submissions; mailed paper requests take longer, and FBI-approved Channelers typically return results faster than direct mail-in requests. Exact timing depends on the route you choose.
Do you serve clients outside Paris?
In-office appointments in Paris are the default. Travel within roughly a two-hour train radius around Paris is available when the booking warrants it, and at-home visits are available for elderly or mobility-limited clients.