If you're applying for or renewing a professional license in Illinois, there's a good chance you're required to submit to a fingerprint-based background check. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) mandates this for dozens of licensed professions. This guide explains who needs it, how the process works, and how to get fingerprinted quickly in the Naperville area.
Which Professions Require Fingerprinting in Illinois?
IDFPR requires fingerprint-based background checks for many professions, including:
- Healthcare: Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Physician, Massage Therapist, Chiropractor, Behavioral Analyst
- Real Estate: Appraiser
- Security & Law: Security Guard, Private Investigator, PERC
- Other: Cannabis Dispensing Agent, Locksmith, Public Adjuster, and more
This is not an exhaustive list. When in doubt, check your IDFPR application paperwork or idfpr.illinois.gov for your specific profession.
How the Illinois Professional License Fingerprinting Process Works
Step 1 – Check your application for ORI and Purpose Code
Your IDFPR application or renewal notice will include an ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) code and sometimes a Purpose Code. These tell the fingerprinting system exactly which agency and license type your prints are being submitted for.
Step 2 – Schedule your fingerprinting appointment
Call or text Efficient Biometrics at 847-436-5222. Same-day appointments are often available. Let us know you're fingerprinting for an IDFPR professional license and provide your ORI or purpose code if you have it — we'll confirm the rest.
Step 3 – Come in with your ID
Bring a valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, or passport. The ID must include your photo and signature. The appointment takes about 8–10 minutes.
Step 4 – Results are transmitted electronically
Your fingerprints are captured digitally via Livescan and transmitted directly to the Illinois State Police (ISP), which forwards the background check results to IDFPR. You do not receive a paper copy — results go directly to the licensing authority. Processing typically takes 24–72 hours.
Nursing License Fingerprinting in Illinois
Fingerprinting is one of the most common reasons nurses visit Efficient Biometrics. Whether you're applying for a new RN or LPN license, renewing, IDFPR requires a fingerprint-based background check. If your license has lapsed and requires reinstatement, you'll likely need to be fingerprinted again even if you were fingerprinted previously.
Teacher & School Employee Fingerprinting in Illinois
Illinois educators licensed through the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) must submit fingerprints through the Illinois State Police. The ORI for ISBE submissions is different from IDFPR — your employer's HR department or the ISBE application will provide the correct ORI. We handle both.
What If I Need Ink Fingerprint Cards Instead?
A small number of out-of-state licensing boards or federal agencies still require FD-258 ink cards rather than Livescan. We provide ink fingerprinting on FD-258 and FD-1164 cards for any submission that doesn't accept electronic Livescan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does fingerprinting for an Illinois professional license cost?
Fingerprinting fees include a service fee charged by the fingerprinting provider and a state processing fee
charged by the Illinois State Police. Call 847-436-5222 for current pricing.
Do I need to bring anything besides my ID?
Bring your ID and any paperwork from your licensing agency that includes your ORI or Purpose Code.
If you don't have paperwork, just tell us which license you're applying for and we'll look up the ORI.
Can I walk in without an appointment?
Walk-ins may be available, but we recommend calling or texting 847-436-5222 first to confirm availability
and save time.
What if my fingerprints are rejected?
Rejection is rare with Livescan. If your prints are flagged as poor quality, we re-capture them at no
additional charge during the same appointment.