Check the Status of Your Background Check

When a background check is submitted, it generates a Transaction Control Number (TCN). Think of the TCN as your tracking or confirmation number—it’s unique to your background check and allows you (or the agency that requested it) to follow the status of your submission.

Because every state and screening provider handles status updates differently, it’s important to know where to check your results. Below, we’ll show you how to use your TCN to track your background check in Florida.

If you're applying for a license or job for any of the Florida Agencies that require fingerprinting from out of state, you may be required to mail a physical FD-258 fingerprint card to be processed in the state of Florida. Fingerprinting Jacksonville is FDLE-approved to process these hard card submissions quickly and correctly. These are commonly required for:

Florida Background Check Status

In Florida, all background checks are processed through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). You can look up the status of your submission online using your TCN which is provided at the time of your fingerprinting appointment.

FDLE TCN Lookup

This link will take you to the FDLE website to look up your background check status

Understanding The Results

When you enter your Transaction Control Number (TCN) into the FDLE portal, you’ll see one of several possible status messages. Here’s what they mean:

Complete

Indicates FDLE has finalized their portion of the background check and forwarded the results to the requesting agency

Complete

Indicates FDLE has finalized their portion of the background check and forwarded the results to the requesting agency

Transaction Not Found

Displays if the TCN was entered incorrectly or FDLE hasn’t received the submission yet (

Important Things to Know

Only the requesting agency gets full results. FDLE’s portal shows you only the status of the check, not the detailed background report.

Processing times vary. Most checks clear in 3-5 business days.

The "Transaction Status" is only related to the processing within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). There may be additional processing time within the organization requiring the criminal history check. (per FDLE's website)

What if I Don’t Have My TCN?

Your Transaction Control Number (TCN) is issued at the time your fingerprints are submitted by the LiveScan or fingerprinting provider. If you’ve misplaced it:

Contact the fingerprinting provider who processed the fingerprints. They are the ones who originally issued the TCN.

Be aware of retention limits. Providers are required to delete fingerprint records after a set period of time, so if too much time has passed, they may not be able to locate your TCN.

If the provider cannot find it, you may need to contact The Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Criminal History Services Section.

Without the TCN, you won’t be able to use the online portal to check your status. That’s why it’s important to keep your TCN safe when it’s first provided.

How It Works (for Out-of-State Applicants Needing a Florida Background Check)

1) Know What Florida Requires

Before getting started, take a few minutes to understand what Florida—and specifically the agency or licensing board you're applying with—requires. Most will accept standard FD-258 fingerprint cards, but always double-check. You’ll also need the correct ORI number, which tells the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) where to send your results. If you're not sure which ORI to use, give the agency a call or contact us—we're happy to help at admin@fingerprintingjacksonville.com.

2) Get Fingerprinted Locally

Visit a local fingerprinting provider or law enforcement agency near you that can roll ink fingerprints on FD-258 cards. Bring any instructions provided by the licensing board. If you don’t have fingerprint cards, you can order our kit (details below). Be sure to get two complete sets that comply with FBI Standards—if the FBI rejects a card due to quality issues, we’ll need a backup. Let the technician fill out the card to avoid issues—some fields require specific codes.

3) Purchase Your Screening from Us

Before mailing your cards, you’ll need to purchase your Hard Card Processing screening from us. This covers everything: scanning, FDLE submission, and delivery of your TCN (tracking number).
As part of checkout, you’ll digitally sign the FDLE-required consent form—we include it in the process so there's no extra step.

You can also choose to add a kit that includes:

Two FD-258 cards
A prepaid return envelope
Step-by-step printed instructions

4) Mail Your Cards to Fingerprinting Jacksonville

Once you have your prints, mail both completed FD-258 cards to:

Fingerprinting Jacksonville
13475 Atlantic Blvd Unit 8-C101
Jacksonville, FL 32225

Include your full name, phone number, email, and the name of the agency or board that’s requesting the background check. We recommend using a sturdy mailer to protect the cards from damage during transit. Or skip the hassle and order our Fingerprint Card Kit—it includes the cards, a prepaid return envelope, and clear instructions.

5) We Scan and Submit Your Prints

Once we receive your cards and payment, we’ll scan the prints into our FDLE-approved LiveScan system and submit them directly to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). You’ll receive a Transaction Control Number (TCN) by email confirming that your background check was submitted.

6) Background Check Processing

FDLE typically processes background checks within 3–5 business days after submission. The results are sent directly to the requesting agency listed with the ORI number—you will not receive a copy. If you need to verify status, we can assist using your TCN.

If you want a personal copy of your background check, a separate screening is required. [Click here to request one ›] (Additional fees apply.)