American Identity Solutions in Baltimore: FBI and DOJ Fingerprinting for Federal Jobs
American Identity Solutions operates a fingerprinting service in the Baltimore area that specializes in federal background clearances, primarily for applicants seeking positions with federal agencies, contractor roles requiring security vetting, and employment that mandates FBI or Department of Justice fingerprint checks.
What American Identity Solutions actually is
American Identity Solutions is a third-party fingerprinting vendor authorized to collect and transmit digital fingerprint records to the FBI and DOJ. Unlike a local police department or courthouse, which may require an appointment weeks out or operate only during business hours, American Identity Solutions focuses on rapid processing and same-day or next-day digital submission. The service is geared toward federal job applicants, federal contractor employees, and individuals needing official fingerprint clearance for positions requiring background investigation.
Services and pricing
American Identity Solutions charges per fingerprint card or digital submission. A standard FBI fingerprint card typically costs between $15 and $25, though prices vary slightly by location and whether you are submitting to a single agency or multiple agencies. The service captures live-scan digital fingerprints that are transmitted directly to FBI and DOJ databases, eliminating the delay of mailed paper cards. Expedited processing is sometimes available for an additional fee, typically $10 to $15 more, reducing turnaround time from several days to 24 hours. Verification should be made directly with the Baltimore-area location, as federal reimbursement policies and pricing for contractor-sponsored applicants can differ.
How it compares to other Baltimore fingerprinting options
Baltimore residents have several alternatives. The Baltimore Police Department's Central Records Bureau offers fingerprinting at 601 East Fayette Street; walk-in appointments are free or cost $5, but typical waits are 2 to 4 hours and submissions are mailed, adding 1 to 2 weeks to processing. The Maryland State Police Fingerprint Section in Pikesville serves the same purpose with similar delays. Local private fingerprinting vendors like IdentoGO (located in various Maryland shopping centers) charge $15 to $20 and offer digital same-day submission, comparable to American Identity Solutions. The key difference is speed: American Identity Solutions is designed specifically for federal clearances and prioritizes rapid FBI and DOJ submission, whereas police-run services prioritize accuracy and legal custody but not speed. For federal job applicants on a timeline, American Identity Solutions typically cuts processing time in half compared to going through a police department.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
American Identity Solutions is essential for applicants to federal agencies (Department of Defense, FBI, TSA, federal contractor positions requiring security clearance), expats needing FBI clearance verification, and individuals whose employers reimburse fingerprinting fees. It is less necessary for those needing fingerprints solely for state-level background checks, licensing (nursing, real estate), or local employment, where a police department or state facility is sufficient and cheaper. If you have no federal deadline, a free police department fingerprint may be your better choice.
What the first visit involves
Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport). You will sit for digital scanning of all ten fingers, which takes 5 to 10 minutes. The fingerprinter will verify image quality on screen before submission. You will receive a receipt with a confirmation number and estimated delivery date. The digital file is transmitted to the FBI within 24 hours; the FBI typically returns results within 3 to 5 business days. Some federal agencies (like the DOD) require a copy of your fingerprint receipt or clearance letter, which American Identity Solutions will provide.
Hours, parking, and logistics
American Identity Solutions operates in multiple Maryland locations. The Baltimore-area location hours typically run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; confirm these directly, as federal processing locations occasionally adjust schedules around federal holidays. Parking is usually available at the shopping center or office building where the location is housed. No appointment is always required; many locations accept walk-ins, though scheduling online can reduce wait times to under 15 minutes. Verify the specific Baltimore address and current hours by calling ahead or checking the American Identity Solutions website, as mobile and satellite locations serve the region.
American Identity Solutions fills a real gap in Baltimore for federal job applicants who cannot afford multi-week delays through police departments. For anyone on a federal hiring timeline, this service is worth the modest fee.
