When you’re applying for a job, license, visa, or adoption, one crucial step is a background investigation. But one of the most common questions we hear at National Background Check, Inc. (NBCI) is:
“How long will this take?”
The answer depends on several factors, including the type of background check you’re requesting, the agencies involved, and how the fingerprints are submitted. In this post, we break down the typical timelines—and explain the most common delays.
How Long Does a Background Investigation Usually Take?
Here’s a general breakdown of how long each type of background check typically takes:
| Type of Background Check | Typical Timeline |
| FBI Background Check (Expedited via Channeler) | 24–72 hours |
| State Background Check (e.g., Ohio BCI) | 7–10 business days |
| Traditional FBI Request (Non-expedited) | 8–12 weeks |
| Adoption or Visa Background Check (with Apostille) | 1–3 weeks depending on services |
| Employment or Licensing Checks (Local + State) | Varies by agency: 1–4 weeks |
With NBCI’s expedited FBI background checks, you can receive official results within 1–3 business days, often significantly faster than going through the traditional FBI process.
What Causes Background Check Delays?
Even with digital tools like LiveScan and FBI channeling, delays can still happen. Here’s what typically slows down the process:
- Incomplete or Incorrect Information
- Missing data such as SSN, date of birth, or ORI numbers
- Mismatched IDs or agency request details
- Low-Quality Fingerprints
- Smudges or unreadable prints may result in rejection
- Elderly individuals or manual laborers often have worn prints
- Manual Processing
- Ink fingerprint cards sent by mail take longer to process than LiveScan submissions
- Agency Backlogs
- High volumes at the FBI, BCI, or state licensing boards can extend turnaround times
- International Requirements
- If you need an apostille or foreign authentication, this adds days or weeks to processing
- Mail Delays
- For clients choosing to receive physical copies of reports, postal delays may apply
How to Speed Up Your Background Check
Here’s how you can help avoid delays and get your results faster:
- Use NBCI’s expedited FBI channeling service
- Double-check all forms for accuracy before submission
- Confirm the correct ORI number for your licensing agency
- Choose LiveScan fingerprinting over ink card submissions
Why Use National Background Check, Inc.?
- FBI-authorized channeler for expedited background checks
- LiveScan and FD-258 card options
- Nationwide service and mail-in fingerprint processing
- Fast, compliant, and trusted since 1999
Learn more about our expedited FBI services »
Need your results quickly? Let National Background Check, Inc. help you avoid delays and get the background information you need—accurately and fast.
Schedule your fingerprinting or mail in your FD-258 card today