Adoption Fingerprinting in Mercer PA: Family Services Basics

Quick answer

Mercer families going through adoption usually need FBI fingerprint checks for each adult in the home, and Pennsylvania adoption checks generally go through IdentoGO. Start with the providers listed on this page and the instructions from your adoption agency.

Fingerprinting Providers Near Mercer, Pennsylvania

Ohio Security & Investigations, Youngstown (Featured)

• Address: 7087 West Blvd #8, Youngstown, OH 44512
• Phone: (888) 341-6960
• Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Email: info@ohioinvestigators.com
• Services: Ohio WebCheck fingerprinting for BCI, FBI or both
• Scheduling: Book online at ohioinvestigators.com or call

10-8 Protective Services LLC, Columbus (Featured)

• Address: 2600 Oakstone Dr. Ste 15, Columbus, OH 43231
• Phone: (800) 949-8521
• Office hours: Mon to Fri 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Services: Ohio WebCheck fingerprinting for BCI, FBI or both
• Scheduling: Call or visit 10-8protectiveservices.com

IdentoGO at Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV, Grove City (about 9 miles away)

• Address: 453 Maple Street, Grove City, PA 16127
• Phone: (844) 321-2101
• Fingerprinting hours: Tuesday and Thursday 8:15 AM to 3:45 PM
• Services: IdentoGO self service fingerprint kiosk for Pennsylvania FBI clearances such as PDE and DHS checks
• Scheduling: Register online with your service code before visiting; card payment only; Provider page

Slippery Rock Borough Police Department, Slippery Rock (about 15 miles away)

• Address: 306 East Water Street, Slippery Rock, PA 16057
• Phone: (724) 794-6388
• Services: Ink fingerprinting for employment and civil purposes on cards you supply
• Fees: Free for borough residents; nonresidents $10 first card and $5 each additional card
• Scheduling: No appointment required but calling ahead is suggested; bring photo ID and your own cards

New Castle Police Department Central Booking, New Castle (about 17 miles away)

• Address: 303 East North Street, New Castle, PA 16101
• Phone: (724) 656-3584
• Fingerprinting hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM for employment and permit prints
• Services: Ink fingerprinting on cards you bring from your employer or permit agency; also court ordered prints
• Fees: $50 per card, paid to the police clerk
• Scheduling: Bring your own fingerprint cards; call ahead to confirm

Meadville Police Department, Meadville (about 29 miles away)

• Address: 894 Diamond Park, Meadville, PA 16335
• Phone: (814) 724-6100
• Services: Fingerprinting listed on the city fee schedule
• Fees: $25 per the city fee schedule
• Scheduling: Call the department to confirm availability before visiting

Distances are approximate straight line miles. Hours and fees change, so confirm with the provider before you go.

Fingerprinting for Adoptive Families

Adoption home studies commonly require background clearances for prospective parents and, in many cases, other adults living in the household. The FBI fingerprint check is the part that requires a visit, and in Pennsylvania it is generally scheduled through IdentoGO using the code your agency supplies.

Ask your caseworker which adults must be printed, which service code to use, and how results should be shared. Schedule appointments early so one late result does not hold up the home study. International or interstate adoptions may involve separate federal fingerprinting steps, so confirm whether any additional appointments are required.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

• A valid, unexpired government photo ID such as a driver license, state ID or passport
• Your registration confirmation or service code if the check is booked through IdentoGO
• Any FD-258 cards supplied by the requesting agency, left unsigned until you are with the technician
• The paperwork or instructions from the employer, school or agency requesting your prints
• Payment in a form the provider accepts

Which Check Do You Need?

Many Pennsylvania jobs that involve children, such as teaching, child care and volunteering, call for three clearances: the Pennsylvania State Police criminal record check, the child abuse history clearance and an FBI fingerprint check. The first two are requested online; only the FBI check needs fingerprints. Other employers, licensing boards and out of state agencies may instead ask for prints on FD-258 cards. Ask the requesting agency which one applies before you book.

How Long Results Take

Electronic FBI results for Pennsylvania clearances often arrive within a few business days to two weeks. Ink card results depend on the agency you mail them to and can take several weeks.

Find More Providers

Browse the FindLiveScan.com directory to compare fingerprinting locations across Ohio, Pennsylvania and every other state, including sheriff’s offices, police departments, national chains and retail locations. Hours and fees change, so confirm with the provider before you go.