Getting Fingerprints for FBI Background Check While in Qatar

 If you're living in Qatar, you've already gone through the process of getting your fingerprints taken in order to get your QID. So, you should be somewhat familiar with the process. But, I'll walk you step-by-step how I obtained my fingerprints for an FBI background check while living in Qatar.

I am a US citizen, living in Qatar, seeking employment in a country that requires me to have an apostilled FBI background check. I'll write more about the Apostille process in another post, but I'll share with you now how I obtained my fingerprints. I decided to use Accurate Biometrics (https://accuratebiometrics.com/), an FBI-approved Channeler. I've used them in the past, and I highly recommend them; however, there are other companies you can use. The first thing you will need to do is go to the website and follow the instructions (https://accuratebiometrics.com/international/services).

Follow the link: FBI Fingerprinting Processing By Mail

Then, you will need to click on Download FBI DO Fingerprint Forms Packet. Follow the instructions to fill out the forms.

Once you have them all filled out, it's time to get your prints taken. You will need to go to the Police Clearance Certificate (CEID) Office. When you get dropped off, make sure you go to the correct building. My Uber driver dropped me off at the wrong building, but it took less than five to walk to the correct place. It wasn't bad since it was December, but I would not recommend that walk on scorching, summer day.

Go to building #2, not building #1.

The office opens at 6 am Sunday-Thursday. I don't know what time they close, but if it's like any other government office, it will close early. I recommend getting there right when they open. After my mix-up, I got there around 6:15 am, and there was no line. The process is the same for both males and females, I assume, but I'm female, so I'll share my personal experience.

There is a female entrance that was locked, so I went in the main doors. After showing my Ehteraz app and getting my temperature taken, I was told to go to the female fingerprinting room. Once they realized I needed my prints physically rolled and not just done electronically, I was escorted into the hallway where a woman rolled my prints. With Accurate Biometrics, I needed to have two sets done. I was then told to go to the male waiting area to pay for my stamp and get the stamp. Don't forget your stamp. Also, since I had two pages, I needed to buy two stamps. Stamps are QAR 10 each, and I paid with my credit card. I don't know if they accept cash. Once the stamp was paid for, I took the receipt into another room to get my stamp. And, that's it!

The whole process took me about 75 minutes, and that's including me going to the wrong building and walking to the right one. I think the key is to go when you don't have anything else planned for several hours. You never know how long it will take.

The next step of the process is to send off your paperwork.