How Do I Get Fingerprinted for my TX Real Estate License?

Written by Kacie Goff

Getting a Texas real estate license is a pretty big undertaking. On top of completing your 180 hours of pre-license education and passing the real estate exam, you also need to do some more administrative-type work before you can get your license.

Specifically, you need to submit your fingerprints to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) so they can have the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the FBI perform a background check on you. And that means going to a TREC-approved fingerprinting location with the right ID number in hand. Fortunately, if you know what to expect, getting fingerprinted for your TX real estate license can be a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out. 

Before we launch in, though, you’ll see that the TREC refers to the company that handles their fingerprinting as MorphoTrust. MorphoTrust operates IdentoGO locations across the country. You’ll be working directly with IdentoGO (not MorphoTrust) to get your fingerprints.

Ready? Let’s get to it. 

Step 1: Find your IdentoGO ID

In order to schedule your fingerprinting appointment with MorphoTrust at an IndentoGO location, you need your TREC ID. You should have that number from the eligibility letter you got from the TREC when they accepted your application. If you don’t have that handy, you can also use your name and birthday to find your ID number.

Using either your TREC ID or your personal info, use this search form to get your IdentoGO ID. 

Step 2: Make your appointment

IndentoGO doesn’t accept walkins so you need to schedule your fingerprinting appointment in advance. You can do that by either calling (888) 467-2080 or booking it through their website. If that link doesn’t work, choose digital fingerprinting from the IdentoGO options and use service code “11G7QT” to make your appointment. 

Step 3: Show up on time and pay your fee

Now, it’s just a matter of heading to the right IdentoGO fingerprinting location at your appointment time with a photo ID and your eligibility letter from the TREC. 

The IdentoGO team will take your picture while you’re there, so be prepared for that. 

You’ll also need to pay the $38.25 fee for your fingerprinting. 

Once the IdentoGO team takes your fingerprints, they automatically transmit them to the DPS and FBI. Hold onto any receipts or documents they give you, but you shouldn’t need to do anything after your fingerprinting to get your prints to the right authorities. 

FAQs

Can I get fingerprinted out-of-state?

Yes. You’ll need to go through the process to get your fingerprint card — what’s known as a hard card — converted into an electronic record. IdentoGO has a guide to help you navigate this process.

Do I need to get fingerprinted again if I’ve already sent prints to the TREC?

If the TREC already has your prints on file because you previously applied for a real estate license or a Texas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board (TALCB) license, you’re good. You don’t need to get fingerprinted again. But if you’ve submitted your fingerprints to a different state agency, you still need to go through the TREC’s fingerprinting process.