Fill Out Your I 783 Form

What is the I-783 form?

The I-783 form, known as the Identity History Summary Request Form, is used to request a copy of an individual's Identity History Summary from the FBI. This summary includes any criminal history, if available, and is essential for those wanting to review their background or make updates to the records held by the FBI.

Who can use the I-783 form?

Any U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident can use the I-783 form to request their Identity History Summary. This includes individuals who wish to check their own records or those seeking information for immigration, employment, or licensing purposes.

What information is required to complete the I-783 form?

To complete the I-783 form, you will need to provide personal information such as your full name, date of birth, place of birth, Social Security number, race, sex, address, and contact information. It’s important that all required fields marked with an asterisk are filled out accurately to avoid delays.

Is the I-783 form a national background check?

No, the I-783 form does not serve as a national background check. The Identity History Summary may not include information from state databases, which are often included in employment background checks. For a more comprehensive check, you may need to go through your state identification bureau or another authorized agency.

How much does it cost to request an Identity History Summary?

The fee for requesting a copy of your Identity History Summary using the I-783 form is $18. Payment can be made via certified check, money order, or credit card, and must accompany your request.

Where should I send the completed I-783 form?

Your completed form, along with the fingerprint card and payment, should be mailed to the following address: FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request, 1000 Custer Hollow Road, Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306. Ensure that you send all required documents to avoid processing delays.

What if I don’t provide all the required information?

Providing complete and accurate information is crucial for your request to be processed. If you fail to provide all required information, it may delay the completion of your request or lead to an incomplete search of your records.

How long does it take to receive my Identity History Summary?

The processing time can vary. Generally, once the FBI receives your request with complete information and payment, it takes several weeks to process. If you need your summary urgently, consider checking for expedited options available through the FBI.

When completing the I-783 form, many people encounter common mistakes that can delay the processing of their request. One significant error is not including all required information. Certain fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory. Omitting any of these fields, such as the last name, date of birth, or social security number, can result in the form being rejected. It is crucial to carefully review the form before submission to ensure all required sections are filled out correctly.

Another frequent mistake is providing inaccurate or mismatched information. Ensure that the names and details match those on official documents. For example, if a person's name has changed, they must use their legal name as it appears on their government-issued ID. Mismatches can lead to complications and delays in obtaining the Identity History Summary.

Many also fail to pay attention to the payment method instructions. The I-783 form requires a payment of $18. Some applicants mistakenly send cash or personal checks, which the form does not accept. Checking the appropriate box for a certified check, money order, or credit card form is essential when submitting the application. This oversight can lead to further delays as the application may be returned for proper payment.

Lastly, not signing the requestor signature section is a critical error. The form must be signed and dated before submission. Failure to do so can result in the form being deemed incomplete. Double-check that the signature and date are included to avoid unnecessary processing delays.

The I-783 form, known as the Identity History Summary Request Form, is often accompanied by other important documents that serve specific purposes in the process of obtaining an identity history summary. Here are some of the common forms and documents that may be required:

• Fingerprint Card: This card captures the individual’s fingerprints, which are essential for conducting a background check. The fingerprints help match the individual's identity with existing records.
• Payment Method Form: This document indicates how the payment is being made for the request. Accepted payment methods usually include certified checks, money orders, or credit card information.
• Privacy Act Statement: This statement outlines how the FBI collects, uses, and shares personal information submitted through the I-783 form. It helps inform individuals of their rights regarding the information they provide.
• Requestor's Signature: The signed declaration from the individual requesting the identity history summary confirms the authenticity of the request and acknowledges the information provided is accurate.

While these documents support the I-783 form, each serves a distinct role in ensuring that the identity verification process is thorough and compliant with legal requirements. Gathering all necessary forms can facilitate a smoother experience in receiving the requested information from the FBI.

The I-783 form, which is the Identity History Summary Request Form, shares similarities with several other documents. Here’s a list detailing each similar document and how it relates.

• Form I-90: This is the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. Like the I-783, it seeks personal information for identification verification and background checks.
• Form I-821: This is the Application for Temporary Protected Status. It also requests identifying information, requiring personal details to establish eligibility for specific immigration benefits.
• Form I-485: The Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status uses personal data to determine residency status, similarly seeking an understanding of an individual's history.
• Form N-400: This is the Application for Naturalization. It requests detailed personal information to assess eligibility for U.S. citizenship, much like the identification collection in the I-783.
• FBI background check request: Individuals completing this request for employment or security purposes must supply identifying details, akin to the information requested in the I-783 form.
• Employment application forms: These documents often require personal history, including criminal background and identification data, mirroring the I-783's intention to verify identity.
• Passport application (Form DS-11): Applicants must provide identifying information and personal history, similar to the request for background information found in the I-783.
• Form FD-258: This is the fingerprint card used for background checks, focusing on identity verification and security clearance, akin to the biometric aspects of the I-783.
• Child Identity Theft Prevention Form: This document requests identifying information to protect against identity theft, paralleling the purpose of gathering identity data in the I-783.

Each of these documents centers on collecting identifying information for various legal and administrative purposes, thereby highlighting the importance of identity verification in different contexts.

When filling out the I-783 form, following a few essential dos and don'ts can make a difference in your experience. Here are six things to keep in mind:

• Do provide accurate information. Ensure that the names, birth dates, and other personal details are correct.
• Don't leave required fields blank. Missing information can lead to delays in processing your request.
• Do double-check your payment method. Confirm that the payment is correctly filled out before submitting your form.
• Don't submit without a signature. The form must be signed to validate your request.
• Do include your contact information. This makes it easier for the FBI to reach you if there are questions.
• Don't forget to mail the form to the correct address. Ensure you send it to the FBI's CJIS Division in West Virginia.

When it comes to the I-783 Identity History Summary Request Form, various misconceptions often cloud the understanding of its purpose and use. It's crucial to clear up these misunderstandings to help individuals navigate the process more smoothly. Here are seven prevalent misconceptions:

• It's a national background check. Many people mistakenly believe that the I-783 form serves as a comprehensive national background check. In reality, it only provides a summary of your FBI identification records and may not include state-specific information.
• Anyone can request a summary. Some think that anyone can request their own or someone else's identity history summary. However, the form is designed primarily for individuals to request their own records and not for third-party requests.
• It includes all criminal history. There's a common assumption that the summary will contain all past criminal offenses. The summary may not reflect every arrest or conviction, as this can depend on various factors, including the information retained by different jurisdictions.
• Submitting the form guarantees quick results. Many individuals expect immediate processing of their requests. While the form is relatively quick to fill out, processing times can vary based on current FBI workloads and other factors.
• The payment is optional. Some may believe that the $18 fee is optional. In truth, this fee is required to process the request and must be included with the form submission.
• Social Security Number is mandatory. Many think that a Social Security Number is absolutely necessary for the request. While providing it can expedite the search, it's not strictly required, and you can still submit the form without it.
• This form updates your criminal record. There's a misconception that submitting the I-783 form will automatically update or correct any inaccuracies in your criminal record. This form allows you to request your summary, but any changes must be pursued through the appropriate channels.

Understanding these points can help clarify the role of the I-783 form and what to expect during the process. Always check the latest guidelines directly from the FBI to ensure you're equipped with the most accurate information.

Here are key takeaways regarding filling out and using the I-783 form:

• Required Information: Many fields must be completed to ensure the request is processed smoothly. Essential information includes your last name, first name, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
• Identity History Summary: The I-783 form allows individuals to request a copy of their identity history summary from the FBI. This can be beneficial for personal review or for updating records.
• Not a Background Check: It's important to understand that this form does not serve as a comprehensive national background check. Records may not include data from state repositories.
• Alternative Channels: If you need this report for employment or licensing, other authorized channels may be required by federal law or state statutes.
• Payment Options: The form requires a payment of $18, which can be made via certified check, money order, or credit card. Ensure that payment is enclosed with your request.
• Mailing Instructions: Completed forms must be mailed to the FBI's CJIS Division in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Ensure the request is signed and includes all necessary components for processing.