Texas Real Estate Fingerprints and Background Check: What to Expect

The short version

TREC says that any person applying for or renewing a license must provide fingerprints for a criminal history check (TREC fingerprint requirements page, checked October 15, 2026).

The prints are taken by a vendor. The background check itself is run by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the FBI, not by the vendor.

Who takes your prints

TREC names IdentoGO by IDEMIA as the vendor. IdentoGO collects your fingerprints and sends them to the FBI through Texas DPS.

TREC also says IdentoGO has no role in researching or processing your background check or in delivering the results.

How you get an appointment

TREC lists two paths.

• New applicants are automatically authorized for a fingerprinting appointment after applying. TREC says to check your email for instructions.
• People who already have a REALM Portal account can use the Fingerprint Enrollment tool in the application area.

Prints must be taken the right way

TREC says prints must be in the FBI format and taken at an authorized DPS site. Prints you gave for another reason do not count. TREC names prior employment or another state's license as examples.

That means you should not send old fingerprint cards. Wait for your TREC instructions first.

What it costs

The TREC fee schedule effective September 1, 2026 lists a Fingerprint Fee of $37.00. It says the fee is paid to IDEMIA if the applicant has not been fingerprinted for TREC before (checked October 15, 2026).

Reprints for unreadable prints are free, per TREC. This is separate from the fitness determination fee. See below.

If your prints are unreadable

TREC says IDEMIA will contact you if your prints cannot be read. Reprints come at no added cost, and they cannot be scheduled online.

If prints are unreadable a second time, TREC staff start a manual FBI name search. TREC says this adds to processing time.

If you live outside the service area

TREC says that if you live outside the IdentoGO service area, you may ask for a Hard Card. It must be the TREC card, because it carries codes DPS and the FBI need. IdentoGO has details on how Texas non-residents can use it.

Fingerprints are not the same as a fitness determination

A fitness determination is a separate TREC process. It tells you whether your criminal or disciplinary history could keep you from getting a license. The fee schedule lists it at $50.00 plus a $4.00 online fee, $54.00 in total, and says only online payment is accepted (checked October 15, 2026).

Read our guide on getting a license with a criminal record for how that process works.

What TREC does not say

The TREC fingerprint page does not give a result time. It does not say how long your prints or check stay valid. Do not plan around a number we cannot source. Ask TREC at 512.936.3000 if timing matters for your plans.

Fingerprint facts at a glance

This table pulls together what the TREC pages above say. Anything not on a TREC page is left out.

Renewals also need prints

The TREC renewal page says that if you have not given fingerprints with an earlier application or renewal, you must be fingerprinted for a criminal background check. The fingerprint page also says people renewing a license must provide prints.

If you gave prints to TREC when you first applied, ask TREC whether a new set is needed before you renew. Our guide on renewing your license covers the rest of the renewal steps.

Mistakes to avoid

These are mistakes we see people ask about. This list is ours, not a TREC list.

• Ignoring the TREC email because it landed in a spam folder.
• Showing up with an old fingerprint card from a past job.
• Waiting until the last month before your one-year application window ends.
• Paying a company that TREC does not name as its vendor.
• Not replying when IDEMIA says your prints could not be read.
• Assuming the vendor can tell you the result of your background check. TREC says it cannot.

Questions to ask TREC

If your case is not simple, call TREC at 512.936.3000 before you book. Good questions are listed here.

• Do I need new prints, or does TREC already have mine?
• Which site or process should I use if I live out of state?
• How will I know the check is finished?
• Does a past arrest or record change my steps? See the fitness determination option.

A simple plan

This is our planning idea, not a TREC rule.

• File your application and watch your email for the fingerprint instructions.
• Book the appointment soon, because your application expires one year after you file it.
• Bring what the email tells you to bring.
• If IDEMIA says your prints were unreadable, reply fast and get the free reprint.
• Keep your confirmation until TREC shows the check as done.

Check TREC for your case

Your steps may differ if you are renewing, live out of state or have a past record. Check the TREC pages below.

Education only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm licensing rules with TREC.

Where this fits

See the full list of Texas real estate license requirements and how long a license takes to issue. If you are licensed in DFW and want to talk with The Bauer Group, you can start a conversation on our site.