In the United States, people may need to get fingerprinted for several reasons. If you want to work in care facilities for kids, old age, etc., or for the government, you need to go through fingerprint background checks. Other than employment, fingerprint-based criminal background checks are required for licensure, immigration or neutralization matter, security clearance, or adoption.
Before getting hired in a regulated environment such as healthcare, banks, financial service firms, etc. employers may want your criminal background. Some states such as Florida would want real estate agents to be screened for criminal background. There are federal laws for criminal background screening, however, states may have their own regulations that may be applicable alongside the federal laws.
Due to the state-specific background check regulations and requirements, there come differences in the background check process. For example, a state may want you to submit fingerprints only with FD 258 fingerprint cards while another state may only accept live scans for residents.
Federal background check requirements
Federal background check requirements provide a blueprint for all the states across the country for the criminal background check process. Federal background check requirements are the minimum set of regulations and requirements that has to be in place while performing background checks. If a state does not want to introduce or enforce any regulations or requirements specific to it, federal background check requirements apply anyway.
According to the FBI, authorized governmental and non-governmental agencies/offices that conduct a national fingerprint-based criminal history record check on an applicant for a non-criminal justice purpose (such as employment or license, immigration or neutralization matter, security clearance or adoption) are obligated to ensure the applicant is provided certain notices and that the results of the checks are handled in a manner that protects the applicant’s privacy.
All notices must be provided in writing. These obligations are pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974, Title 5, United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 552a, and title 28, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 50.2 among other authorities.
For example, in some states, if you want to have your background checks done, you will have to do it using fingerprint cards as the state will not accept electronic prints (live scan). They will only accept a card so you have to either take ink impressions of your fingerprints or print FD 258 cards and mail them to the state department.
Some states will ask you to directly submit your background check request to the FBI with a live scan fingerprint or the FD 258 cards. So there are different ways to send prints in different states, however, each state is eventually going to submit it to the FBI as it holds the nationwide criminal records.
Let us go through the state by state background check regulations and requirements.
According to the Alabama Child Protection Act of 1999, individuals having unsupervised access to children in schools, early education institutions, etc. need to go through a criminal history background check with fingerprints. You will also need to be fingerprinted if you need a license to start in early care and education settings.
It is important to know that in the state of Alabama, you have to capture and submit your prints with fingerprint cards, i.e. FD 258 card. You can collect the FD 258 fingerprint cards at a nearby law enforcement agency such as the police department or county sheriff’s office, however, this facility is may not be available at all law enforcement offices, so it will be a good idea to call and confirm in advance.
Live scan fingerprinting is yet to see the light of day in the state of Alabama as there are no FBI-approved channelers in the state yet. The state authority, however, has partnered with Gemalto Thales to provide live scan fingerprinting with its Alabama Applicant Processing Service (AAPS) program.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) office in Montgomery will print you without requiring you to call ahead to make an appointment or requiring a fee for printing.
You would need a client number as mentioned in your Request for Fingerprinting Form which is generally provided by the organization requesting fingerprinting.
Other than these, the state of Alabama does not have any specific background check laws or requirements so federal regulations are applicable.
The state of Alaska sets forth fingerprint background check requirements for care homes that include assisted living homes as well as nursing homes. These facilities require a sworn statement from the potential employee about his/her past convictions as per the regulations.
The state requires facilities to submit fingerprints to the Department of Public Safety for conducting background checks within 30 days of hire. These prints are then sent to the FBI for a criminal history background check. There are no authorized channelers to live scan, so fingerprint submissions have to be made manually using FD-258 fingerprint cards.
Private-sector contractors and vendors who have direct access to the criminal justice database, state statute (Pub. L. 92-544) or authority exists to authorize the submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database.
The hiring facility also has to make sure that the candidate provides a criminal background report from criminal history name-check report no older than 30 days as completed by the Department of Public Safety.
Apart from that also does not provide any specific requirements for a background check so federal regulations are applicable.
The Arizona Department of Administration establishes hiring requirements in accordance with its “Second Chance Box” policy. This policy does not allow state agencies to ask candidates about any past criminal records during the initial stage of the hiring process and criminal records should not be used as the basis for stopping a candidate from attending the interview process. However, the stage agencies can go ahead with the criminal background check process after the initial interview process is over.
The state’s local policies, however, comply with all the federal regulations, wherever it does not provide specific requirements. You can use live scan as well as fingerprint cards to send fingerprints to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Under state and federal law, all applicants such as social workers, private security, physician, longer-term care providers, nurses, accountants, etc. require a criminal record check in Arkansas. These checks are also required for individuals working in certain positions in the industries such as pharmacy, real estate industry, licensed child and adult care facilities as well as for school employees – both public and private, who need to pass a state and federal background check.
An applicant may be disqualified if he/she has committed a violation of any sexual offense as stated in the state law.
If you need a background check in the state of Arkansas, it can be done at any of the listed live scan service providers. A Live Scan Operator can only capture and submit fingerprints electronically to the Arkansas State Police AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System). If you just need state background checks, you can contact any of the listed Harvesters. Harvesters are authorized third-party service providers to conduct state background checks.
The state authority only accepts electronic fingerprint submissions from an approved harvester or live scan operator, so you would not be able to send ink captured or live-scanned and printed fingerprint cards to the Arkansas Department of Public Safety. However, if you are not an Arkansas resident, electronic fingerprint submission will not be accepted and you will need to submit fingerprints on an FD-258 fingerprint card along with your background check request.
The state does not impose any additional requirements for a background check so federal regulations are applicable as they are.
The State of California has its own background check regulations and requirements that will tell you exactly what to do in order to get fingerprinted in the state. California Department of Justice keeps a database of all arrests as well as court actions taking place in the state. These records are used by law enforcement agencies for criminal identification as well as background checks for non-criminal purposes (such as employment, licensing, etc.).
To get a background check done, applicants have to complete a request for live scan service form specific to DOJ (BCIA 8016). California’s Department of Justice (DOJ) requires different forms to be applied for different employment types (i.e. organization types).
If an applicant wants FBI criminal history background checks along with DOJ background checks. The DOJ forwards the request to the FBI. The FBI reverts to the DOJ with the results as it maintains nationwide criminal records.
If you need a state-only background check, DOJ background checks should suffice. For a nationwide criminal record screening, you should also get FBI background checks done.
The State of California only allows an electronic live scan fingerprinting process when requested by a resident (of the state). It would not accept FD 258 fingerprint cards from the residents of California, non-residents, however, can apply for fingerprint card-based background verification. Also, you have to be in the state of California to get live scanned.
California also requires live scan service providers to be trained before they can start as live scan fingerprinting service providers. Live scans are sent electronically to the DOJ, and the state does not allow you to go directly to the FBI.
The state of Colorado requires a fingerprint criminal background check before licensure for childcare facilities, education facilities such as schools, real estate agencies, etc. The state also requires you to go through fingerprinting background check for employment in government and regulated organizations (such as healthcare facilities, banks, financial service firms, etc.). Certain applications such as filing name change petitions, and kinship adoptions (adoption of a child by relatives).
The state requires you to submit fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), for Colorado and a nationwide criminal history background check with the FBI. The state runs the Colorado Applicant Background Services program (CABS), under which you can submit fingerprints with a channeler.
The state of Colorado allows you to submit fingerprints using a live scan with a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) approved fingerprinting provider. These third-party service providers can capture electronic fingerprints for your clearance, licensure, or employment criminal background checks. Residents of other states can also submit fingerprints using FD 258 fingerprint cards as the live scan fingerprinting facility is limited to Colorado residents only.
Applicants can register and book an appointment with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) approved service providers such as Colorado Fingerprinting or IdentoGo by Idemia. Idemia has several fingerprinting locations across the United States while Colorado Fingerprinting provides its services in Colorado.
The state of Connecticut requires fingerprinting for certain licensure (such as childcare) and the employment position in these facilities. Candidates, however, cannot compel an employee to disclose any criminal charge, conviction, etc., the record of which has been deleted. The employers may not also reject the candidature of any individual solely on the basis of the existence of criminal records.
However, if the employers have a reason to believe that the nature of any past crime makes the employment position vulnerable, it may be denied.
Connecticut State Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) requires you to pre-enrolled in the FlexCheck Applicant System in order to be fingerprinted. Once you are pre-enrolled, you will be provided with a document with a barcode and tracking number. This document must be printed out and bought along with you to your appointment.
Contact your prospective employer to be pre-enrolled or to get pre-enrolled instructions. Once pre-enrolled, you can bring your tracking number and barcode to your local police department or you can make an appointment online with DESPP.
Appointments should only be made for fingerprinting services. These include but are not limited to fingerprinting for letters of good conduct, guard cards, pardon requests, fingerprinting support, criminal history record checks, and fingerprints associated with other types of employment or licensing. Fingerprinting is offered by appointment only.
The printed confirmation attachment received in your email confirms the appointment you must have this paper with you or you will not be admitted for fingerprinting. You also need to carry a valid issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, Connecticut ID card, or passport for identification purposes.
The state of Delaware sets forth fingerprint-based criminal background check requirements for licensing and employment for businesses such as nursing homes, child care facilities, healthcare facilities, home-based healthcare service providers, paramedics, security guards, private investigators, ambulance attendants, etc.
Businesses running a healthcare or child care facility need to run a Child Abuse Registry check and an Adult Abuse Registry check before hiring candidates. Healthcare-related businesses such as nursing homes, home-based healthcare service providers, etc. have to run fingerprint-based criminal history background checks and have them reviewed with the Department of Health and Social Services before they can hire employees.
Even if these entities have contracted someone else to operate these businesses, the same background check procedure has to be followed. The candidate cannot be hired if there is a disqualifying crime that comes up in the report.
Delaware state police are responsible for taking background check requests and fingerprinting, while the State Bureau of Identification is responsible for processing the requests. The fingerprints are captured with FD-258 cards as the live scan fingerprinting service providers (FBI-approved channelers) are yet to come up for electronic fingerprinting services.
There is a state statute to authorize the submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database for vendors and private sector contractors who have direct access to criminal justice information/systems.
In the District of Columbia, there are several instances such as employment in child care/adult care homes, mental health facilities, licensure for these facilities, clearances, medical/nursing licensure, etc.
District of Columbia restricts employers from asking about or searching for an applicant’s criminal record before or during the initial phase of the interview process. Managers must wait until at least the first job interview to inquire about an individual’s criminal history. Employers may not reject the candidature of a candidate solely based on the results of criminal background checks.
District of Columbia’s Metropolitan Police Department is responsible for accepting fingerprint-based criminal background check requests. The state agency requires you to submit prints on an FD-258 fingerprint card captured using ink for the purposes such as nursing/medical license, bar exams, mental health, government clearance, etc. You have to be a resident of the District of Columbia to be ink fingerprinted, residential status can be proved using a driving license issued by the state or a by presenting an ID issued by the U.S. military.
In the state of Florida, FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) is the agency responsible for running the fingerprint criminal background check process. There is a state statute to authorize the submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database for vendors and private sector contractors who have direct access to criminal justice information/systems.
- Fire safety inspectors and fire-fighters
- Law enforcement, probation officers, and correctional officers
- Financial institutions
- Ambulatory surgical centers, and private utilization review agents
- Home health agencies and mobile surgical facilities
- Nurse registries
- Nursing homes
- Alcohol and drug treatment centers
- Adult daycare centers
- Crisis stabilization units
- Home-based healthcare providers
- Employees who hold positions of special trust or a sensitive location
- Hospices
- Hospitals
- Multiphasic health testing centers
- Birth centers and pregnancy termination clinics
- Clinical labs
- Law enforcement officers
- Service providers who come in direct contact with certain minor and differently-abled persons
FDLE has authorized third-party live scan fingerprinting service providers (aka authorized channelers) to capture and submit your fingerprint criminal background check applications. These businesses can help you submit your background check requests and fingerprints for a fee.
Live scan fingerprint-based criminal background check facility is only limited to the residents of Florida. Non-residents or residents of other states can apply for background checks using FD-258 fingerprint cards by mailing them to the agency.
In the state of Georgia, a fingerprint-based criminal background check is applicable for employment in care facilities such as child care, adult daycare centers, long-term care facilities, assisted living communities, home-based healthcare service providers, nursing homes, hospices, and healthcare facilities, etc.
Other than the care home and healthcare facilities, a national fingerprint-based criminal history record check on an applicant for a non-criminal justice purpose (such as employment or license, immigration or neutralization matter, security clearance, or adoption) is also required in the state of Georgia.
The employer must perform fingerprint-based criminal background checks before a candidate can be hired in these facilities. Certain types of healthcare providers are exempt from state fingerprint background checks requirements such as Audiologists, Chiropractors, Dentists, Dieticians, etc.
Candidates/agencies looking for fingerprint background checks can register on GAPS – Georgia Applicant Processing Services website. GAPS is a live scan fingerprinting service facilitated by Gemalto/Thales. GAPS offers a better turnaround time than fingerprint submissions made with FD-258 fingerprint cards.
However, Out-of-state applicants can only submit fingerprints via a completed fingerprint card. Out-of-state applicants are also required to register online prior to mailing in fingerprint cards and include their Registration ID.
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC), Department of the Attorney General is responsible for running and managing the fingerprinting and background check process in the state of Hawaii. Child care facilities, adult care facilities, schools (both public and private), financial service companies (e.g. insurance firms), and correctional facilities operating within the jurisdiction of Hawaii, need to conduct criminal background checks before hiring individuals. Armed security personnel may not be deployed at the airports in the state of Hawaii without going through the criminal history background checks.
The state prohibits employers from probing an applicant’s criminal history until after a conditional employment offer has been made. Applicants’ criminal records cannot be used to make a decision about employment unless the records are believed to be linked to the job. However, employers who are authorized by law to access and review applicants’ credit information, employers hiring for positions at federally insured financial institutions, and managerial or supervisory positions, are exempt from this requirement.
There is no state statute to authorize the submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database for vendors and private sector contractors who have direct access to criminal justice information/systems. Since there is no authorizing statute, fingerprint-based background checks are not conducted on civil/non-criminal justice agencies that have access to CJI or state CJI systems.
HCJDC accepts fingerprints captured with live scan digital fingerprinting as well FD-258 cards. There are third-party live scan service providers (channelers), who will process your fingerprints for a fee. Fieldprint is the largest live scan fingerprint service provider with locations throughout the state. All you need to do is create an account and schedule the appointment on its website. You can pick any fingerprint location convenient to you.
Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification is the authorized agency to facilitate and manage the background check process in the State of Idaho.
The state sets forth fingerprint-based criminal background check requirements for employment in child care centers, healthcare facilities, and personal care centers. In long-term care facilities, individuals with direct access to patients also need to pass a criminal history background check. The same applies to the employees who may have direct access to the patients through a home health agency.
Criminal history background checks are also required for the applicants to the state board of nursing for original licensing or reinstatement.
The state also requires employees of companies that are operating in the financial services space such as broker-dealers, investment advisers, and salespersons to go through fingerprint-based criminal background screening before they can be hired for these positions.
There is no state statute (Pub. L. 92-544) or authority to authorize the submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database for vendors and private sector contractors who have direct access to criminal justice information/systems. Since there is no authorizing statute, fingerprint-based background checks are not conducted on civil/non-criminal justice agencies that have access to CJI or state CJI systems.
There are no authorized channelers in the state at this time. Fingerprints for vendors or contractors are submitted by the agency for which the vendor or contractor is providing service. Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification does not run vendor or contractor fingerprint background checks without an Idaho agency submitting them for work being done at their facility. One set of prints is required. A state card is not required in addition to an FD-258. Vendor/contractor submissions must be submitted on cards and cannot be submitted electronically.
Some state agencies with approved 92-544 statutory authority and the majority of submitting criminal justice agencies send fingerprint and demographic information electronically. Agencies that do not have livescan capabilities submit fingerprint cards through the mail or in-person. ISP prefers electronic submission as it reduces the timeline for submission and processing and eliminates state agency errors in data entry.
In the state of Illinois, employers cannot use criminal history records or arrest information as the basis for refusal to employment, renewal of employment, promotion, and related employment-related activities, if the criminal history records or arrest information has been ordered expunged, sealed, or impounded.
The state’s Health Care Worker Background Check Act provides a detailed guideline for “protecting the citizens of the State of Illinois, who are the frailest and who are persons with disabilities from possible harm through a criminal background check of certain health care workers and all employees of licensed and certified long-term care facilities who have or may have contact with residents or have access to the living quarters or the financial, medical, or personal records of residents.”
To meet its objectives, the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act requires employees of healthcare settings to go through fingerprint criminal background checks collected through IDPH-approved livescan vendors. This rule is applicable to every health-related occupation where the provider comes in direct contact with the patient. Positions such as personal care assistants, home healthcare professionals, nurses, etc., and other healthcare service providers with direct access to patients, clients, or residents, are included in this list.
A healthcare outfit must initiate the fingerprint-based criminal history screening process, requested by the Department of Public Health while making a conditional offer of employment to individual hiring on positions mentioned above.
Other than the healthcare settings, private schools also need all applicants for employment to authorize fingerprint-based criminal history records to check as a condition of employment. Private organizations can also use conviction information for evaluating the employment eligibility of an applicant. The state also limits the use of credit reports in the hiring process.
Organizations or individuals can use live scan fingerprinting as well as fingerprint cards to furnish their biometric information. However, State applicants can only submit fingerprints using an FD-258 fingerprint card along with a completed fingerprint authorization form. Federal Departmental Order DO 556-73 allows individuals to request a criminal history record even if the request does not originate from any government or employment-related activity. Individuals can conduct a personal review of this information in order to challenge any error in records.
In the state of Indiana, the Indiana State Police is the state authority responsible for managing and overseeing the criminal background checks. For private sector contractors and vendors who have direct access to the criminal justice database, state statute (Pub. L. 92-544) / authority exists to authorize the submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database.
The Indiana General Assembly requires all healthcare professionals to be taken through fingerprint-based criminal background checks prior to issuing a license. Child care facilities also need to conduct a fingerprint-based national criminal history background check on all child care providers (including all applicants, staff, and volunteers). However, an employer may not ask an applicant or employee about any past criminal records to make a conditional offer for employment.
Live scan service in Indiana is provided through IdentoGo by MorphoTrust USA. Applicants can go to its website (www.identogo.com) and schedule an appointment. Applicants need to select the state agency or license/permit category and they are provided with further options to select their corresponding organization. Applicants then need to provide a zip code of their location and the system searches for the nearest fingerprinting location. You will get a list of all the fingerprinting service providers in the vicinity of your zip code and you can schedule an appointment by clicking the Schedule button on the date and day of your choice.
Indiana state allows individuals with misdemeanors or class D felony convictions to request the sealing of their criminal records after 5 years. This period is further extended to eight years in the case of a class D felony. However, the state has restricted the use of information where a person has been charged, but not convicted of a crime as the person may not have been found guilty or charges may have been withdrawn.
In the state of Iowa, the Department of Public Safety is responsible for managing and overseeing fingerprinting services and facilitating fingerprint services with the help of UI Police. Child care facilities have to perform a fingerprint-based criminal history background check prior to employing individuals within the jurisdiction of the state. Law pre-empts the City of Waterloo’s restriction on employers’ use of applicants’ criminal record history when making hiring decisions.
Dependent adult care facilities in Iowa also need to perform criminal background checks before they can hire personnel to fill positions in these facilities. Child care and dependent adult care facilities need to request child abuse, dependent adult abuse, and criminal record checks of the applicant in the state. These facilities can also request child abuse record checks with the Department of Human Services. The candidates should be informed about the results of the background checks process before the employment and the facility should maintain a record of signed acknowledgment.
Background check requests of all personnel should be initiated after taking the signed consent of the applicants who have applied for a position in these care facilities.
Care facilities are also required to include the following inquiry in an application for employment: “Do you have a record of founded child or dependent adult abuse or have you ever been convicted of a crime other than a simple misdemeanor offense relating to motor vehicles and laws of the road in this state or any other state?”
In the state of Iowa, fingerprint capture for criminal background record screening is done using ink and fingerprint cards as the state yet to deploy live scan fingerprinting through channelers. The UI Department of Public Safety offers fingerprinting services with the help of UI Police. To have your appointment scheduled for fingerprint capture, you need to call UI Police at 319-335-5022 at least one day in advance as the agency does not entertain walk-in or same-day appointments. You will also need to carry a state-issued ID for identification.
The agency urges the applicants that if they have a fingerprint card in hand prior to their appointment, they can fill out all personal information before their arrival.
The Information Services Division of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is the authorized agency to manage and oversee the background check process in the state of Kansas. The state has criminal history background check requirements in place for home health care agencies and adult care homes.
Employers must request fingerprint-based criminal history background checks before hiring candidates in these facilities. Employers, however, can raise a conditional offer for employment to the candidates awaiting results of criminal history background checks.
An applicant can be exempted from the background checks requirement if he/she has gone through a fingerprint-based criminal history background check process within one year prior to applying for employment in an adult care home.
To get fingerprinted in the state of Kansas, you will need to call the Kansas state police department and schedule an appointment. The agency does not offer walk-in appointments, so it is important to schedule your appointment before you arrive. Currently, the Kansas state police department schedules appointments from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays –except on football game day weekends. The agency captures subject fingerprints using FD-258 fingerprint cards and urges you to have your fingerprint card completed (but not signed) before you arrive.
Once your appointment is scheduled, you can pay the fingerprinting fee online or in person during your visit.
Applicants need to carry a government-issued photo ID and fingerprint information document to the fingerprinting agency. Fingerprints are subsequently submitted to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) for a state-level criminal history background check and to the FBI for a national criminal history record search.
In the state of Kentucky, senior citizen care providers, govt. funded social service providers and nursing facilities may not hire individuals with a criminal history for the positions in which they might come in direct contact with people admitted to these facilities. Kentucky state law requires a fingerprint-based criminal history background check for positions in senior citizen care facilities, govt. funded social service organizations and nursing facilities.
The Kentucky State Police Department is the authorized agency to facilitate and manage the background check services in the state of Kansas. It has partnered with IDEMIA to provide live scan service through the IdentoGO live scan process. Applicants can be registered via the UEnroll website. IdentoGO charges a fee of $51.25 for both the state and federal background reports.
It should be noted that any fingerprinting fee charged by a law enforcement agency, up to $10, is in addition to the IdentoGo and background check fee required by your requesting agency. Live scan reports are typically received within three business days from the day of submission.
Since the introduction of the new digital live scan process on December 9th, 2020 for applicant fingerprinting, the previous method of submitting F-258 fingerprint cards to the Kentucky State Police is no longer available, and all applicants will need to register via the UEnroll website. The new UEP Public Website is located at https://uenroll.identogo.com/.
Organizations or agencies that have a statutory requirement to conduct fingerprint-based State and FBI criminal background checks are authorized to be fingerprinted at an IdentoGo location.
In the state of Louisiana, the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information is responsible for managing its state-wide AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System). The state has fingerprint-based criminal history background check requirements in place for employment purposes in facilities such as child care facilities, healthcare outfits, etc.
Unless an applicant has been drawn a conditional employment offer or given the opportunity for an interview in a public sector organization, employers in Louisiana are prohibited from inquiring about an applicant’s criminal history. The state also provides criteria for employers making hiring decisions in conjunction with criminal history records and prohibits discrimination in employment based on criminal history.
However, employers may refuse to hire or contract with an individual based on certain criminal background information. For example, any licensed ambulance operator who has been convicted of an offense that includes the distribution or possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances can be refused employment.
Child care homes hiring individuals for a position of supervisory or disciplinary authority over children, the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information is required to provide information regarding all criminal convictions for a period of ten years. Nurses and nursing applicants are also required to go through fingerprint-based criminal history background screening for their licensure.
The Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information provides operational management and technical assistance to the users of the system in addition to ensuring system operational compliance and quality control.
The Louisiana Computerized Criminal History system is also maintained by the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information, which contains arrest, disposition, and incarceration information on individuals who have been arrested in the state of Louisiana. This system also contains information on individuals who have applied for certain positions which require a fingerprint-based background check.
Criminal history information, when authorized by law, is also available for applicants for various employment types such as daycare centers, schools, social services, healthcare outfits, medical professionals, individuals working in the gaming industry, and regulatory agencies that require criminal history screenings before hiring or contracting candidates.
Maine State Bureau of Identification is the authorized agency to manage and oversee the criminal background check process in the state. There are certain employment types such as certified nursing assistants, school teachers, etc. that require applicants to undergo criminal background checks as a condition of employment.
Anyone who works for a school district and is over 18 years old needs to be fingerprinted in Maine. Individuals who are contracted through a school district, also need to go through fingerprint-based criminal background record checks. Volunteers may be asked to be fingerprinted at the discretion of the school district. Fingerprints may also be required from employees of security guard firms to the Maine Commissioner of Public Safety, if necessary to resolve any identity-related issues.
For private-sector contractors and vendors who have direct access to the criminal justice database, a state statute (Pub. L. 92-544) / authority exists to authorize the submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database. Within some agencies, if there is a state qualifying statute as well, background checks will be processed if submitted by law enforcement agencies for employees or contractors.
There are authorized channelers for some of the agencies that have a state qualifying statute; but, ultimately, all transactions must be processed through the State Bureau of Identification to the FBI.
Maine State Bureau of Identification has partnered with IDEMIA to provide live scan services through the IdentoGO live scan process. Applicants can register via the IdentoGo website. IdentoGO charges a processing fee of $55 for processing background checks. The live scan facility is only for Maine residents and out of the state applicants must submit fingerprints via FD-258 fingerprint cards.
In the state of Maryland, the Department of State Police is responsible for managing and overseeing the criminal background check process. The state sets forth fingerprint-based state and federal criminal history background check requirements for employees of the following facilities.
- Foster care homes or group facilities
- Recreation centers for minors
- Child care centers
- Family care centers
- Homes and institutions
- Certain private schools
- Juvenile detention, correction, or treatment facilities
If an applicant has been convicted for certain crimes that involve violence and/or child sexual abuse, he/she may not be hired in a private school at a position that allows him/her to come in contact with students. Adult dependent care program running in the state needs to conduct fingerprint-based state criminal history background checks on their employees.
Employers in the state of Maryland may not ask employees to disclose information regarding expunged criminal charges. Employers may also not refuse employment to an applicant or expel an employee because he/she has not disclosed information about expunged criminal charges.
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the entity that processes both State and Federal fingerprint cards, has notified the Maryland State Police that they will only process electronic submissions of fingerprints beginning on April 15, 2012. Electronic fingerprints using live scan fingerprinting can be submitted via an approved site or vendor in the state.
Out-of-state applicants, however, are exceptions to this rule and like most other states, they can only submit their fingerprints with fingerprint cards (FD-258) as live scan fingerprinting is only allowed for Maryland state residents.
Employment-related fingerprint background check requests should include the agency’s name and authorization number from which the request originated. A Z-ORI number may also be required if the background check request is being sent to a government agency. Applicants need to carry along a photo ID issued by a government agency for identification purposes.
In Massachusetts state, State Police State Identification Section (SIS) maintains the fingerprint records while the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services is responsible for maintaining the court arraignment and disposition records.
The state sets forth fingerprint-based state and federal criminal history background check requirements for the different departments and facilities across the state.
- Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
- Department of Early Education and Care
- Department of Developmental Services
- Registry of Motor Vehicles
- MassHealth – Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- Department of Transportation
- Department of Children and Families
The state adheres to FBI CJIS Security Policy to authorize the submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database for vendors and private sector contractors who have direct access to criminal justice information/systems.
Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) has authorized IdentoGO by IDEMIA to be the exclusive live scan fingerprinting provider, which is also a certified FBI third party channeler and provides its live scan services across the country.
To have their fingerprinting appointment scheduled, applicants need to select the state agency or license/permit category and they are provided with further options on the IdentoGo by IDEMIA website.
Applicants then need to provide a zip code of their location and the system looks for the nearest fingerprinting location. You will get a list of all the fingerprinting service providers in the vicinity of your zip code and you can schedule an appointment by clicking the Schedule button on the date and day of your choice. Out-of-state residents, however, can only send prints on fingerprint cards via mail.
The Michigan State Police is the authorized agency to manage and oversee the background check process in the State of Michigan. The state adheres to FBI CJIS Security Policy to authorize the submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database for vendors and private sector contractors who have direct access to criminal justice information/systems.
Following businesses and facilities operating in the jurisdiction of the state of Michigan need to fingerprint applicants before they can be hired for certain positions.
- Child care centers
- Old age homes
- Long term care centers
- Healthcare/medical care facilities, nursing homes, hospice
- Home-based healthcare service providers
- Private security guard licensees
- Employees in investment advisory firms,
- Employees of broker-dealers, commodity issuers.
- Schools
- The school bus driver or pupil transportation vehicle driver
In healthcare/medical care agencies, nursing homes, hospices, and home health agencies, employees with direct access to patients/residents, need to go through fingerprint-based criminal history record checks.
Fingerprinting must be a condition of employment (unless waived) in financial firms such as investment advisory firms, broker-dealers, etc.
Employers in the state of Michigan cannot force employees to pay to cover the cost of fingerprinting. The state has also restricted the use of information where a person has been charged, but not convicted of a crime as the person may not have been found guilty or charges may have been withdrawn.
In order to go through a fingerprint-based criminal history record check, the applicants can schedule an appointment with any live scan service provider approved by the Michigan State Police. IdentoGO by IDEMIA is certified by the Michigan State Police (MSP) to provide fingerprinting services throughout the State of Michigan and is also a certified FBI channeler.
To have your appointment scheduled with IdentoGO by IDEMIA, you need to go to its website (http://cmsadmin.identogo.com/locations/michigan) and click Digital Fingerprinting Box. It will take you to the “Michigan Fingerprinting & Enrollment Services” screen where different options are provided such as In-State Digital FingerprintingServices; Out-of-State Digital Fingerprinting Services; Non-Resident Card Scan Process; etc.
As a Michigan resident, you need to select “In-State Digital Fingerprinting Services (Live Scan)” if you are in the state of Michigan. You will need to provide your Requester or Agency ID number on the next screen. If you are being fingerprinted as a MI Long Term Care applicant and have a confirmation number, you need to click on the link provided on the same screen. After providing information and selecting options, you will be able to schedule an appointment by clicking the Schedule button on the date and day of your choice.
Michigan live scan service is limited to Michigan residents only and out-of-state residents need to submit prints on a fingerprint card via mail.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is the authorized agency to run and manage the process of criminal history background checks in the State of Minnesota. Minnesota Statutes Section 299C.46authorizes submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database for vendors and private sector contractors who have direct access to criminal justice information/systems.
Schools in Minnesota are responsible for taking school staff (including employees, volunteers, independent contractors, and student employees) through criminal background checks, who may come in contact with children as a part of their job.
An applicant looking for employment in a school may not need to be taken through background checks if he/she has been through the process within the past 12 months and the applicant provides a written consent to use results of previous checks.
Since the previous school must have followed the same background check procedure and if the records came clean, there is no need to conduct background checks on the candidate again.
The Minnesota Child Protection Background Check Act requires childcare centers and other children’s service providers to request background checks on individual children’s service workers. It includes the following facilities and programs.
- Licensed family child care programs
- Licensed child care centers
- License-exempt centers that are registered to receive funding through CCAP (these providers are classified as certified license-exempt centers in state law)
- Legal non-licensed providers that are registered to receive funding through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
The regulation also requires criminal history background checks on applicants looking for a job at a fire department. Apartment managers also need to go through criminal background checks.
The state prohibits employers from probing an applicant’s criminal history until the applicant has been taken through the interview process or a conditional employment offer has been made. Applicants’ criminal records cannot be used to make a decision about employment unless the records are believed to be linked to the job.
The state has also restricted the use of information where a person has been charged, but not convicted of a crime as the person may have not been found guilty or the charges may have been withdrawn.
Employers in Minnesota cannot ask employees to bear the cost of their employment background checks.
IDEMIA is the contracted vendor to provide state-wide fingerprinting and photo services in Minnesota for DHS background study subjects. It is also a certified FBI channeling Agent. The company is in the process of establishing fingerprint and photo service locations for background study requests to be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).
In the state of Mississippi, the Department of Public Safety maintains the criminal records, which can be accessed and verified for the fingerprint-based criminal history background checks pertaining to hiring in certain organizations/facilities.
The state of Mississippi sets forth fingerprint-based state and federal criminal history background check requirements for employees of the facilities like licensed child care/residential facilities, licensed healthcare facilities such as Hospitals, Home Health Agencies, Hospices, Long Term Care Facilities, Personal Care Homes (Assisted/Residential Living), Nursing Schools, etc.
Any applicant for employment with the Mississippi Schools under the purview of the Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Compulsory School Attendance Enforcement, shall submit to criminal records background checks. Current employees of the schools and those individuals employed prior to the State Board of Education’s approval of this policy are exempt from the policy.
Any school and/or department under the purview of the Mississippi Department of Education may employ any individual prior to receiving criminal records background checks information after signing a statement acknowledging that any disqualifying information received from the checks may be grounds for dismissal of the employment.
Mississippi regulations authorize the Mississippi Board of Nursing (MSBN) to conduct a fingerprint-based criminal history background check of the Mississippi central criminal database as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigations criminal history database on all applicants for licensure.
In the state of Mississippi, there is no law against employers accessing an applicant’s criminal conviction records if those records have not been legally expunged. However, employers will require a signed consent form or court order to access Department of Public Safety criminal records. Background check requests are forwarded to the FBI by the Department of Public Safety if no disqualifying record is identified at the state level.
Facilities can submit fingerprints using fingerprint cards as well as electronically (via live scan). While submitting with fingerprint cards, fingerprints can be captured with ink or printed on the card after an electronic print capture using live scan equipment. The fee for processing fingerprints is $50.00 per Fingerprint Application Card. Electronic capture can be done using FingerPro software from AD&S Inc., which is free of cost. You will need certified live scan equipment for electronic capture.
In the state of Missouri, Missouri State Highway Petrol manages and supervises the criminal history background check process. Criminal Justice Information Services Division of Missouri State Highway Petrol maintains Missouri Automated Criminal History System (MACHS), a computerized central repository for all Missouri criminal history records. MACHS allows name-based as well as a fingerprint-based search of criminal records.
Educational facilities, child care centers, and healthcare outfits in the state need to conduct background checks on their employees as well as the applicants looking for jobs in these facilities.
Licensed, regulated, and registered child care providers in the state of Missouri need to perform fingerprint-based criminal history background checks.
According to Executive Order 16-04 by the Governor of the State of Missouri, orders all departments, agencies and boards, and commissions in the Executive Branch subject to the authority of the governor shall take all necessary action to amend the initial employment application by removing questions relating to an individual’s criminal history unless a criminal history would render an applicant ineligible for the position.
This order came in the wake of the realization that applicants with criminal history records face challenges while obtaining employment which also hinders their efforts to assimilate back into the society. The executive order urges that job applicants with a criminal history should be given a fair chance to compete for employment opportunities.
Employers in the state of Missouri can raise a conditional offer of employment after giving applicants an opportunity to participate in the interview process.
Missouri State Highway Patrol has authorized IDEMIA as the state vendor for fingerprint-based criminal history background check operations. To get fingerprinted through IDEMIA, you need to register through MACHS Fingerprint Search Portal and schedule an appointment. IDEMIA will utilize electronic image capturing (also known as livescan) to capture an applicant’s fingerprints electronically and transmit them to the MSHP for processing. IDEMIA does not receive or have access to criminal history records.
To register with MACHS to be fingerprinted for a State and/or FBI Criminal Background Check, your employer or licensing agency should provide you with a registration number to enter while registering. If you do not have a registration number, please contact your employer or licensing agency to receive one.
Upon entering the registration number provided by your agency, a form appears, on which information about your agency is displayed and you need to fill in your personal and contact information. After filling all mandatory fields, click on the Register button to register. The next step would be to get fingerprinted at your nearest IDEMIA location, which can be searched with the site locator by clicking here.
In the state of Montana, Criminal Records & Identification Services, Division of Criminal Investigation under the Montana Department of Justice is responsible to facilitate and manage the background check process.
The state complies with the FBI CJIS Security Policy requirements, 28 CFR 20.11 and 44-5-405 Montana Code Annotated for submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database for vendors and private sector contractors who have direct access to criminal justice information/systems.
Montana state regulations make it mandatory to perform fingerprint-based criminal history background checks for facilities caring for the elderly and people with disabilities for protecting them from possible harm. A similar criminal background check requirement is to be followed by schools in the state before they hire teachers or other staff to comply with the National Child Protection Act of 1993.
Fingerprint-based criminal history background checks help determine the fitness of an employee, volunteer, or a person with unsupervised access to children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities.
Live scan electronic fingerprinting is yet to be supported by the Montana Department of Justice, till then fingerprints need to be captured on fingerprint cards (FD-258 cards). These cards should be duly filled with your personal information in all required fields with signatures from both the individual and the official taking the fingerprints. Facilities and businesses looking to fingerprint their employees/job applicants need to send the fingerprint cards to the Montana Department of Justice via mail to the following address (Montana Department of Justice, PO Box 201403, Helena, MT 59620-1403).
Fingerprint cards can also be submitted in person to the Montana Department of Justice – Criminal Records and Identification Services Section, at the following location (2225, 11th Avenue, Helena, MT 59601) Monday thru Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
In the state of Nebraska, Nebraska State Patrol is responsible for facilitating and managing fingerprint-based criminal history background check services. The agency facilitates fingerprint capture services through its Troop Area Headquarters. Fingerprints are collected with electronic capture (aka live scan) as a public service for a fee.
If there is a need to submit these prints to the FBI for a nationwide criminal record search, Nebraska State Patrol can only facilitate that if it is required by state or federal law. Teachers, adoption agency employees, child care center employees & volunteers (including in-home daycares), child care residential facilities, developmental disabilities employees, emergency medical technicians, nurses, etc. are some of the employment positions that need to go through nationwide fingerprint-based criminal history background checks.
The Nebraska State Patrol allows online scheduling of fingerprint appointments for requesting background checks at all of its troop area locations. Applicants can simply go to the state patrol’s online fingerprint appointment calendar by clicking here. The online fingerprint appointment calendar allows you to select the location, date, and available slots listed below on that date by clicking the Find Availability button.
Applicants can select a time slot, click Confirm, and provide the appointment data such as appointment details, personal details, contact information, and employment information. Applicants can pay the fingerprinting/background check fee using a credit card, debit card, or e-check through the calendar system.
In the state of Nevada, the Records and Compliance Division of the Nevada Department of Public Safety is responsible for facilitating and managing the criminal history background check process. State statute exists to authorize the submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database for vendors and private sector contractors who have direct access to criminal justice information/systems.
In Nevada, different employment positions such as nurses, child care/adult care professionals, teachers, etc. have to go through the fingerprint-based criminal history background checks. Facilities such as foster homes, child care facilities, etc. are also required to ensure that every adult resident therein must submit a set of fingerprints and written authorization to forward them to the FBI for a criminal background check.
Department of Health and Human Services, Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) requires certain licensed facilities and agencies such as home health agencies, hospice care facilities, etc. to run background checks on employees within 10 days of hiring an employee. A full list of these facilities can be found here. These agencies and facilities are required to utilize Nevada’s Automated Background Check System (NABS) to conduct background checks on employees.
Applicants looking for fingerprinting for fingerprint-based criminal history background checks can submit fingerprints electronically with a live scan or using fingerprint cards with ink captured prints. However, applicants are encouraged to submit fingerprints electronically via livescan.
Once you have submitted your licensure application and payment through OPAL, you will receive a verification email containing a link to a list of approved live scan vendors. If there is not an approved live scan location in the area of the state where you live, you will have to submit a fingerprint card to complete your background check. Most Nevada law enforcement agencies and school districts will not submit fingerprints via live scan for the Department of Education but can take your prints and give you a fingerprint card to turn in.
Fingerprint cards must be FBI form FD-258 or the equivalent. This is to ensure compatibility with machine-reading equipment used by the FBI to analyze the cards. Some law enforcement agencies do not use the FD-258 and do not carry them in stock. In this case, you may download and print the card directly from the FBI’s website. If you choose to do this, be sure to print the card on lightweight card stock. The Department of Public Safety and the FBI will not accept a fingerprint card printed on standard paper.
New Hampshire state police are responsible for facilitating and managing the criminal history background check process in the state. Hiring employees at certain facilities/agencies needs fingerprint-based criminal history background checks in the state of New Hampshire.
New Hampshire has several state laws that require both NH and FBI CHRI (Criminal History Record Information) checks, a detailed list of these laws can be found here. FBI requires the applicants to submit their fingerprints in accordance with these laws.
Agencies under the New HampshireDepartment of Health and Human Services such as licensed child care facilities, licensed exempt child care institutions, etc. need to perform background checks before hiring employees. Healthcare facilities such as nursing home administrators, medical technicians, allied health professionals, naturopathic health care providers, etc. also need to perform criminal history background checks before they can provide services within the jurisdiction of the state.
The New Hampshire state police department accepts fingerprint impressions captured with ink on standard FD-258 fingerprint cards as well as electronic scans captured using a live scan fingerprinting device. The state police department, however, prefers fingerprint submissions captured via live scan fingerprinting as the fingerprint images captured with these system results in high accuracy and lower rejections. These images, along with the demographic data can be transferred to the agency electronically.
Applicants can initiate the process of fingerprint-based criminal history background checks through the organization that requires these checks (such as the licensing board, your employer, etc.). Applicants need to complete an NH CHRI request form at their state agency and submit the required fee for fingerprinting.
If you have to submit fingerprints using a fingerprint card, you will need to return the card to your organization/agency. If you are going to submit fingerprints via live scan fingerprinting, you need to return the livescan form received from the livescan operator. Your organization/employer/agency will submit your fingerprint card/live scan form, the NH CHRI form, and the fee collected to the State Police Criminal Records Unit.
Finally, you will have to schedule your appointment for fingerprinting. If you are responsible for payment for fingerprinting, appointments can be scheduled on the New Hampshire Department of Safety Criminal Records Portal by clicking here.
If your agency is responsible for payment of fingerprinting payment, you can call: (603) 223-3867 to schedule your appointment. You will need to carry a valid photo ID for identification purposes (such as a driver’s license; non-driver’s license; passport, etc.) at the live scan site.
New Jersey State Police (NJSP) is the authorized agency responsible for managing and overseeing the criminal history background checks in the state of New Jersey.
In the state, authorized NJ noncriminal justice agencies must have an FBI-approved statute to submit background checks to the FBI. There are numerous authorized statutes currently in use specific to each noncriminal justice agency. NJ criminal justice agencies are authorized to submit background checks to the FBI for criminal justice purposes as criminal justice employees (CJE).
Private channelers are not authorized to submit fingerprint-based background checks to the NJ state repository. Only agencies with an assigned Originating Agency Identification (ORI) number can submit it to the state repository.
For noncriminal justice purposes, NJ uses an authorized, state-contracted vendor for authorized noncriminal justice agencies to submit fingerprint-based background checks. Individuals can also request an in-state fingerprint-based personal records check on themselves utilizing the state-contracted vendor.
When fingerprints are required, one state card (SBI 19) and one federal (FD258) card must be submitted. Cards can be submitted for noncriminal justice fingerprint submission in cases where the subject does NOT reside, work, or attend school within a 10-mile radius of the NJ borders.
In the state of New Jersey, current and prospective employees in direct contact with institutionalized elderly persons need to go through fingerprint-based criminal history background checks. Similarly, unlicensed individuals may not be hired in healthcare settings for positions that give them access to elderly patients. Childcare centers in the state also need to ensure that fingerprint-based criminal history background checks are conducted for all staff members to ensure that they do not have any history of child abuse.
Fingerprint-based criminal history background checks can be performed with a live scan in the state of New Jersey. The state has contracted IDEMIA to organize live scan fingerprint services for the New Jersey State Police. In order to be fingerprinted for criminal history background checks, you will need to contact IDEMIA to schedule your appointment. Live scan appointments can be scheduled online at https://uenroll.identogo.com website or by calling IDEMIA’s toll-free number 1-877-503-5981.
New Mexico Department of Public Safety is responsible for overseeing criminal history background check services in the state of New Mexico. The agency has authorized Gemalto – a private company in the identity management space to provide the criminal history background screening services.
Private-sector contractors and vendors who have direct access to the criminal justice database, state statute (Pub. L. 92-544) or authority exists to authorize the submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database.
In the state of New Mexico, it is prohibited to hire a criminal offender in a childcare facility. All employees, staff members, contractors, and volunteers must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history background screening to work in a childcare agency.
Healthcare facilities also need to ensure that fingerprint-based criminal background checks are performed while hiring healthcare professionals who come in direct contact with patients (such as nursing professionals, etc.). Schools are also required to conduct criminal history background checks while hiring teachers. There are certain other employment types such as bar examiners, banking & finance, etc. that require employees to go through fingerprint-based criminal history background checks.
In order to be fingerprinted in the state of New Mexico, applicants can register at the Gemalto Cogent website by selecting the Register Online for a Background Check option. After the registration, applicants can use the ORI Lookup button to enter their corresponding agency’s ORI number and the reason for fingerprinting from the Reason dropbox.
Applicants can pay for the fingerprinting fee online on the Gemalto website itself or send a cashier’s check or money order made payable to Gemalto Cogent. Some agencies (such as the New Mexico Department of Health) allow you to submit fingerprints with fingerprint cards.
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services is the authorized agency responsible for supervising criminal history background check services in the state of New York. State statute 9 NYCRR 6051.1(a) (3)provides authority to qualified entities to support their systems that may include criminal history information.
Employers in the state of New York have restricted the use of the information in which a person has been charged, but not convicted of a crime as the person may not have been found guilty or charges may have been withdrawn. Additionally, reporting of ANY case information older than seven years may be restricted in the state with exceptions based on salary.
Employers hiring professionals such as caregivers, supplemental education services providers, staff members in private elementary and secondary schools, etc. need to conduct fingerprint-based criminal history background checks before employing the candidates.
Different healthcare outfits in the state of New York such as residential health care facilities licensed home care services agencies, certified health home agencies, long-term health home care programs, etc. also need to take applicants through background checks to determine their suitability for the position offered.
The state has contracted IDEMIA to provide live scan fingerprinting services throughout the state with its authorized IdentoGo centers. Only the IdentoGo centers authorized by the state can provide live scan services. Authorized IdentoGo centers for a live scan can be located on the IdentoGo website.
Applicants can schedule their appointment on the IdentoGo website at any time. Appointments can also be scheduled by calling IdentoGo at (877) 472-6915. Appointment by calling, however, is only available from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Applicants need to carry a government-issued photo ID for identification purposes.
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is the authorized agency in the state of North Carolina, responsible for facilitating and overseeing criminal history background checks. Agencies and organizations operating in the field of healthcare services, child care, etc. are required to perform fingerprint-based criminal history background checks in order to hire employees for certain positions.
- N.C. Medicaid and Children Health Insurance Program (CHIP) providers are designated as “high categorical risk” under 42 CFR 424.518(c) and N.C.G.S. 108C-3(g), and,
- Any person with a 5 percent or more direct or indirect ownership interest in the organization, those terms are defined in 42 CFR 455.101.
- Licensed nursing homes
- Licensed residential child care facilities
- Licensed domiciliary care facilities
- Licensed area mental health
- Licensed home care agencies or hospices
- Licensed child placement agencies
- Licensed hospitals
- Developmental disability and substance abuse authorities
- Child daycare homes that are regulated by the state
- Licensed child daycare facilities
- Other facilities that provide direct care or services to children, the sick, the disabled, or the elderly
- North Carolina’s Department of Human Resources
In order to get fingerprinted in the state of North Carolina, you will need to visit any one of the live scan locations authorized for fingerprinting. Locations for Fingerprinting services can be found on the NCTracks portal. Fingerprinting notifications are sent to the Office Administrator’s email listed in the NCTracks portal. Though fingerprints can be submitted using fingerprint cards, live scan is the preferred method for sending fingerprints.
Providers should wait to be notified by NCTracks before having their fingerprints taken. A form will be generated by NCTracks with a unique case number. The case number on the form will ensure that the results from the fingerprinting can be matched to the provider application with NCTracks.
Fingerprinting done without the form generated by NCTracks, with a unique case number, will not be accepted to satisfy the fingerprinting requirement. Forms must be electronically uploaded to the provider’s record in NCTracks.
North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation is the authorized agency in the state of North Dakota to facilitate and manage the criminal history background checks. The state and federal laws mandate fingerprint-based criminal history background checks for licensing/employment requirements in the state.
Individuals/agencies engaged in foster care such as licensed foster homes, TANF kinship caregivers, and relative caregivers need to go through fingerprint-based criminal history background checks in the state of North Dakota. Similarly, individuals providing licensed child care, including self-declaration providers need to be fingerprinted.
All individuals working, volunteering, or providing therapy services in a licensed child care facility also need to go through fingerprint-based criminal history background checks. If a child care facility is operating in a home, all adult household members of family or group providers need to get fingerprinted.
The state of North Dakota also enforces fingerprint-based criminal history background check requirements related to guardianship and adoption. Supervised Independent Living Program (SILP) employees and Residential Facility (QRTP or PRTF) employees also need to be fingerprinted for criminal history before they can be employed.
Applicants can be fingerprinted at any of the Human Service Centers located in 8 regions across the state. No fee is charged for fingerprinting if you get fingerprinted at Human Service Centers. Fingerprints can also be captured at law enforcement agencies or any other agency authorized to do so, however, unlike Human Service Centers, they will most likely charge a fee for fingerprinting.
Prior appointment may be required at your fingerprinting center, it would be wise to call in advance and schedule an appointment as some agencies (such as Human Service Centers) may not entertain walk-in appointments. Applicants need to carry a valid photo ID for identification purposes. Photo IDs issued by government agencies such as driver’s licenses, military IDs, state IDs, tribal IDs, passports, etc. can be used for the purposes.
If you get fingerprinted at an agency other than any of the Human Service Centers, you will be responsible for mailing all your authorization forms, authorization forms for other states and fingerprints to the Criminal Background Check Unit at the following address: Criminal Background Check Unit, 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Department 325, Bismarck ND 58505-0250.
Ohio Attorney General’s Office – Bureau of Criminal Investigation is the authorized agency in the state of Ohio to manage and facilitate criminal history background checks across the state. There is no state statute or authority that authorizes the submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database for vendors and private sector contractors who have direct access to criminal justice information/systems.
In the state of Ohio, employers cannot inquire about an applicant’s criminal history before he/she has been given an opportunity to attend the interview process. Employment decisions may not also be solely based on a candidate’s felony convictions.
Ohio law requires all individuals seeking to work with the facilities listed below, to submit fingerprints for criminal history record checks completed by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
- Resident care facilities
- Home health agencies
- County and district homes
- Hospice care programs
- Adult daycare programs
- Adult care facilities
- Homes for the aging
- Nursing homes
The Attorney General’s Office recently upgraded the state system that supports background checks to bring it into compliance with FBI standards. The office recommends that you contact a Webcheck location before visiting to ensure its equipment is up-to-date.
In order to be fingerprinted in the state of Ohio, applicants can submit electronic prints via the national Webcheck Program. You can locate your nearest Webcheck facility by visiting Ohio Attorney General’s Office website by clicking here. You can locate your nearest Webcheck location by County name or by Zipcode.
Once you have located a Webcheck facility closest to you, you can schedule your appointment by calling them. Phone numbers should be there in the listing. You will need to carry a photo ID issued by a government agency (e.g. driving license, passport, etc.).
Out-of-state fingerprint submission for criminal history background checks can be made with ink captured fingerprints on FD-258 cards if performing electronic fingerprinting submission through Webcheck is not possible for you. Fingerprinting fee is to be paid at your fingerprinting center.
The Office of Background Investigations, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI)is the authorized agency in the state of Oklahoma that oversees criminal history background checks throughout the state. The Office of Background Investigations performs criminal history background checks of people placed in children’s lives through foster care, adoption, daycare, and other areas. These checks ensure the safety and well-being of children in the state of Oklahoma.
- Employment in a child care program
- Volunteers
- Owners of a licensed child care program
- The responsible entity of a child care program
- Individuals with unsupervised access to children
- Any individual 18 years or older living in a licensed child care program
Anyone seeking custody both temporary and permanent of children in the state of Oklahoma also needs to be fingerprinted for criminal history.
To provide live scan fingerprinting services, some agencies have partnered with IDEMIA, a private entity in the identity management space to provide fingerprinting services throughout the state via its authorized IdentoGo centers. Fingerprinting appointments can be scheduled by accessing the IdentoGo website – ok.ibtfingerprint.com and selecting the options applicable in your case. You will need to finish the registration process before an appointment can be scheduled, which is a fairly easy process.
Once you are fingerprinted, you need to place a new request for a background check on OKDHS’s Background Investigation Determination System. The system can be accessed by clicking here. You will need to provide your TCN Number or UE ID and select the requested category from the drop-down menu.
On selecting the requested category and pressing the Load button, a drop-down menu for selecting Request Type appears. Next, you need to select Reason for fingerprinting, which is populated on the basis of previous selections made by you. On selecting reason, a form appears which needs to be filled and submitted.
The Oregon Department of Public Safety is the authorized agency in the state of Oregon responsible for managing and facilitating criminal history background check services throughout the state. Private-sector contractors and vendors who have direct access to the criminal justice database, state statute (Pub. L. 92-544) or authority exists to authorize the submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database.
The state and federal laws require fingerprint-based criminal history background screening for the applicants looking for employment in certain facilities in the state of Oregon.
- Early childhood care centers and education programs.
- Private schools hire teachers, certified school nurses, and staff members who may have direct, unsupervised contact with children.
- Child care agencies
- Individuals that provide care, treatment, education, training, instruction, supervision, placement services, recreation or support to children, the elderly or persons with disabilities.
Employers in the state of Oregon may not inquire about a candidate’s criminal history until he/she has been given an opportunity to attend the initial interview rounds. However, there are exceptions to this rule for certain employment positions in criminal justice, law enforcement, volunteers, and any other positions for which a felony conviction would legally disqualify an applicant.
Oregon is also one of the states that limit employers from asking about an applicant’s previous salary. These legislations are in place to curb pay inequality.
In the state of Oregon, applicants can submit their fingerprints for criminal history background checks via live scan fingerprinting. The state authorities have authorized Fieldprint Inc., a private entity to provide live scan fingerprinting services across the state. Applicants need to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting beforehand on the Fieldprint website.
This can be done by clicking the “Schedule an Appointment” link and you will be prompted to register a user account. Applicants then need to enter the Fieldprint Code provided by their employer. After entering the Fieldprint Code, you will be prompted to enter all demographic information required by the State of Oregon. Once this step is complete, you will be able to search for a fingerprinting location and schedule an appointment at the date and time most convenient for you!
Applicants need to bring two forms of identification, at least one of which must be a valid government-issued photo ID. You should also have your appointment number handy. Fingerprinting fee needs to be paid at the center.
Applicants also have an option to print fingerprints captured via live scan on an FD-258 card (fingerprint card) and submit them. Ink captured fingerprints on fingerprint cards are also acceptable.
Pennsylvania State Police is the authorized agency in the state of Pennsylvania that oversees criminal history background checks throughout the state. There is a state statute that authorizes the submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database for vendors and private sector contractors who have direct access to criminal justice information/systems.
The state law requires employees of child-care services having contact with children to go through fingerprint-based criminal history background checks. Foster parents, prospective adoptive parents, and self-employed providers of child-care services in a family child-care home also need to go through similar background checks to ensure the safety of the children in the state of Pennsylvania.
The state’s Public School Code requires all prospective employees of public and private schools, career and technical schools, and intermediate units, including their independent contractors and their employees, but excluding employees who do not have direct contact with students, to undergo background checks prior to employment.
Healthcare professionals, who have not been fingerprinted for the last five years, need to undergo criminal history background checks for clearance.
Applicants, who need to undergo fingerprint-based criminal history background checks for employment/clearance purposes, can submit their fingerprints at an authorized IdentoGo by IDEMIA fingerprinting location. An appointment for fingerprinting can be scheduled on the IdentoGo website.
You will need to register on the IdentoGo website to schedule your appointment. Once you are registered, you can schedule your appointment at a date, time, and location convenient to you. You will need to carry a government-issued photo ID for identification purposes.
The live scan fingerprinting option is only available for Pennsylvania residents. Out-of-state applicants need to submit fingerprints with fingerprint cards. This option is also open for the applicants who are unable to be fingerprinted electronically within Pennsylvania.
The Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) division of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office is the authorized agency in the state of Rhode Island that manages criminal history background checks in the state.
- Foster parents
- Child adoption applicants
- Employees/operators of child care centers
- Daycare center employees/operators
- Fire-fighters
- DCYF Employees
- Mental health facilities
- Nurses employees
- School employees
- Massage therapists
- Health Care/Nursing Facilities/Adult Daycare Centers
Some of the fingerprinting services are provided by the local Police Department, and BCI Bureau while others are managed by the State’s Department of Attorney General BCI.
- Childcare + Day Care center employees
- DCYF Employees
- Fire-fighters
- Adoption Agencies (no charge)
- Massage Therapists
- School Employees (including 3rd parties)
- Foster Care (no charge)
- Medical Marijuana
- Ink Cards
While the below listed fingerprinting services are provided by the Department of Attorney General BCI located at 4 Howard Avenue in Cranston – 401-274-4400.
- Pre-school and Nursery Schools
- Precious Metals/Tools + Electronics
- Financial/Alarm Companies
- Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
- Private Security Companies
- Mental Health Facilities
- Health Care/Nursing Facilities/Adult Daycare Centers
- Nurses/CNA
- Child Care + Day Care Owners and Operators
- Dept. of Business Regulations
In the state of Rhode Island, applicants can submit fingerprints with a live scan fingerprinting system that interfaces with the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS) and the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General’s Office.
There is a fingerprinting fee for most employment/adoption background checks when submitted with live scan. However, there is no fee involved if the applicant requires assistance in completing a traditional fingerprint card, in which fingertips are first rolled in ink and then on the fingerprint card.
The Office of Attorney General can provide you with a set of your fingerprints to use as you need. A trained and certified fingerprint technician will use the live scan fingerprint machine to capture your fingerprints and provide you with a copy. The cost is $15 and they only accept credit/debit cards (fees apply).
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is the agency responsible for facilitating and supervising criminal history background checks in the state of South Carolina. For criminal justice agencies, the CJIS Security Policy allows for fingerprint-based background checks. However, agency vendors/contractors are not authorized to run nationwide checks for noncriminal justice.
Licensed daycare facilities in the state of South Carolina are required to undergo fingerprint-based criminal history background checks before they can provide caregiving services. These facilities also need to make sure that each individual engaged in caregiving must go through similar checks before they are hired.
As per Section 44-61-80, S.C. EMS Act, A person seeking EMT certification or recertification must undergo a fingerprint-based state criminal records check, by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and a national criminal records check, supported by fingerprints, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Insurance producers are also required to undergo fingerprint-based criminal history background checks upon licensing or renewal of the license.
Educators need to undergo State Law Enforcement Division and the FBI criminal background check when applying for initial certification. These checks may not be required if the individual has already been through the background checks as part of the certification process.
Private security service providers, who need to register with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, are also required to undergo criminal history background checks.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has authorized IDEMIA to provide live scan fingerprinting services throughout the state at its authorized IdentoGo fingerprinting centers. Applicants can schedule an appointment for fingerprinting on the IdentoGo website – www.IdentoGo.com.
There is a “Search services by state” drop-down menu on the IdentoGo website. Applicants need to select South Carolina and click Go. A new state-specific webpage will appear on which all available services are listed. Select “Digital Fingerprinting” and you will be directed to a new page for more specific options to choose from such as – Scheduling a new appointment, registering for a fingerprint card processing service, etc.
Click “Schedule a New Appointment” and then select the application type or agency ORI number from the dropdown menu that appears next. As you go ahead in the process, you will need to provide more precise details about your application, and eventually, the portal will provide you the option to pick an IdentoGo location for fingerprinting at a date and time convenient to you.
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (SD DCI) is the authorized agency in the state of South Dakota to facilitate and oversee criminal history background checks throughout the state.
There is no state statute to authorize the submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database for vendors and private sector contractors who have direct access to criminal justice information/systems. Only state agencies and legislatively approved entities may submit background checks to FBI CJIS through SD DCI. Private-sector contractors may submit to the SD DCI for a South Dakota state-only background check.
In the state of South Dakota, you may need to undergo fingerprint-based criminal history background checks when applying for employment in schools, healthcare facilities (such as nursing services, etc.), Board of Bar Examiners, etc.
SDCL 29A-5-110 (2016) requires that any individual seeking an appointment as a guardian or conservator must obtain a DCI & FBI background check prior to their appointment by the court.
In order to get fingerprinted for criminal history background checks in the state of South Dakota, you will need fingerprint cards as the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation processes background check requests using fingerprint cards.
Applicants would require two fingerprint cards – An FBI applicant fingerprint card and a state applicant fingerprint card. Both types of cards can be obtained from the agency requesting the criminal history background checks. The FBI fingerprint card will have a pre-printed ORI, which has been assigned by the FBI and will be found in the contributor block on the card.
The applicant needs to carry both cards to the local law enforcement department office.
Local police departments and the County Sheriff’s offices offer fingerprinting services throughout the state of South Dakota. In most cases, an appointment will be required and there would be a fingerprinting fee involved unless you have a tax-exempt status. You will also need a govt. issued photo ID in order to prove your identity during your fingerprinting process.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is the state agency that is authorized and responsible for managing criminal history background checks in the state of Tennessee. The state does not have a state statute to process criminal history background checks and it is processed under the federal authority.
In the state of Tennessee, employers of certain agencies/organizations need to ensure that their employees undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history background check before their employment can be finalized.
Any individual who works for an organization where he/she can come in direct contact with individuals with developmental disabilities needs to undergo fingerprint-based criminal history background checks.
Child welfare agencies hiring individuals to work with children should undergo criminal history background checks.
Healthcare service providers such as home health services, hospice service providers, etc. are required to take their employees through fingerprint-based criminal history background checks in the state of Tennessee.
Nursing home facilities need to ensure that their employees, who come in direct contact with patients, are screened for criminal history prior to their employment.
Employees of child care centers, group daycare homes, family daycare homes, etc. are also required to undergo fingerprint-based criminal history background checks.
Criminal history background checks are also required for Individuals hired as licensed emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
In order to get fingerprinted in the state of Tennessee, applicants need to schedule an appointment on the IdentoGo website – www.identogo.com.
In the drop-down “Search services by state”, applicants need to select Tennessee and click Go. A new state-specific webpage will appear on which all available services are listed. Select “Digital Fingerprinting” and you will be directed to a new page where you need to provide your service code or agency name.
Selecting drop-down menu items will progress you through the process and ask for more specific information about your application as you go ahead.
Eventually, the portal will provide you the option to pick an IdentoGo location for fingerprinting at a date and time convenient to you. You need to carry a govt. issued photo ID (such as passport, driver’s license, etc.) with you in order to prove your identity during the fingerprinting process.
Texas Department of Public Safety is the agency in the state of Texas that manages the criminal history background check services across the state. There is a state statute (Texas Government Code 411.087) that allows Texas and other authorized entities the ability to obtain FBI criminal history information. Individual Texas Government Codes, under Chapter 411 Subchapter F, allows for fingerprinting of vendors.
- Employees of the child care centers
- Personnel at facilities caring for the elderly and disabled
- Private school employees
- Employees of higher education institutions that are sensitive to security
- Employees of residential child care facilities
- A private security officer at the security department of a private business
- Certain open-enrollment charter school employees, non-certified employees, and substitute teachers
Texas Department of Public Safety has authorized IDEMIA, a private company in the identity management space to provide live scan fingerprinting services throughout the state at its authorized IdentoGo fingerprinting sites. Applicants can schedule their appointment by going to the IdentoGo website – www.identogo.com and selecting Texas from the “Search for services by state” drop-down menu.
Selecting the state and pressing the Go button will take you to the IdentoGo’s Texas state page, where different services provided by the IdentoGo are listed as you scroll down. Select “Digital Fingerprinting” and you will be taken to a new page where you need to provide your Service Code. A service code is provided by the agency requesting the criminal history background check.
If you do not know your Service Code, there is a Service Code lookup option, in which you can select your state (i.e. Texas) and search by entering your ORI or select an applicant population from the list.
On selecting all the options, the application shows your Service Code and you can continue with your appointment scheduling process.
After providing all the information required by the portal, it allows you to pick an IdentoGo location for fingerprinting at a date and time convenient to you. You need to carry a govt. issued photo ID (such as passport, driver’s license, etc.) with you in order to prove your identity at the fingerprinting center.
Utah Department of Public Safety – Bureau of Criminal Identification is the authorized agency in the state of Utah for facilitating and supervising the criminal history background check services across the state.
There is no state statute that allows Texas and other authorized entities the ability to obtain FBI criminal history information and it is governed by the FBI CJIS Security Policy.
- Daycare workers
- Child care, child placement services
- Foster care or institutional care in Utah state facilities or programs
- Healthcare workers
- Office of the education certification
- Armed/unarmed guards
- Real-estate agents
- Adoptions
- Private security agencies
- Employers whose employees are responsible for the custody, care, or control of children.
- Employers whose employees provide healthcare services for vulnerable adults, children, or the elderly.
- Employers whose employees will have fiduciary trust over money.
However, employers in the state of Utah are prohibited by law to use criminal history record information and expunged criminal records for making employment decisions.
In the state of Utah, you can get fingerprinted at the Bureau of Criminal Identification office. Appointments for BCI fingerprinting can be scheduled at an online BCI Fingerprint Scheduler, which can be accessed by clicking here. To make an appointment click “Make an appointment”. If you already have an existing appointment, you can also reschedule, as well as cancel it.
You can search available time slots on the online scheduler. Time slots are displayed weekly, select a day in the week you want time slots to be displayed. All green time slots are available. Select the time you want and click “Next”.
On the next screen, you need to provide your First Name, Last Name, and Reason for fingerprinting. You will need to provide further information as you progress through the process and your appointment will be confirmed eventually. You will choose to get the appointment confirmation of the appointment by email.
Fingerprinting is done using FD-258 fingerprint cards. While the fingerprinting process is performed, BCI fingerprint technicians can provide an affidavit that can be attached to the fingerprint card.
There are also private fingerprinting service providers throughout the state if the BCI office is not convenient for you to reach. You can schedule your appointment and get fingerprinted in your locality. Many fingerprinting service providers also offer mobile fingerprinting.
The Vermont Department of Public Safety is the authorized agency in the state of Vermont to facilitate and oversee criminal history background checks across the state with its Fingerprint Identification Centers. There is a state statute to authorize the submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database for vendors and private sector contractors who have direct access to criminal justice information/systems.
Any employment position that puts the person in a position of power, authority, or supervision over or permits unsupervised contact with a minor or vulnerable adult should undergo fingerprint-based criminal history background checks in the state of Vermont. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Employees of the child care centers
- Personnel at facilities providing care for the elderly
- Secondary schools with student residential facilities
- Employers providing services to persons with disabilities
- Superintendent or headmaster of an independent school
- Individuals applying for an initial license as a professional educator
Fingerprint Identification Centers that work under the Vermont Crime Information Center – Department of Public Safety provide fingerprinting services for criminal history background checks. There is at least one Identification Center in each county in the state of Vermont.
Other law enforcement agencies in your locality may also have fingerprinting facilities for criminal history background checks.
In order to get fingerprinted at any of the Fingerprint Identification Centers run by the Vermont Department of Public Safety, applicants first need to schedule an appointment by calling the center. Fingerprint Identification Center may not entertain walk-in appointments so be sure to call ahead for your appointment.
The Fingerprint Identification Center picked by you may capture your fingerprints on fingerprint cards, with ink impressions or it may offer an inkless electronic live scan fingerprinting process depending on the available infrastructure at the center. However, out-of-state fingerprint submission can only be made using Federal Applicant’s (FD-258) fingerprint card and should have that agency’s ORI stamp in the ORI block.
Applicants should carry two forms of valid identification, one of which should be a photo ID. The list of acceptable IDs is given on the Department of Public Safety Website, which can be accessed by clicking here.
Virginia State Police is the authorized agency in the state of Virginia to run and manage criminal history background checks throughout the state. There is a state statute (Pub. L. 92-544) for non-criminal justice purposes that authorize the submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database for vendors and private sector contractors who have direct access to criminal justice information/systems.
In the state of Virginia, employers running the following facilities/services need to ensure that their employees undergo fingerprint-based criminal history background checks before they can be hired.
- Employees/volunteers of nursery school programs or private preschools
- Licensed adult day-care centers
- Licensed nursing homes for adults
- Licensed district homes for adults
- Employees of hospital pharmacy and employees of residential facilities for juveniles
- Assisted living facilities
- Full-time, part-time, permanent, and temporary employees of elementary and secondary schools
Virginia employers may not use criminal history records or arrest information as the basis for refusal to employment if the criminal history records or arrest information has been ordered expunged.
In the state of Virginia, applicants can submit their fingerprints for criminal history background checks via live scan fingerprinting. The state authorities have authorized Fieldprint Inc., a private entity to provide live scan fingerprinting services across the state. Applicants need to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting beforehand on the Fieldprint website as the provider does not entertain walk-in appointments.
This can be done by clicking the “Schedule an Appointment” link and you will be prompted to register a user account. Applicants then need to enter the Fieldprint Code provided by their employer. After entering the Fieldprint Code, you will be prompted to enter all demographic information required by the State of Virginia. Once this step is complete, you will be able to search for a fingerprinting location and schedule an appointment at the date and time most convenient for you.
Applicants need to bring two forms of identification, at least one of which must be a valid government-issued photo ID. You should also have your appointment number handy. Fingerprinting fee needs to be paid at the center.
You are immediately notified of the results of the National Criminal History Search if a conviction is reported that would deny you eligibility for applying for a credential. This notification is delivered by mail to your last known mailing address. If your private security services business employer is known, the compliance agent of that business is only notified that your application has been denied.
Washington State Patrol is the authorized agency responsible to facilitate and manage criminal history background checks across the state of Washington. If a governmental agency (such as the Department of Social and Health Services) has an approved PL 92-544 statute that includes vendors/contractors, they may conduct criminal history background checks on vendors and contractors.
Washington State law (RCW 28A.400.303) requires that all new employees of a school district, an educational service district, the state center for childhood deafness and hearing loss, the state school for the blind, approved charter schools, and their contractors hire employees who have regularly unsupervised access to children be fingerprinted for a criminal history checks through the Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Fingerprint-based criminal history background checks are also required by the Washington State Department of Health for healthcare services-related licensures on out-of-state applicants or for those who may have criminal history in the state of Washington.
The Department of Social and Health Services requires fingerprint-based criminal history background checks on applicants that may have unsupervised access to children or to individuals with a developmental disability in care facilities. Facilities or agencies providing care and treatment to vulnerable adults may also require criminal history background checks on applicants.
In order to get fingerprinted in the state of Washington, applicants can submit fingerprints with live scan or using fingerprint cards if the applicant is an out-of-state candidate. Washington State Patrol has authorized IDEMIA to provide electronic live scan fingerprinting services throughout the state of Washington at its authorized IdentoGo fingerprinting centers.
IDEMIA can make electronic submissions of fingerprints for the agencies such as the Department of Early Learning (DEL), the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), and the Department of Insurance (DOI).
In order to schedule their appointment applicants can register themselves on the IdentoGo website – www.identogo.com. On the IdentoGo website, select Washington from the “Search for services by state” drop-down menu. Selecting the state and pressing the Go button will take you to the IdentoGo’s Washington state page, where different services provided by IdentoGo are listed as you scroll down. Select “Digital Fingerprinting” and then “Schedule a New Appointment” on the page that appears.
Next, you need to select your agency/applicant type. The website progresses you through the appointment scheduling process as you provide information.
After providing all the information required by the portal, it allows you to pick an IdentoGo location for fingerprinting at a date and time convenient to you. You need to carry a govt. issued photo ID (such as passport, driver’s license, etc.) with you in order to prove your identity at the fingerprinting site.
On selecting all the options, the application shows your Service Code and you can continue with your appointment scheduling process.
Selecting “Digital Fingerprinting” will take you to a new page where you need to provide your Service Code. A service code is provided by the agency requesting the criminal history background check. If you do not know your Service Code, there is a Service Code lookup option, in which you can select your state (i.e. West Virginia) and search by entering your ORI or select an applicant population from the list.
In order to schedule the appointment, applicants can register themselves on the IdentoGo website – www.identogo.com. On the IdentoGo website, select your state (i.e. West Virginia) from the “Search for services by state” drop-down menu. Selecting the state and pressing the Go button will take you to the IdentoGo’s West Virginia state page, where different services provided by the IdentoGo are listed as you scroll down. Select “Digital Fingerprinting” in order to schedule your live scan fingerprinting slot.
In order to get fingerprinted in the state of West Virginia, applicants can submit fingerprints electronically at authorized IDEMIA IdentoGo fingerprinting centers. The West Virginia Department of Public Safety has authorized IDEMIA to provide electronic live scan fingerprinting throughout the state of West Virginia.
The West Virginia Insurance Department requires a resident applicant for an insurance license to submit their fingerprints for the purpose of a state and federal criminal background check prior to being licensed.
WV RN Board (West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses) requires fingerprint-based criminal history background checks for new licenses, license renewals, or changes in the license (e.g. converting the WV single state license to a multistate license) of registered nurses.
Childcare centers operating in the state of West Virginia need to perform state background checks on each candidate. Applicants who have lived outside of WV within the past five years need to undergo both state and FBI checks.
In the state of West Virginia, home care services and residential care facilities personnel are subject to criminal history checks. Residential child care facility applicants need to go through WV state (CIB) background checks, Federal Bureau of Investigation checks (NCIC) is required if the candidate lives outside of West Virginia or has turned 18 outside of WV.
The West Virginia Department of Public Safety is the authorized agency to run and manage the criminal history background checks across the state of West Virginia. There is a state statute to authorize the submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database for vendors and private sector contractors who have direct access to criminal justice information/systems.
After providing all the information required by the portal, it allows you to pick an IdentoGo location for fingerprinting at a date and time convenient to you. You need to carry a govt. issued photo ID (such as passport, driver’s license, etc.) with you in order to prove your identity at the fingerprinting center.
Crime Information Bureau of Wisconsin’s Department of Justice is the authorized agency in the state of Wisconsin to facilitate and oversee the process of criminal history background checks in the state. Contractors/vendors can initiate the background check process by working with the local agency as the state does not initiate the background checks.
Individuals associated with a child care program in the state of Wisconsin are required to undergo fingerprint-based criminal history background checks. As per the latest requirements, all caregiver and non-caregiver employees must undergo a DCF (Department of Children and Families) fingerprint-based background check every five years to be eligible to operate, work at, or reside in a child care center.
The Department of Public Instruction requires all applicants residing in the United States to undergo fingerprint-based criminal history background checks for licensure.
Applicants need to bring two forms of identification, at least one of which must be a valid government-issued photo ID. You should also have your appointment number handy. Fingerprinting fee needs to be paid at the center.
This can be done by clicking the “Schedule an Appointment” link and you will be prompted to register a user account. Applicants then need to enter the Fieldprint Code provided by their employer. After entering the Fieldprint Code, you will be prompted to enter all demographic information required by the State of Wisconsin. Once this step is complete, you will be able to locate a fingerprinting site and schedule an appointment at the date and time most convenient for you.
In the state of Wisconsin, applicants can submit fingerprints for criminal history background checks with live scan fingerprinting. The state agency has authorized Fieldprint Inc., a private company to provide live scan fingerprinting services across the state. Applicants need to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting on the Fieldprint website before their arrival.
- Daycare centers
- Agencies running child welfare programs
- Employees of supportive home care service agencies, hospitals, etc.
- Residential caregiving facilities
- Foster and group homes
Applicants need to carry a government-issued photo ID such as a passport, driver’s license, state ID card, etc. in order to prove their identity at the time of fingerprinting. Law enforcement agencies as well as the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) use fingerprint cards to capture applicant fingerprints.
In order to get fingerprinted in the state of Wyoming, applicants can contact a local law enforcement agency or get fingerprinted at the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), 208 S. College Dr., in Cheyenne. It is always better to call in advance to confirm timings and schedule your visit as your law enforcement agency may have limited days/time slots for fingerprinting services.
Professional Teaching Standards Board requires fingerprint-based background checks for applicants looking for teaching licenses in the state of Wyoming. Wyoming Department of Health also requires healthcare service providers that may have access to vulnerable individuals, to undergo criminal history background checks by submitting fingerprints.
Any prospective employee or volunteer looking to work with a child care agency who may have unsupervised access to children, need to undergo fingerprint-based criminal history background checks in the state of Wyoming. Agencies providing care to disabled adults also need to submit fingerprints and undergo criminal history background checks.
Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Section is the authorized agency to manage criminal history background checks in the state of Wyoming. There is a state statute to authorize the submission of CJIS background checks to the FBI database for vendors and private sector contractors who have direct access to criminal justice information/systems.
Conclusion
In the United States, background check regulations and requirements can vary from state to state as some states might have additional requirements over federal regulations laid for fingerprint-based criminal background checks.
Though states may tweak federal background checks as per their specific needs and the law and order scenario of the particular state, federal regulations for criminal background screening provide a blueprint for these criminal background screening. Federal background check requirements are the minimum set of regulations that states need to follow as it takes care of critical aspects such as privacy and proper handling of candidates’ personal information.
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