What do I need to bring with me?
You will need a current, Government-issued, photo ID. We accept the following forms of photo identification:
- A current MD or other State Drivers License
- Identification issued by State or local Government
- U.S. passport or unexpired foreign passport
- Certificate of U.S. citizenship or naturalization
- Alien registration card
- U.S. Military Identification card
You will need to bring any information required of you by the agency requesting your background, including your agencies Authorization and ORI numbers and the reason you're being fingerprinted. This helps to ensure your background check is submitted without error. Please fill out the DPSCS/CJIS Livescan Pre-registration Application, print, and submit at the time of your appointment.
Can I just walk in?
Yes, we do accept walkins. Because we value your time, however, we recommend that you schedule an appointment so your wait time is at a minimum. It has been reported that the wait time can be up to two hours at CJIS, and more than an hour at our competitors' locations. Our appointments are set every 20 minutes to ensure you will be seen in a timely fashion. Please be advised that appointments take priority. If possible, prior to walking in, please contact our office so we may make every effort to work you into the schedule and decrease any potential wait time on your part.
I was fingerprinted last year. Why can't you use those?
Applicant prints are not like criminal prints, and are only used for comparison in the criminal database. A new background check must be performed for each new employment or licensing application submitted, and the results will be sent from CJIS to the requesting agency or individual. Also, applicant prints and demographic information are, by law, destroyed by our personnel 90 days after collection, so we retain no records beyond that time.
What is the time frame I have to submit my CJIS receipt to MD State Police Licensing Division after I leave your office?
Your CJIS receipt must be submitted within 72 hours (3 business days) or your application will be denied. *Please note that this only applies to individuals who are in a process which goes through the MD State Police.
Are CJIS and FBI fees paid at the time of fingerprinting?
Yes. All persons are required to pay CJIS fees at our office, unless you are requesting printed cards to mail to a Government agency or another state.
Can I request a criminal history record check for my own records?
Yes. It's called an Individual Review (IR-state of MD check only). The results of the IR are sent to your home address. You can also obtain an FBI card at our agency and submit the card to the FBI yourself for a national record check. Some employers will request that you supply your own background check results for their review prior to hire and, in most cases, an IR will suffice.
Why do I need an ORI or Authorization number?
The employer and/or licensing agency should supply you with their individual Authorization Number. This number tells CJIS where to send the results of your background check so you can be hired to work, or approved for a license.
Don't you work for CJIS? Why are your rates different from theirs?
We do not work for CJIS. We are licensed by the state of MD as a private provider for CJIS. Our rates are competitive. Please contact our offices for information on pricing.
The Board of Nursing sent me a letter. Why do I need to be fingerprinted?
In 2006, legislation was passed requiring nurses to have a Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) in order to renew their license. All RN's, LPN's, and CNA's whose licenses expire must obtain a CHRC in order to renew. Contact the Board of Nursing regarding your nurses application. Your renewal application will not be processed without the CHRC.
I have questions related to a Board of Nursing application, a MD State Police Licensing Division application, DLLR licensing, or other agency applications. Can you answer them for me?
We do our best to answer all questions, but we are not associated with these agencies. We only perform background fingerprint submissions on behalf of these agencies. If you have questions related to any of their applications, you must contact them directly.
What if I only want cards printed?
We will process you as a "Walk-away" applicant using our Livescan equipment, and then print the cards you provide. If you do not have cards, we can supply FD-258 cards, but none other. Please do not fill out your cards because our machine does it for you.
What are Biometrics?
Biometrics are technologies that uniquely identify an individual by one or more distinguishing physical traits. These traits include finger and hand prints, voice, eye, and facial recognition. Fingerprinting is the oldest form of biometric verification. In the US, the first known use of fingerprints for identification was recorded by Gilbert Thompson in 1882. Close to 130 years of scientific research has evolved into the Livescan biometric fingerprint technology we have today.
