Massachusetts Background Check Information
Learn about the Background Check Process in the state of Massachusetts.
PrintScan Massachusetts Background Check Guide
The fingerprinting and background check process can be complicated. We decided to put together this guide as a quick reference to make your [state name] fingerprinting experience easier.
Massachusetts Fingerprinting and Background Check Information
Agency with the authority to run the background check process:
Massachusetts is a bifurcated state--fingerprint records are maintained by the Massachusetts State Police State Identification Section (SIS) and court arraignment and disposition records are maintained by the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services.
State statute (Pub. L. 92-544) or authority exists to authorize 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 fingerprints these groups under the authority of the FBI CJIS Security Policy.
Authorized channelers?
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security has a contract with Idemia to provide civil fingerprinting services to several groups of NCJAs. Many local police departments also submit civil fingerprints.
Required documents to initiate a background check:
A Massachusetts state fingerprint card, DCJIS Fingerprint Data Collection Form, FBI CJIS Security Addendum, and the Massachusetts Agreement of Non-Disclosure.
Preferred method of submission of required information.
US Postal Service
Are fingerprint cards from outside the state accepted?
Yes, cards can be submitted via US Mail, FedEx, or UPS.
Process for non-criminal justice checks:
Fingerprint cards are forwarded to the State Identification Section for processing; the DCJIS runs a plethora of in- and out-of-state checks via name, DOB, and SSN. When fingerprints are required, only one Massachusetts state card is required. Massachusetts only accepts the MA state card; we cannot process any of the federal FP cards. They can not currently be submitted electronically. Cards must be sent via US Mail, FedEx, or UPS to the DCJIS for processing.
Time required for obtaining results of a non-criminal-justice background check.
Turnaround time varies based on volume; suitability determinations are usually returned within two weeks.
Fees involved:
There are no fees for taking fingerprints or for running checks against state repository databases and/or FBI databases.
Does the state offer a central repository that allows for the saving of fingerprints and background check information that can be shared with other agencies within the state to indicate that an individual has already been approved and a background check successfully completed?
No; in some cases, the DCJIS conducts fingerprint-based background checks on vendor personnel in-lieu of having individual agencies conduct the checks. Therefore, if a contractor moves from one agency or another, the contractor is covered under the original FP-based background check.
Does the state have a RapBack program? If so, are there fees for participating?
N/A
Other notes or relevant information.
Vendor personnel/contractors are also required to undergo security training and testing via the CJIS Online tool found at cjisonline.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you have questions, we can answer them!
Q. Does the FBI have my fingerprints?
If you have ever been fingerprinted to get a license or a background check then the FBI does keep a record of your fingerprints in their criminal database.
Q. How long does an FBI fingerprinting session take?
Printscan's fingerprinting sessions for FBI background checks average at 20 minutes.
Q. How far back does an FBI background check go?
An FBI background check goes back for the entire applicants lifetime.
Q. How do I know if I need my FBI background check apostilled?
If the country you wish to visit is part of the Hauge convention then you will need to apostille your FBI background check.
Q. What payment do you accept?
We accept cash, or any major credit card. (Visa/Mastercard/Discovery/American Express)
