Michigan Background Check Information
Learn about the Background Check Process in the state of Michigan.
PrintScan Michigan 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.
Michigan Fingerprinting and Background Check Information
Agency with the authority to run the background check process:
The Michigan State Police (MSP).
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.
Done under the authority of the CJIS Security Policy.
Authorized channelers?
Michigan form that includes the challenge and privacy language, photocopy of driver’s license and fingerprints either through Live Scan or hard cards if out of state.
Required documents to initiate a background check:
Michigan form that includes the challenge and privacy language, photocopy of driver’s license and fingerprints either through Live Scan or hard cards if out of state.
Preferred method of submission of required information.
We accept in numerous ways – online and US Postal Service. For in state, online is preferable. Out of state requires US Postal Service due to hard cards.
Are fingerprint cards from outside the state accepted?
Yes – hard cards. We are exploring working with the vendor that has the state contract for state agencies conducting noncriminal justice background checks the ability to use their services in order to receive the response electronically. The current vendor is Idemia.
Process for non-criminal justice checks:
Must come through an authorized requestor. Name check is performed and if no issues are found, fingerprints are processed or person is notified to be live scanned with instructions sent for the person taking the prints to follow. When fingerprints are required one set of prints is sufficient and a state card is not required in addition to the FD258. Fingerprints from out of state must be submitted on cards and in-state submissions require live scan. Michigan is exploring use of vendor as well for out of state.
Time required for obtaining results of a non-criminal-justice background check.
For in-state requests, it depends on how soon the person can be printed (i.e., their schedule). For out-of-state requests, manual processing of prints can take time. There is no set time, but we can do a one-day turn around if the person is available and it is an urgent request.
Fees involved:
There are no fees from MSP but local agencies can charge to take the prints.
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?
We retain prints as Michigan has Michigan only Rap Back. If a vendor/contractor were to work for a local agency, we share a list of all employees we have vetted so that resubmission is not necessary. The local agency is responsible for ensuring all contractors working with them are on the list.
Does the state have a RapBack program? If so, are there fees for participating?
See above.
Other notes or relevant information.
N/A
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)
