Minnesota Background Check Information
Learn about the Background Check Process in the state of Minnesota.
PrintScan Minnesota 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.
Minnesota Fingerprinting and Background Check Information
Agency with the authority to run the background check process:
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
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.
Yes. Minnesota Statutes Section 299C.46.
Authorized channelers?
There are FBI-approved channelers in Minnesota, but they are not authorized to collect and submit fingerprints for statutory background checks, such as this.
Required documents to initiate a background check:
Requests are received from a variety of sources, email, phones, service desk and others. The requesting vendor is provided a company screening form to complete and a contract that includes the FBI Security Addendum. Upon execution of the contract the company is sent 1) a background investigation packet for all relevant employees that include an authorization/consent section and FBI Security Addendum, 2) a fingerprint card that must be submitted with the background investigation form, and 3) a fee notification is included with the background investigation form for fingerprint processing.
Preferred method of submission of required information.
Online is the preferred communication ([email protected]). Submission of fingerprint/background investigation packets is also accepted by US Postal Service and in person.
Are fingerprint cards from outside the state accepted?
Yes, if the individual is out of state they should be fingerprinted at a criminal justice agency. The fingerprints, completed forms and fee should be directed to: BCA, Attn: CHA Unit, 1430 Maryland Ave E, St. Paul, MN 55106.
Process for non-criminal justice checks:
We perform fingerprint-based state and federal criminal history background checks. Just one set of fingerprints is required. Just the Federal FD258 Applicant Card is rquired. The only accepted method is submission on cards; there is not currently the ability to accept the requests electronically.
Time required for obtaining results of a non-criminal-justice background check.
One to three weeks depending on amount of requests we are processing.
Fees involved:
The fee for taking the fingerprints is $10.00. The fee for running checks against state repository databases is $15.00. The fee for running checks against FBI databases is $18.25. Accepted forms of payment are cash or check.
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?
The MN BCA does not retain cards for CJIS contractors, however, when the fingerprint check comes back cleared the vendor creates an account in CJIS Online, an application of the Peak Performance Solutions company. The account includes identifying information, a date showing when they reviewed and passed the appropriate level of Security Awareness Training (SAT), and the date the fingerprint check was completed as clear. This date is retained for five years at which time the employee must recertify through another complete background investigation process including fingerprint checks and SAT certification.
Does the state have a RapBack program? If so, are there fees for participating?
N/A
Other notes or relevant information.
The MN BCA maintains an online central repository that CJIS agencies can check for company and employee clearance in MN through the CJIS Online application. The MN BCA also maintains a spreadsheet for each company that agencies can ask us to check.
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)
