Montana Background Check Information
Learn about the Background Check Process in the state of Montana.
PrintScan Montana 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.
Montana Fingerprinting and Background Check Information
Agency with the authority to run the background check process:
Criminal Records & Identification Services, Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Department of Justice
2225 11th Avenue, Helena, MT 59601
Phone: 406.444.3625 Fax: 406.444.0689
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.
Montana is complying with the FBI CJIS Security Policy requirements, 28 CFR 20.11 and 44-5-405 Montana Code Annotated.
Authorized channelers?
No authorized channelers.
Required documents to initiate a background check:
Currently, Montana is just requiring fingerprint cards.
Preferred method of submission of required information.
Montana accepts submissions online, via US Postal Service, and in person. Montana only accepts Livescan submissions from Montana locations.
Are fingerprint cards from outside the state accepted?
Yes, out of state fingerprint cards mailed to Criminal Records are accepted.
Process for non-criminal justice checks:
Montana is currently developing a vendor management process.
When fingerprints are required, two sets of prints must be submitted. The state does not require a state card in addition to the FD258. Fingerprints may be submitted on cards and they may be submitted electronically from in-state Livescans.
Time required for obtaining results of a non-criminal-justice background check.
2-4 weeks.
Fees involved:
The fee for taking vendor/contractor fingerprints is $5 if prints taken at Criminal Records. There is no fee for running checks against state repository databases nor is there a fee for running checks against FBI databases. The state accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for the $5 fingerprint fee.
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
Does the state have a RapBack program? If so, are there fees for participating?
N/A
Other notes or relevant information.
CJIN Security Waiver Policy - Effective October 1, 2017
CJIN terminal agencies must submit a state and national fingerprint-based background check, and review the fingerprint-check results, for: all CJIN users; all personnel receiving CJIN criminal justice information (i.e. officers); all IT personnel supporting CJIN terminals and criminal justice record systems (i.e. LAN Managers, CAD/RMS vendors); and all individuals with unescorted access to CJIN terminals, networks, and record storage areas (i.e. janitors).
A CJIN system security waiver is required whenever a CJIN terminal agency discovers an individual has: an active warrant of arrest for a criminal offense; a felony arrest, even if the disposition is missing, deferred or dismissed; a felony conviction, even if the disposition is missing, deferred or dismissed; and/or three or more misdemeanor convictions within the last 10 years, excluding dismissed records.
Prior to requesting a CJIN system security waiver, the Agency Administrator, or his/her designee, is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the record(s) and evaluate the risk to the CJIN system security.
If the Agency Administrator determines the individual is not a serious threat to CJIN security and wants to continue with access, a written waiver request must be submitted to CJIN Services. The waiver letter must include the following: the name, personal identifiers (i.e., Date of Birth, Social Security Number) and position of the individual with the record; the circumstances surrounding the record event(s); and the reason the Agency Administrator feels the individual is not a threat to CJIN system security. The waiver request must be signed by the Agency Administrator, documenting the Administrator’s responsibility for and support of CJIN access for the individual with a record.
If you have any questions, contact CJIN Services (406) 444-2800.
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)
