New Jersey Background Check Information
Learn about the Background Check Process in the state of New Jersey.
PrintScan New Jersey 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.
New Jersey Fingerprinting and Background Check Information
Agency with the authority to run the background check process:
New Jersey State Police (NJSP)
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.
Authorized NJ noncriminal justice agencies must have an FBI-approved statute to submit background checks to the FBI. There are numerous authorized statutes currently in use specific to each noncriminal justice agency. NJ criminal justice agencies are authorized to submit background checks to the FBI for criminal justice purposes as criminal justice employees (CJE).
Authorized channelers?
Private channelers are not authorized to submit fingerprint-based background checks to the NJ state repository. Only agencies with an assigned Originating Agency Identification (ORI) number can submit to the state repository.
Required documents to initiate a background check:
One non-expired valid photo identification document must be used at the time of fingerprinting. The photo identification document must be a single document. In addition, the NJ authorized state-contracted vendor requires the completion of a Universal Fingerprint Form prior to scheduling and completing the fingerprint process.
Preferred method of submission of required information.
The preferred method of submission is in person.
Are fingerprint cards from outside the state accepted?
NJ will not accept fingerprint cards from another state to process on behalf of that sending state. However, NJ will accept hard cards via U.S. Postal Service from outside states for applicants seeking a NJ background check for employment or licensing purposes in NJ. Live Scan created mailed cards are preferred. Also, please see the response to #7 below.
Process for non-criminal justice checks:
NJ criminal justice agencies have the ability to submit fingerprints-based background checks for criminal justice purposes on vendors and contractors doing business with their respective criminal justice agency. For noncriminal justice purposes, NJ uses an authorized, state-contracted vendor for authorized noncriminal justice agencies to submit fingerprint based background checks. Individuals can also request an in-state fingerprint based personal records check on themselves utilizing the state contracted vendor. When fingerprints are required, one state card (SBI 19) and one federal (FD258) card must be submitted. Cards can be submitted for noncriminal justice fingerprint submission in cases where the subject does NOT reside, work, or attend school within a 10-mile radius of the NJ borders. For criminal justice purposes, each NJ criminal justice agency will submit digital fingerprints using their Live Scan device when fingerprinting criminal justice employees for criminal justice purposes; this is the preferred method.
Time required for obtaining results of a non-criminal-justice background check.
Authorized noncriminal justice agency results are typically available within one week from processing. Criminal justice agency submissions for criminal justice purposes submitted via Live Scan are typically received by the requesting agency in less than one hour.
Fees involved:
There are fees associated with background checks for noncriminal justice purposes in accordance with N.J.A.C. Title 13. There are fees for taking fingerprints, running checks against state repository databases, and for running checks against FBI databases. The NJ authorized state contracted vendor accepts credit/debit cards, pre-paid debit cards, and personal checks. There are no fees for criminal justice background checks requested by criminal justice agencies for criminal justice purposes.
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?
Criminal justice agency fingerprint submissions conducted on contractors for criminal justice purposes are not retained. Those criminal history background check results are only accurate up to the date the subject was printed. Subsequent fingerprint resubmissions are required for updated criminal history checks.
Does the state have a RapBack program? If so, are there fees for participating?
N/A
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)
