New York Background Check Information
Learn about the Background Check Process in the state of New York.
PrintScan New York 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 York Fingerprinting and Background Check Information
Agency with the authority to run the background check process:
New York State Division of Criminal Justice 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.
Yes, 9 NYCRR 6051.1(a)(3). This law gives provides authority to qualified entities that need to background vendors for support of their systems that may include criminal history information.
Authorized channelers?
There are no authorized channelers.
Required documents to initiate a background check:
Fingerprint card, state of residency identification (i.e., driver’s license, photo ID, passport ID).
Preferred method of submission of required information.
In New York, Fingerprint inquiry responses are delivered to the qualifying agency’s secure inbox that resides on the NYS Integrated Justice Portal. This is a state-supported system.
Are fingerprint cards from outside the state accepted?
Yes, hard copy card submitted to DCJS or to a certified fingerprint vendor site (IDEMIA).
Process for non-criminal justice checks:
The contracting local agency is required to do the suitability determination on contractors and vendors that they use. One set of prints is required. A state card is not required in addition to the FD258. If necessary, fingerprints may be submitted on cards, but it is not preferred. Fingerprints may be submitted electronically.
Time required for obtaining results of a non-criminal-justice background check.
Minutes, on average.
Fees involved:
There are fees for taking fingerprints and for running checks against state repository databases. There is not a fee for running checks against FBI databases. The form of payment accepted is credit through individual escrow accounts.
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.
The NYS Office of Information Technology Services maintains the State’s CJIS related systems. These staff are vetted by our State’s CJIS Systems Agency – The New York State Police.
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)
