Tennessee Background Check Information
Learn about the Background Check Process in the state of Tennessee.
PrintScan Tennessee 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.
Tennessee Fingerprinting and Background Check Information
Agency with the authority to run the background check process:
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
https://www.tn.gov/tbi.html
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.
No state statute; processed under the federal authority.
Authorized channelers?
There are authorized channelers.
Required documents to initiate a background check:
The applicant/volunteer would need to have information from an authorizing agency, such as their ORI#, the appropriate reason fingerprinted code, etc.
Preferred method of submission of required information.
TN contracts with a fingerprint service provider to handle all of the scheduling, etc.
Are fingerprint cards from outside the state accepted?
TN doesn't accept PAPER fingerprint card submissions from anyone. Cards can be mailed to their fingerprint service provider, who converts and submits them electronically.
Process for non-criminal justice checks:
Processed under federal authority. TN doesn't accept PAPER fingerprint card submissions from anyone. Cards can be mailed to the fingerprint service provider, who converts and submits them electronically.
Time required for obtaining results of a non-criminal-justice background check.
Usually two business days.
Fees involved:
All fees are collected by the fingerprint service provider. The total fee (TBI/FBI/vendor) is $32.65 ($30.15 for a volunteer).
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?
Not currently.
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)
