Texas Background Check Information
Learn about the Background Check Process in the state of Texas.
PrintScan Texas 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.
Texas Fingerprinting and Background Check Information
Agency with the authority to run the background check process:
Texas Department of Public Safety
https://www.dps.texas.gov/
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, Texas Government Code 411.087 allow Texas and other authorized entities the ability to obtain FBI criminal history information. Individual Texas Government Codes, under Chapter 411 Subchapter F, allow for fingerprinting of vendors.
Authorized channelers?
There are no authorized channelers.
Required documents to initiate a background check:
Non-criminal justice agency vendors need to set up an appointment with the fingerprinting vendor using a service code (purpose), they need to have a valid ID and sign the authorization language prior to obtaining prints. Prints are sent to DPS electronically.
Criminal justice agencies can obtain vendor fingerprints on hard cards, or may set up an appointment with our fingerprinting vendor using a service code, sign the authorization language, and then submit the hard cards to DPS.
Preferred method of submission of required information.
The preferred method of submission is online via the Fact Clearinghouse Applicant of Texas (FACT Clearinghouse).
Are fingerprint cards from outside the state accepted?
Yes, we process hard cards for out-of-state vendors if they are contractors to a criminal justice agency. We receive the hard cards directly. If they are vendors for authorized non-criminal justice agencies, they can submit the hard cards to our fingerprinting vendor.
Process for non-criminal justice checks:
- Agencies have to request access to our FACT Clearinghouse to obtain both state and FBI criminal history information. They have to have the legislative authority to access the FACT Clearinghouse.
- Once approved, we submit a request to the FBI for an ORI number if they are a non-criminal justice agency. Criminal justice agencies will have an applicant ORI established.(1 and 2 can be interchangeable – need to have authority to request an ORI number as well.)
- Once we receive the ORI number, we provide it to our vendor to allow for electronic fingerprinting.
- Vendor provides a service code that we provide to agency. Agency can begin fingerprinting their vendors.
- Individuals need to schedule an appointment to be fingerprinted. Fingerprints are sent to us electronically.
- DPS processes the prints and provides both the Texas and FBI criminal history information through the FACT Clearinghouse.
*Criminal Justice agencies can choose to submit fingerprint to their vendors by hard card and submit the information directly to us. If they choose to do so, they will skip steps 3-5 and mail the fingerprints to DPS for processing.
When fingerprints are required, one set of prints should 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 but they have to be in the FBI EBTS format. We won’t take an electronic copy of a fingerprint card.
Time required for obtaining results of a non-criminal-justice background check.
Once we receive the prints, we quote 48 hours but normally it is available the following day.
Fees involved:
The fee for taking fingerprints – if taken by our vendor, is $10.00 per transaction. The fee for running checks against state repository databases is $15.00 for non-criminal justice agencies. There is no fee for criminal justice agency vendors. The fee for running checks against FBI databases is $12.00 for non-criminal justice agencies. There is no fee for criminal justice agency vendors.
For payment, the majority are collected upfront for the applicant by credit card but some locations also take money orders. We have certain state agencies that we bill on a monthly basis.
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?
Yes, the FACT Clearinghouse allows for sharing of criminal history information if the vendors were printed for the same purpose. Criminal justice agencies can easily obtain the information and share with another criminal justice agency. Non-criminal justice agencies may have to re-fingerprint the contractors if the authorization allowing for the fingerprinting of contractors are not the same.
Does the state have a RapBack program? If so, are there fees for participating?
N/A
Other notes or relevant information.
lease note that it takes approximately around 120 days for an authorized agency to receive an ORI for fingerprinting.
Also, note that if an applicant’s fingerprints are rejected twice by the FBI, the agency the applicant is being fingerprinted for is notified to inform them that they can submit a name-based search to the FBI.
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)
