Virginia Background Check Information
Learn about the Background Check Process in the state of Virginia.
PrintScan Virginia 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.
Virginia Fingerprinting and Background Check Information
Agency with the authority to run the background check process:
Virginia State Police
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, for criminal justice. Yes, for private and governmental employment (Pub. L. 92-544) which is non-criminal justice.
Authorized channelers?
Yes, there are authorized channelers for fingerprint submission only. Responses are forwarded to the agencies requesting the record.
Required documents to initiate a background check:
Two forms of Identification, one which must be Governmental with a photo.
Preferred method of submission of required information.
The preferred method is online, although in person, US Postal Service, and channelers are acceptable submission methods.
Are fingerprint cards from outside the state accepted?
Yes, via US Postal Service.
Process for non-criminal justice checks:
The process is to collect fingerprints and review contracts and policy on escorted and unescorted vendors and contractors and qualifying (Pub. L. 92-544) State Statues. When fingerprints are required, one set of prints is acceptable. There is not a need for a state card in addition to the FD258. Fingerprints may be submitted on card and electronically.
Time required for obtaining results of a non-criminal-justice background check.
Prior to access to the system or building usually the same day for criminal justice. Private/Governmental usually two working days if sent electronically.
Fees involved:
There is no fee for taking fingerprints for criminal justice but there is for contractors at schools etc. if a 92-544 Statute is in place. There is no fee for running checks against state repository databases and against FBI databases for criminal justice but there is for contractors at schools etc. if a 92-544 Statute is in place.
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 at this time, however, plans are in place to start in the future for all applicants.
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)
