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FingerPrint-Based Background Checks

What is a fingerprint-based background check?
A fingerprint-based background check is considered the only positive identification background check. A name and date of birth check is not positive identification. A set of all 10 fingerprints must be submitted to conduct the FBI check. The FBI requires a WSP fingerprint based check as part of the fingerprint based FBI check. The results contain information that has been transmitted to the FBI by law enforcement. In most cases, a fee is required. Check with your DSHS contact person to determine if your program requires a fingerprint-based background check and the cost.

What is required to be able to conduct an FBI background check?
Federal law requires a state law to conduct fingerprint-based FBI background checks. BCCU facilitates the FBI checks for DSHS administrations that have legal authority. Call your DSHS contact person about laws that may apply to you.

What is the process to conduct an FBI fingerprint check?
FBI fingerprint-based background checks require one fingerprint card with all 10 fingerprints and a fee. The WSP electronically transmits the fingerprint card to the FBI. The results are sent separately to BCCU.

Who is required to have an FBI check?
The Washington Legislature has given legal authority to some, not all, DSHS administrations. Call your DSHS contact person for the specific law that applies to you.

What is required of the requester?
The requester must:

Provide the applicant the DSHS fingerprint card printed with the statute that allows the FBI check
Provide instructions to the applicant on the printing process and a timeframe to complete the printing process
Track the applicant to ensure the quickest turnaround time
Send a completed card and payment to BCCU

What is required of the applicant?
The applicant must:

Take the DSHS fingerprint card to a law enforcement agency to have fingerprints rolled
Pay the fingerprint rolling fee charged by the law enforcement agency
Take or mail the completed fingerprint card to the requester, licenser or entity within allotted time frame

Can results of an FBI check be shared with the requester?
Only if the requester is a DSHS office. The FBI is a repository for state information. The FBI recommends that the individual state be contacted to furnish the original record. It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact other states to verify or correct information.

If an individual has had a FBI check completed for an agency other than DSHS, are new fingerprints required?
YES. Current laws prevent sharing of fingerprint results between different departments of the state.

Is there a specific fingerprint card that must be used?
YES. Each original FBI fingerprint card is pre-printed with the authorizing law and identification number (ORI) assigned by the FBI. The ORI number tells the FBI where to return the result.

Where can a supply of the pre-printed fingerprint cards be ordered?
Check with your DSHS contact person.

How does the FBI return results?
Results are sent directly to BCCU through a special electronic system.

How does the WSP return results?
Results are mailed directly to BCCU.

How are fingerprint cards and the authorization forms processed after received by BCCU?
The applicant information is entered into the BCCU tracking system and the fingerprint card is forwarded to the WSP. The WSP electronically transmits the card to the FBI and keeps the original to conduct a WSP fingerprint check.

How long does it take BCCU, the WSP and the FBI to process a fingerprint check?
The fingerprint-based background check process should be completed within approximately 6 to 8 weeks depending on the WSP and FBI response time.

Who pays for the FBI/WSP check?
This will depend on the specific RCW or WAC requiring the check. Your DSHS contact person should provide specific information.

Does DSHS reimburse the applicant for the fingerprinting fee charged by local law enforcement agencies?
Check with your DSHS contact person to inquire about your DSHS administration policy on reimbursement.

What is the process when the WSP or the FBI rejects a fingerprint card?
BCCU will return a reject letter and an explanation from the WSP or FBI with the rejected fingerprint card. The fingerprint process must be completed as required. If the WSP or FBI determines the individual will most likely never be able to provide legible prints, a notice is provided with a name and date of birth check result.

Why is the rejected fingerprint card sent back with the rejection letter?

BCCU must receive the rejected card with the new card. The FBI and WSP will compare the print quality. This allows the WSP/FBI to decide better prints may not be possible.
Local law enforcement may charge a fee for re-printing if the card is rejected by the FBI/WSP.
The WSP and FBI have individual policy about additional charges for rejected cards. Contact BCCU.
Both the FBI and the WSP have rules about the number of times an individual’s rejected fingerprints are re-processed.

Is an applicant required to have another FBI check when it is time for license renewal or after a certain time has passed?
Check with your DSHS contact person for specific information related to your program requirements.

Can an individual request a copy of their FBI identification records?
YES. The request must be in writing and mailed to:

Special Correspondence Unit (SCU)
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Criminal Justice Information Services Division
Attention: SCU, Module D-2
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306-0171

Requests must be accompanied by satisfactory proof of identity consisting of:

Name;
Date and place of birth;
One set of rolled inked fingerprints on a fingerprint card from a law enforcement agency; and
$18.00 in a certified check or money order payable to the Treasury of the United States.

Is the FBI check the only way to receive information on a federal conviction?
NO. Records of federal convictions can be obtained directly through the federal court where the conviction took place. If an individual were convicted of a crime in the Seattle federal jurisdiction, the record of conviction is available at the Federal court in Seattle. Federal courts do not send conviction records to the WSP, however they do report to the FBI.

Will DSHS/BCCU inform the licenser/requester of the result of the BCCU name and date of birth check conducted prior to sending the fingerprint cards to the WSP?
NO. If the applicant has a disqualifying background in Washington State, a notice will be sent to the requester. If there is a record or no information, the notice will be sent when the FBI and WSP reports are both received by BCCU.