Many states require you undergo a Criminal Background Check (CBC) as part of your genetic counseling licensure application, which includes getting fingerprints. Some board offices submit these for you, while others make you coordinate them yourself. Here's what each state requires.
Note: These instructions are for GCs who are completing applications on their own. If you are using Elsie's AutoGen Application Services, we will include personalized instructions for all of your background checks that are optimized to make the process as streamlined as possible. We'll also take care of the registrations and payments for you.
Background Check Tips:
To ensure quality fingerprints, moisturize your hands frequently in the days leading up to your fingerprinting appointment. But, avoid using lotion just before your appointment, as the oils may smudge your prints.
Make sure they roll your fingers all the way down to the first knuckle crease. The area between the middle of your finger and the crease is the most important area, not the fingertips.
If applying to multiple states at one time, tally up how many fingerprint cards you'll need before making an appointment.
Unless it's stated below that a state will mail you their own cards, you can use any standard FBI FD-259 fingerprint cards, available at most fingerprinting locations. If your fingerprinter does not supply the cards, you can buy some here.
Unless being digitally printed for an in-state application, look for an organization (police station, UPS store, mobile notary/fingerprinting service, etc.) that will do ink fingerprints or can print your digital prints on paper cards to take home.
Ensure your name and all demographic/identifying info is filled out on the cards.
Sign the cards in the presence of the person taking the fingerprints.
Person taking the fingerprints must also sign the cards.
State | CBC Requirement | Cost |
|---|---|---|
Alabama | N/A | N/A |
Arkansas | AR will mail you a CBC packet with paperwork and 2 fingerprint cards. You must use the cards provided to be printed on. Return the forms, cards, a copy of your driver's license and a money order or cashier's check to the address on the form. | $36.25 |
California | In state: If you are a CA resident, download the LiveScan form before submitting your application. Visit a LiveScan location and keep a copy of the completed LiveScan form. Upload a copy of the form with your application when prompted. Out of state: CA will mail you a fingerprint card. You must use the card provided to be printed on. Return the card to the address provided. No payment is necessary. | N/A |
Connecticut | N/A | N/A |
Delaware | Follow the instructions on the state's website to register for a CBC online (through IdentoGo). You may either visit an IdentoGo location or submit a fingerprint card through the mail after registering online (if out of state). Use the Delaware service code: 27S1QX. This will be the same code for every GC. | $85.00 |
Florida | N/A | N/A |
Georgia | Must submit an NPDB Self-Query.* Include an unopened copy with your application OR email a certified digital copy to the board. | NPDB: $3.00-$6.00 |
Idaho | N/A | N/A |
Illinois | N/A | N/A |
Indiana | IN will email you after your application is submitted with instructions to register for a CBC online (through IdentoGo). You may either visit an IdentoGo location or submit a fingerprint card through the mail (if you live out of state) after registering online. You cannot register until after your initial application has been received and the board has emailed you instructions. Use the Indiana service code: 24Y9HK. This will be the same code for every GC. | $36.75 |
Iowa | IA will mail you a CBC packet with paperwork and 2 fingerprint cards. You must use the cards provided to be printed on. Return the completed forms and cards in the provided return envelope. No payment is necessary. | N/A |
Kentucky | N/A | N/A |
Louisiana | Follow the instructions on the state's website to register for a CBC online (through IdentoGo). You may either visit an IdentoGo location or submit a fingerprint card through the mail after registering online (if out of state). Use the Louisiana service code: 27N2ZK. This will be the same code for every GC. | $55.75 |
Maryland | Must be submitted BEFORE you start your Maryland application. In State: Find the fingerprinting site that works best for you here, and make an appointment: https://www.dpscs.state.md.us/publicservs/fingerprint.shtml Provide this information at your appointment: CJIS Authorization #: 1600000743 FBI ORI #: MD 920522Z Reason Fingerprinted: Professional License Type of Check: Governmental Licensing/ Certification Save the receipt/confirmation number that they provide you at your appointment. You'll need that to start your Maryland application. The full instructions can be found here: https://www.mbp.state.md.us/forms/CHRC_Instructions_MBP.pdf?ck_subscriber_id=2001857291 Out of State: Send an email to cjis.customerservice@maryland.gov asking for an out of state background check packet for a genetic counselor license. Include your name and address in the email. Make sure you fill out the front and back of the card, and both you and the fingerprinter sign the front. You will need this info to fill out the back of the card: CJIS Authorization #: 1600000743 FBI ORI #: MD 920522Z Reason Fingerprinted: Professional License Type of Check: Governmental Licensing/ Certification Write a check to CJIS Central Repository for $31.25. Write the check number on the back of the fingerprint card. Mail the fingerprint card and the check to: CJIS Central Repository 6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 101 Baltimore, MD 21215 You'll receive the results via mail in a few weeks. Use the code near the barcode at the top to start your Maryland application. | $51.25 in state $31.25 out of state |
Massachusetts | Must submit an NPDB Self-Query.* Either mail an unopened paper copy to the board, or email them a digitally certified copy. | NPDB: $3.00-$6.00 |
Michigan | After submitting your application, you can download the CBC instruction letter from your portal. Follow the instructions to register for a CBC online (through IdentoGo). You may either visit an IdentoGo location or submit a fingerprint card through the mail (if you live out of state) after registering online. You cannot register without the codes present on your CBC instruction letter. | $66.25 |
Minnesota | MN will email you after your application is submitted with instructions and forms for your CBC. Fill out and sign all the forms EXCEPT Form 3. Obtain 2 fingerprint cards. Form 3 must be signed by you and the fingerprinter at the time you are printed. The dates on your signature, the fingerprinter's signature and the fingerprint cards must all match. Follow the instructions very carefully, as the cards will be rejected if not followed to the letter. Mail the completed forms, 2 fingerprint cards and a check to the address on the forms. | $33.25 |
Montana | N/A | N/A |
Nebraska | N/A | N/A |
New Hampshire | Obtain 2 fingerprint cards. Download the CBC forms from the state's website. Complete and sign it (according to their office, it does not need to be notarized despite the instructions saying so on the form). Mail the cards, form and check to the address on the form. | $48.25 |
New Jersey | NJ will email you a CBC instruction letter after your application is submitted. Follow the instructions to register for a CBC online (through IdentoGo). You may either visit an IdentoGo location or submit a fingerprint card through the mail (if you live out of state) after registering online. You cannot register without the codes present on your CBC instruction letter. TIP: Service code and contributor case number are found on the document emailed to you. | $68.00 |
New Mexico | In State: Follow the instructions in the application to register for a background check (through IdentoGo). You may either visit an IdentoGo location or submit a fingerprint card through the mail after registering online (if out of state). Use the New Mexico ORI code: NM920230Z. This will be the same code for every GC. | $59.00 |
North Dakota | Background check requirement removed in 2023 (possibly temporary). | N/A |
Ohio | In State: Download the CBC instructions and register for an appointment through the National Webcheck Program using the link in the instructions. Out of State: Download the CBC instructions and fingerprint cards from the state's website. Print the fingerprint cards, preferably on cardstock. Mail the completed cards and a check to the address on the instructions. This should be done prior to submitting your application . | $47.25 |
Oklahoma | N/A | N/A |
Oregon | N/A | N/A |
Pennsylvania |
| Varies |
Rhode Island | N/A | N/A |
South Carolina | N/A | N/A |
South Dakota | N/A | N/A |
Tennessee | Follow the instructions on the state's website to register for a CBC online (through IdentoGo). You may either visit an IdentoGo location or submit a fingerprint card through the mail after registering online (if out of state). TIP: Click "Don't know your Service Code". Search for "Department of Health Licensure and Regulation" and use code 1678 for OCA number field. | $37.15 |
Utah | N/A | N/A |
Virginia | Must submit an NPDB Self-Query.* Mail an unopened copy to the board OR email a certified digital copy to the board. | NPDB: $3.00-$6.00 |
Washington | WA will email you after your application is submitted with instructions for a CBC. In state: If you are a WA resident, follow the instructions to register for a background check. Out of state: Forward the email your received to HSQAFingerprintNotice@doh.wa.gov and ask them for an out of state fingerprinting packet. You will receive a packet in the mail with 2 fingerprint cards, a form and a return envelope. Complete the cars, sign the form and include a check (you may also call the board after the cards are returned to pay with a credit card over the phone instead of including a check). | $30.00 |
Wisconsin | N/A | N/A |
*A National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) Self Query is a report from a national repository of information on medical providers. If you have been disciplined by a state board, it is likely to show up on this report. To request a report, click here. You will be asked a series of questions to verify your identity. If you fail the questionnaire, you will have to have a form notarized in order to complete your request. Pricing starts at $3, and increases based on the number of paper copies requested.
Feeling overwhelmed? Elsie can help! Check out our AutoGen Application Services and let us do this legwork for you.
