How to Get Your Fingerprint Clearance Card

The following information is taken directly from the Arizona Department of Public Safety website:

Who is required to have a level one fingerprint clearance card?
On July 1, 2009, the department began issuing two types of fingerprint clearance cards.  This change was mandated by a change in state law.  The cards are called the Level One card and the Regular card.  Section 411758.07 was enacted which placed a higher eligibility standard to receive a Level One card than what is needed for a regular card.  Both cards are valid for six years and fees have not changed. The following programs require a Level One fingerprint clearance card:

  • DES CERTIFIED CHILD CARE PROVIDER & NCRP (ARS 41-1964 & 46-141)
  • DES CCR&R REGISTERED HOME (ARS 41-1967.01)
  • DES DAAS (46-141)
  • DES CHILD WELFARE/ADOPTION AGENCY EMPLOYEE ( 46-141)
  • DES DDD/HCBS (ARS 36-594.01)
  • DES DDD/DEVELOPMENTAL HOME LICENSURE (36-594.02)
  • DES CPS EMPLOYEE (ARS 8-802)
  • DES NON CPS EMPLOYEE (41-1968)
  • DES IT POSITION (41-1969)
  • DES ADOPTION (8-105)
  • DES FOSTER HOME LICENSURE (8-509)
  • DHS CHILD CARE GROUP HOME; CERTIFICATION, EMPLOYEES OR VOLUNTEERS (ARS 36-897.01 & 36-897.03)
  • DHS CHILD CARE EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS (ARS 36-883.02)
  • DHS CHILD CARE FACILITY LICENSURE (ARS 36-882)
  • DHS ARIZONA STATE HOSPITAL EMPLOYEE OR VOLUNTEER (ARS 36-207)
  • ARIZONA BOARD OF FINGERPRINTING MEMBERS & STAFF (ARS 41-619.52)
  • ARIZONA GAME AND FISH (ARS 17-215)
  • How can I obtain an application packet for an initial or renewal IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card?
    You may obtain an application packet from your employer or you may request a packet directly from DPS by either calling (602) 223-2279 or faxing your request to (602) 223-2947. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    If you will be working in the education field (public or charter) and you are required to obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card or if you will be doing student teaching or tutoring you will need to obtain an “Identity Verified Print” (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card, not the regular Fingerprint Clearance Card. When requesting an application packet please make sure you specify that you need the “IVP” application packet. Please ensure you affix sufficient postage to the envelope and place your return address in the top left corner of the envelope.

    How can I obtain an application packet for an initial or Regular Fingerprint Clearance Card?
    You may request a packet directly from DPS by either calling (602) 223-2279 or faxing your request to (602) 223-2947. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please ensure you affix sufficient postage to the envelope and place your return address in the top left corner of the envelope.

    What is the fee to obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card?
    Currently the fee for volunteers is $65 and the fee for all others is is $67. Fees are subject to change at anytime.

    What forms of payment are accepted?
    DPS accepts Cashier’s Checks, Money Orders or a check drawn on a business account. All forms of payment should be made payable to the AZ Department of Public Safety. State agencies may also elect to submit a State Companion Action Transfer form

    How long will it take to get my Fingerprint Clearance Card?
    The average processing time can vary from week to week based on the number of applications received and on whether or not the person has a criminal record. At present it will take approximately 4 to 6 weeks for an application that does not require research. It can take up to 90 days for an application that will require research. Please ensure you affix sufficient postage to the envelope and place your return address in the top left corner of the envelope.

    How can I check the status of my application?
    Currently there are two ways to check the status of an application:

  • By phone – To check the status please call (602) 223-2279
  • You may also click on the link below to check the status of your application.This process will require either your application number or fingerprint card number.
  • Clearance Card Application Status Check

    How long is my Fingerprint Clearance Card good for?
    A Fingerprint Clearance Card is valid for six years.

    How long before my card expires should I send in a renewal application?
    Due to unforeseen processing delays that may occur from time to time, you should begin the renewal process about six months before your current card expires.

    What will my fingerprints be used for?
    Your fingerprints will be used to obtain both a state and federal criminal records check.

    Does DPS take applicant fingerprints?
    Currently DPS does not provide fingerprinting for the public. For fingerprinting services it is recommended that you contact your local police department or a professional fingerprinting services company.

    DPS does not provide a list of police departments or professional fingerprinting services companies or their contact information.

    Does the DPS Applicant Clearance Card Team provide blank fingerprint cards to individuals who request just the blank fingerprint card but do not want an application to apply for a Fingerprint Clearance Card?
    We do not supply fingerprint cards for any other purpose other than processing a fingerprint clearance card application.

    My Fingerprint Clearance Card has been lost or stolen. How may I obtain a replacement?
    There are two options in acquiring a replacement fingerprint clearance card:

  • By Phone – You may call (602) 223-2279 and request a replacement card form be mailed to you. Complete the form and mail it to DPS with the $5.00 required fee (cashiers check, money order or check drawn on a business account). A $5 fee will be charged for each card requested.
  • By FAX – You may submit your request to (602) 223-2947 and request a replacement card form be mailed to you. Complete the form and mail it to DPS with the $5.00 required fee (cashiers check, money order or check drawn on a business account). A $5 fee will be charged for each card requested.
  • I am an employer. How may I check to see if a Fingerprint Clearance Card is valid?

  • When requesting to see the employee’s valid card only accept the actual laminated card. A photocopy is not considered proof of valid Fingerprint Clearance Card. An employee can be referred to DPS (602-223-2279) to request a copy of their card.
  • You may also click on the link below for an online status check and enter the card number or application number. This is a public website where application status can be verified.
  • Clearance Card Application Status Check
  • Where can I find out what would preclude me from obtaining a clearance card?
    Precluding offenses for a level one fingerprint clearance card can be found in A.R.S. 41-1758.07, subsection B and C, link below.
    http://www.azleg.gov/ars/41/01758-07.htm 
    Precluding offenses for the regular fingerprint clearance card can be found in A.R.S. 41-1758.03, link below.http://www.azleg.gov/ars/41/01758-03.htm

    How does a Fingerprint Clearance Card become suspended?
    Pursuant to ARS 41-1758.04 a card is suspended if the card holder is arrested for an offense listed in either ARS 41-1758.03 or ARS 41-1758.07. You can click on the link below to read ARS 41-1758.04. http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/41/01758-04.htm

    What is a “DR – Driving Restricted Card?
    A person who is awaiting trial on or who has been convicted of committing or attempting to commit a misdemeanor violation of section 28-1381, 28-1382 or 28-1383 in this state or the same or a similar offense in another state or jurisdiction within five years from the date of applying for a level I fingerprint clearance card is precluded from driving any vehicle to transport employees or clients of the employing agency as part of the person’s employment. The division shall place a notation on the level I fingerprint clearance card that indicates this driving restriction. This does not preclude a person from driving a vehicle alone as part of the person’s employment.

    Previous to your application process being completed can we tell you if you qualify for a clearance card?
    No. You will have to submit your application and when the application process has been completed you will then be mailed the results.

    What is the Privacy Statement for Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Applicant Clearance Card Team? In accordance with A.R.S. 41-1750(A)(2) and 41-1758 et seq., the Arizona Department of Public Safety(DPS) Applicant Clearance Card Team(ACCT) conducts fingerprint-based criminal history record checks and exchanges the fingerprint data with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Further, as required by A.R.S. 41-1750(G)(3) & 41-1758.03(F):, 07(F) DPS releases an applicant’s criminal history record to the Arizona Board of Fingerprinting, upon the Arizona Board of Fingerprinting’s request for the purpose of conducting good cause exceptions.

    Need Directions?
    The Fingerprint Clearance Card Unit is located at 2320 N. 20th Avenue in Phoenix. Access to the parking area can only be made from West Lewis Ave. which is one block north of Encanto Blvd and is accessible from either 19th Ave. or 21st Ave.

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