Pricing

We charge a flat fee of $62.25 for all background checks and fingerprinting services, including all CJIS / government fees.

Effective October 1, 2020, all in-state applicant fingerprints submitted to CJIS for the purpose of licensing and/or employment background checks must be done electronically via approved live scan fingerprinting units. The only time in-state ink-and-rolled 'hard-card" applicant fingerprint cards will be accepted will be when there is a bona-fide medical reason a live scan transmission cannot be obtained. A comprehensive list of approved live scan fingerprinting units can be obtained by clicking the "Fingerprinting" link to the left of this webpage. If you have questions regarding this policy update, please email cjis.customerservice@maryland.gov.

Individual Background Check (Visas, Gold Seal Letters, and Individual Review)

If you live within Maryland:

• You may go to any authorized location that provides fingerprinting services.
• If you are requesting a copy of your Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal history record you must send your request directly to the FBI.

If you live Outside Maryland:

• Writing the Criminal Justice Information System - Central Repository to: P.O. Box 32708, Pikesville, Maryland 21282-2708; or
• Calling the Criminal Justice Information System - Central Repository in Baltimore City at 410-764-4501 or via the toll free number 1-888-795-0011.

The fingerprint card and associated fee should be mailed to: Criminal Justice Information System - Central Repository P.O. Box 32708 Pikesville Maryland 21282 - 2708 Or sent overnight to: Criminal Justice Information System - Central Repository 6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 217 Baltimore Maryland 21215 - 2346 Include a check made out to the "CJIS Central Repository". See the schedule of Associated Criminal Justice Information System - Central Repository Fees below.

Upon receipt of the fingerprint card, the response from the Criminal Justice Information System - Central Repository can be expected within 10-15 days. Fingerprint cards from other states and/or the Federal Bureau of Investigation cannot be accepted.

Individual Background Check For Employment or Licensing Purposes:

• If you are seeking employment or to be licensed within Maryland, your employer or licensing agency must request the background record check.
• You Must Use the fingerprint cards supplied by your employer or licensing agency, and/or
• You MustHave your employer's or licensing agency’s authorization number available

Hazardous Material Endorsement for Commercial Driver's Licenses

The Transportation Security Administration passed regulations requiring commercial drivers that transport hazardous materials to undergo a security screening that includes a criminal history background check. Commercial drivers in Maryland can apply for their Hazardous Material Endorsement and receive the required security screening at the same time. Detailed instructions for the application and renewal process for the Hazardous Material Endorsement can be found on the Motor Vehicle Administration website.

Adoptions:

• If you currently live in Maryland and the adoption will be finalized in Maryland, follow the instructions of the agency conducting your home study for a full background childcare record check.
• If the child is being adopted from outside the United States, you may need a Gold Seal Letter in addition to the childcare record check. Check with your adoption agency for additional details.

Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) - Central Repository Customer Service:

CJIS Customer Service cannot disclose any criminal history.

CJIS Customer Service representatives can:

• Check the status of a current background history request. You must have the reference number or a social security number.
• Take orders for applicant fingerprint cards. Download the Fingerprint Card Order Form, in PDF format. Simply complete your information, print it and fax it to 410-653-6320, or print it and mail it to CJIS-Central Repository, P.O. Box 32708, Pikesville, Maryland 21282-2708.
• Answer questions regarding the processing of criminal history.
• Give instructions on how to obtain criminal history.
• Help to determine your appropriate criminal history request type.

CJIS Customer Service Hours:

Hours

Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Phone

Baltimore City local number: 410-764-4501 Toll free number: 1-888-795-0011

Fax

410-653-6320

Associated Criminal Justice Information System - Central Repository Fees

Federal Register - Notice of Fee Increase

Effective January 1, 2019 rates for submitting federal background checks via the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System - Central Repository increased in accordance with the fee schedule established by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Cost to providers increased by $ 1.25 per fingerprint-based submission. Fingerprint-based volunteer submission increased by $.50 cents. Fees are required to process each criminal background record check request. All fees must be paid by credit card (Master Card, Visa, and Discover) or check. The Central Repository cannot accept cash or money orders.