How Long Does it Take to Get an Arizona Fingerprint Card?

One question many Arizona fingerprint clearance card applicants ask is How Long Does it Take to Get an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card?  The process of getting the fingerprint clearance card depends on if the applicant has a criminal history or not.  Additionally, other factors may affect the timeline include the submission of proper and complete documents and following the application’s directions. If all requirements and documents are correct, applicants will receive a fingerprint clearance card in about a month to a month and a half. This will only happen if the applicant doesn’t have a criminal history.

If There’s a Criminal History

However, for applicants that possess criminal history the DPS must conduct research in order to make a final decision. This may take up to two (2) months or more. These results are also dependent upon the terms of the processing time of Arizona Department of Public Safety and the FBI background check, which can vary.

Livescan Fingerprinting

There is also a Livescan fingerprint collection method. This is a very efficient way of recording the information of most individuals’ fingerprints.  This is important as some people’s fingerprints appear to be unreadable by the FBI automated fingerprint automation system. In these types of scenarios, the Arizona agency notifies the person of fingerprint rejection. Fingerprints done at a Livescan location can be rescheduled and collection done free of charge. Of course, there may be additional fees if fingerprints were done at a non-Livescan location.

When Your Application is Approved

Finally, if the Board approves your application (when you have a criminal history and must apply for a good cause exception, the Board transmits a letter to the DPS, which issues the clearance card. The letter requests the DPS to issue a fingerprint clearance card. Simply put, as soon as it receives the Board’s letter, DPS will issue the card within two (2) weeks.

If you want to learn more about how long it takes to get an Arizona Fingerprint Card or would like to set up a consultation, contact Chelle Law today.