As it is known in Arizona, the Card is a Fingerprint Clearance Card that proves legal approval to pursue a job, a professional license, or admission to an educational program. The small, laminated card works as a sort of ID to prove that a person’s criminal background has been checked and they do not have anything that would cause them not to be able to pursue gainful employment on their record.
The Card is a simple way for employers to establish that an employee has a clean background. By providing the card number, the employee or potential employee’s name, and social security number, the employer can ensure that the card is valid by calling (602)223-2279. Your employer should never make a copy of your card, nor should they accept a copy of your card.
In Arizona, these are some of the professions that require the Fingerprint Clearance Card:
Your employer should never make a copy of your card and should also not accept a copy. If a person is under 18 or over 99 years old, they are exempt from fingerprinting requirements. However, people in those age brackets must be visually supervised by a personnel member with a fingerprint clearance card.
The Fingerprint Division of the Department of Public Safety is responsible for issuing the Cards. They are accountable for performing background checks on all applicants seeking a card so they may pursue various educational and employment opportunities. The Division updates the clearance cards periodically by performing criminal records checks.
To obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card, you must apply for one with the Fingerprint Division of the Department of Public Safety. Many employers will provide the application. Suppose you were not provided an application package by your potential employer. In that case, you can acquire one by reaching out to the Arizona Department of Public Safety in one of the following ways:
The Card costs $69 for paid employees and the teacher certification program. Volunteers must pay $65 to obtain the card. If the applicant has no criminal record, they can expect a three to five-week processing time once the division receives the application. If the applicant has a state or federal criminal record, the process typically takes between four and eight weeks to complete.
When applying for the Fingerprint Clearance Card, applicants must submit a complete set of their fingerprints to the Fingerprint Division of Public Safety. The division does not take fingerprints, so the applicant can use a private service or go to a local law enforcement agency for prints. Every six years, a new set of fingerprints must be submitted so background checks can be updated.
Contact an Arizona professional license defense attorney Stewart Law Group to discuss your options if you have been denied a Fingerprint Clearance Card and believe it is an error or feel that the denial is unfair. In Arizona, the Fingerprint Clearance Card opens doors to career opportunities you do not want to be excluded from. Reach out today so we can help.
