BACKGROUND CHECK/FINGERPRINTING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Contact the program location of your choice and request an application packet.  You must have a fingerprint card before submitting  an application to the program.
2. Complete the Criminal Conviction Disclosure and Authorization/Verification form.
3. Complete the Washington State Patrol fingerprinting process (below) and obtain a receipt.  Staple the receipt to the Criminal Conviction Disclosure and Authorization/Verification.
4. Submit the Criminal Conviction Disclosure and Authorization/Verification form along with a receipt showing your having been fingerprinted with all other Human Services program application materials, to the program location you plan on attending.

PLEASE COMPLETELY READ THIS DOCUMENT BEFORE YOU TRY TO GET YOUR FINGERPRINTS TAKEN! 

DO NOT FOLD OR BEND THE FINGER PRINT CARD.

 Before going to get your fingerprints:

1.   Obtain a $30.00  money order or cashier’s check , payable to “Washington State Patrol” .  The WSP will not accept personal checks or cash. 

2.   Obtain an 8 x 10 manila envelope.  It is recommended to have a small piece of cardboard inside the envelope to prevent bending of the card. Pre address this envelope using the following address:

Washington State Patrol

Identification and Criminal History Section

P.O. Box 42633

Olympia, WA 98504-2633

3.   Obtain enough postage for 2 oz. mailing and affix to the manila envelope.  After your fingerprints have been taken, the police agency will mail your fingerprint card and money order using this envelope.

4.   COMPLETE THE WHITE FINGERPRINTING CARD AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE BEFORE GOING TO YOUR FINGERPRINTING APPOINTMENT.  USE BLACK INK.  DO NOT ATTACH ANYTHING TO THE CARD.  DO NOT HIGHLIGHT ANYTHING ON THE CARD.  Either attachments or highlighting will cause your card to be rejected. DO NOT BEND OR FOLD THE CARD!!!  Use the “race” code that most closely represents your race.  The Washington State Patrol only recognizes the following:

A –Asian, Pacific Islander, or East Indian;   B –Black or African American;  

I –American Indian or Alaska Native;   W –White or Caucasian; U –Unknown

Western Washington University Campus Police Department provides students with a convenient fingerprinting service for a nominal fee.  They are located in the public safety building on the south side of campus at 2001 Bill McDonald Parkway.  Call 360.650.7582 to schedule an appointment if you wish to be fingerprinted by University Police.  You can also have your fingerprints taken at your local police or sheriff’s department, by appointment.  Bellingham Police Department is located at 505 Grand Ave. Call them at 360.676.6913 for an appointment. 

Check with the agency where you will be fingerprinted to confirm any cost and preferred method of payment in advance of your appointment.

Items to bring to your fingerprinting appointment:

þ     Photo identification such as passport, driver’s license or WWU photo ID card. 

þ     Completed fingerprint card

þ     Pre-addressed and postage paid 8”X 10” manila envelope

þ     $30.00 money order made out to “Washington State Patrol”; no checks/cash

þ     Money to pay for the fingerprinting service

Getting your fingerprints:

1. Call ahead and make an appointment.  Be prepared to pay a nominal fee for the fingerprinting service.  WWU Campus Police and most police or sheriff offices charge a small fee.  Call ahead to confirm what your local police/sheriff charges, their accepted method of payment and what days and hours they conduct fingerprinting.

2. Wash your hands without soap or lotion before going to get your fingerprints.

3. IMPORTANT:  Remember to obtain a receipt for fingerprinting.  Attach the receipt to the blue Criminal Conviction Disclosure form and send with the program application to your program location.  You will not hear back from the Washington State Patrol unless there is a problem with the card.  You will hear from the program within six to eight weeks if there are any questions or concerns regarding your criminal history report.