Fingerprint and Background Check Information

To comply with the National Child Protection Act of 1993, the Department of Education requires a mandatory national FBI criminal history background check, “to determine the fitness of an employee, or volunteer, or a person with unsupervised access to children.”  This imperative applies to certain pre-service EDU courses, practicum, school counseling internships, MAT Students, and Student teaching.

Fingerprinting is required:

• Concurrently with EDU 101/222/223
• Prior to Practicum -  if you were fingerprinted as part of the classes listed above, you do not need to repeat the process here.
• Prior to EDU 495R (Student Teaching)
• If 2 or more years has passed since the last background check
• Prior to admission to the MAT program
• As needed at the discretion of the Field Placement Director

Obtaining Fingerprints

Prepared Fingerprint Cards are available at Reid 247 during office hours.
Blank cards are available at all Police Departments. 

You must show your ID in order to be fingerprinted.

Places for Fingerprinting:

1. FPLO Office - Reid 247 (Free)

   • Mondays and Tuesdays 9am-12pm Drop In
   • Complete Consent forms prior to dropping in
   • Bring a $25 check or money order made out to CRIMINAL RECORDS for processing

2. MSU Police Department ($15)

   • Schedule an appointment by calling 406-994-2121
   • Complete Consent forms by clicking here.
   • Bring completed fingerprint cards and a $25 check or money order made out to CRIMINAL RECORDS for processing

3. Gallatin County Detention Center ($15)

   • Schedule an appointment at the Detention Center 
   • Complete Consent forms by clicking here.
   • Bring completed fingerprint cards and a $25 check or money order made out to CRIMINAL RECORDS for processing

4. Bozeman Police Department/Safety Center (Free)

   • Schedule an appointment at the Police Department
   • Complete Consent forms by clicking here.
   • Bring completed fingerprint cards and a $25 check or money order made out to CRIMINAL RECORDS for processing

Completing the Fingerprint/Background Check Process

1. Complete the Consent forms by clicking here.
2. Return the following items to 247 Reid Hall during business hours (8-12, 1-5):

• • Completed Fingerprint Card
  • Check or money order for $25.00 payable to Criminal Records – THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE WILL NOT ACCEPT CASH

Not in Bozeman?

1. Pick up a blank fingerprint card at the nearest law enforcement agency.
2. Complete the blank fingerprint card by using the fingerprintcard instructions.
3. Take the completed fingerprint card to the nearest law enforcement agency where they will take your fingerprints.
4. Mail the following items to the address below:
   • Completed Fingerprint Card
   • Check or money order for $25.00 payable to Criminal Records – THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE WILL NOT ACCEPT CASH
   • Mail to:
     • Montana Department of Justice
       Criminal Records and Identification Services
       PO Box 201403
       2225 11th Ave
       Helena MT 59620-1403
5. Access and complete the Department of Justice Paperwork and Consent Forms