Frequently Asked Questions

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Background Checks

Q1. What is the status of my background check?

You can find out the status of your background check by calling Customer Service at (410) 764-4501 or toll-free at 1-888-795-0011. Be prepared to provide the Reference number or Social Security number in order for the status to be checked.

Q2. How long does it take to complete a background check?

The usual processing time for a state background check is less than 10 days, depending on the type of request. FBI background checks require up to 4-6 weeks.

Q3. How much does a background check costs?

• For a full background check (State and FBI) - $42.00
• For a State background only check - $18.00
• For a State & FBI Volunteer check - $36.00
• For a “Gold Seal” background check - $19.00
• (for “out of United States” record check)
• (Note: An additional $5 charge is made for each fingerprint card required for the various background checks)

Q4. What are the phone numbers for the courts (county, state, federal)?

Use the following links to obtain your information or contact information (411):

• County - http://www.courts.state.md.us/circuit.html
• State - http://www.courts.state.md.us/
• Federal - http://www.law.emory.edu/FEDCTS/

Q5. Can I obtain the necessary forms I need for a background check prior to being fingerprinted?

If you are being fingerprinted for employment purposes, you need to obtain a form (CJIS Form 011) from your employer.

If you are being fingerprinted for reasons other than employment (examples: adoption, immigration, visa, individual review, etc.) you’ll be provided the appropriate card at the time of fingerprinting.

Q6. Can I request a background check on someone else?

No. The Maryland Security & Privacy Act and the Maryland COMAR Regulations prohibit background checks being performed on citizens without proper authorization.

Q7. How do I clear my name if someone else is using my name?

Because of the unique circumstances of each request, please contact CJIS by phone (410) 764-4501 and explain your situation.

Q8. Is my background information public information?

No. All information gathered and possessed by CJIS is kept secure and is not available to the public without correct authorization.

Q9. How long does it take to have a background check done?

The usual processing time for a state background check is approximately 10 days, depending on the type of request. FBI background checks require up to 4-6 weeks.

Q10. Can I request a full background check on myself?

Yes. To conduct a full background check on yourself, contact the FBI Liaison Office at (304) 625-5590.

Q11. How do I obtain a copy of my court disposition?

In order to obtain a copy of your court disposition you must contact the court that heard your case (example: city, county, state, federal courts).

Q12. How do I find case numbers?

In order to find out a case number you must contact the court that heard the case (example: city, county, state, federal courts).

Q13. They say that I was arrested but I can’t remember. How do I find out about my arrest record?

To review your state arrest record you must request it in person at any Motor Vehicle Administration office [http://www.mva.state.md.us/] or the CJIS location at 6776 Reisterstown Road, 2nd Floor, Suite 205, Baltimore, Maryland 21215. http://www.mapquest.com/.

To request a review of your Federal arrest records contact the FBI Liaison Office at (304) 625-5590.

Q14. How do I request a background check on my employee?

To initiate a background check on employees, complete the “Private Party Petition Packet” to: CJIS Authorization Administrator, Post Office Box 5743, Pikesville, MD 21282-5743.

Q15. I received a background check on my employee but I didn’t learn what they were charged with. How do I find this information?

State of Maryland background checks disclose the crimes committed. FBI background checks do not disclose specific crimes committed.

Q16. How long does it take to conduct a background check?

When the application is received it is reviewed to insure that all required information is present. Application fees are accounted for, demographic data is entered, the fingerprint search is conducted, and a return response (with results of the background check) is prepared, reviewed, and mailed to the requestor. In most cases results of the state background check is mailed out in less than 10 working days from receipt of the initial approved application.

Q17. Is it possible to have a background check done on the same day?

Same day state background checks are possible only in extreme, verifiable situations. This type of request can be made only in-person at the CJIS location at 6776 Reisterstown Road, 2nd Floor, Suite 205, Baltimore, Maryland. Be prepared to present valid documentation to justify your request.

Q18. Do you take credit cards?

No cash or credit cards are accepted. Only personal checks or money orders may be used to pay for background checks.

Q19. Where do I get my security clearance card?

Contact information (411) for the Maryland State Police Licensing section, look through the local yellow pages under the state government listings or visit the State Police office in person to get information about obtaining the security clearance card.

Q20. How can I get an FBI background check?

FBI background checks can only be done for authorized reasons based on state statute. Individuals cannot initiate FBI background checks.

Q21. Do you have the phone numbers and addresses of the police departments?

Phone numbers and addresses for police departments can be found in the phone book in the government pages or in our web page links.

Q22. Is driving while intoxicated (DWI) on my criminal record?

No. Motor vehicle charges are not part of your criminal record.

Q23. I received a rejection letter with D9 on it. What does this mean?

D9 is one of several “Rejection Codes” you may receive in a Rejection Letter. The description of the rejection code immediately follows the alphanumeric code.

Q24. What does the highlighted field on a rejected document mean?

Highlighted fields are used to draw your attention to the area of the application form that needs correction or additional information on state cards. Checks (√) are used for this purpose on FBI cards.

Q25. What are the police barracks and sheriff’s department’s phone numbers and addresses?

Phone numbers and addresses for police and sheriff’s departments can be found in the yellow pages in the government pages section.

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Fingerprinting

Q1. Where do I go to get fingerprinted?

Obtain your local yellow pages and locate your local State Police Barracks, local Police Departments, or Sheriff’s Departments under the government listings section. You may also contact information (411).

Note: Please call the location to inquire about their fee, days, and times for obtaining fingerprints.

Q2. What are the business hours for having fingerprints done?

The CJIS location (6776 Reisterstown Road, 1st Floor, Suite 102, Baltimore, Maryland 21215) is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., and the 1st and 3rd Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Q3. Why do I have to be fingerprinted?

Certain occupations are required by law to have fingerprint supported record checks (examples: child care providers, Public Service Commission).

Private employers may also require a fingerprint supported record check, but law may not require it.

Q4. Can I obtain the necessary forms I need for a background check prior to being fingerprinted?

If you are being fingerprinted for employment purposes, you need to obtain a form (CJIS Form 011) from your employer.

If you are being fingerprinted for reasons other than employment (examples: adoption, immigration, visa, individual review, etc.) you’ll be provided the appropriate card at the time of fingerprinting.

Q5. I have previously had my fingerprints taken. Can they be used again or do I have to have my fingerprints taken again?

By State law (COMAR), fingerprints must be taken for each requested background check.

Q6. Do you take credit cards?

No cash or credit cards are accepted. Only personal checks or money orders may be used to pay for background checks.

Q7. Where do I get fingerprinted that is close to my home or work?

Most local police stations provide fingerprinting for authorized reasons. Call the location that is convenient to you to verify this service is provided, and to find out their hours of operation.

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Expungement

Q1. What are the phone numbers for the courts (county, state, federal)?

Use the following links to obtain your information or contact information (411):

• County - http://www.courts.state.md.us/circuit.html
• State - http://www.courts.state.md.us/
• Federal - http://www.law.emory.edu/FEDCTS/

Q2. How do I obtain a copy of my court disposition?

In order to obtain a copy of your court disposition you must contact the court that heard your case (example: city, county, state, federal courts).

Q3. Do you need to file one petition to have all your charges and arrest information expunged from your record?

No. You must file a separate petition for each date of arrest and a separate petition for each charge to be removed from your record.