New licenses available for fingerprint vendors

SPRINGFIELD – Rules to implement legislation mandating that fingerprint vendors be licensed by the State take effect today.  The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has begun accepting applications from qualified fingerprint vendors today.

To qualify for a license as a fingerprint vendor, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, have completed a training course approved or offered by the Illinois State Police (ISP), have equipment approved by the ISP, and have a fingerprint vendor (other than him/herself) submit his/her own fingerprints for a background check by ISP.  That background check must demonstrate that the applicant is of ‘good moral character’ and meets the other standards established under the law and the rules.

A licensed fingerprint vendor must use equipment that has been certified by ISP.  Compliance with the ISP fingerprinting equipment and software specifications is a continuing requirement for licensure and shall be provided to Division personnel upon request.

Finally a fingerprint vendor must provide proof of at least $1,000,000 of general liability insurance held by the applicant as evidenced by a certificate of insurance from the insurer.  A fingerprint vendor employed by a licensed fingerprint vendor agency may provide proof that his or her actions as a fingerprint vendor are covered by the liability insurance of his or her employer.

The new regulations are posted on the Department’s website at www.idfpr.com.   Questions regarding licensing of fingerprint vendors may be directed to the Division’s Technical Assistance Unit at 217-782-8556 in the Springfield office.