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1. How do New York State agencies capture fingerprints for civil purposes (i.e. employment, licensing, pistol permits, etc.)
   A: New York State agencies use one vendor for capturing fingerprints for civil purposes (i.e. employment, licensing, pistol permits, etc.).�� The name of the vendor is IdentoGO/IDEMIA and additional information can be obtained at:��
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2. Where are the MorphoTrust/IDEMIA (IdentoGo) locations in New York State?
   A: A list of currently available locations can be found at��.�� Type New York or enter a zip code and then click “GO” to view the listing.

3. How do I schedule a fingerprinting appointment?
   A: There are two ways to schedule an appointment. To make a selection go to��Fingerprinting Start to Finish

4. IdentoGO/IDEMIA requires me to provide a “Service Code” to schedule an appointment. What is a Service Code and what is it used for?
   A: Use the service code from the table below that most closely reflects the reason why you are currently scheduling a fingerprinting appointment.

5. What kind of identification must I provide to IdentoGO/ IDEMIA at the time of fingerprinting?
   A: For the most current list of identification documents accepted by IdentoGo, visit our website at the following:��link, then select the option that reflects the reason for your fingerprinting, which will take you to IdentoGO's website. Next, click on: “What do I need to bring to enrollment?".

   You must bring��one��of the valid/unexpired identification documents from the list below to your enrollment appointment.��

• Driver’s license issued by a U.S. State or outlying possession of the U.S.��
• Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)
• Canadian Driver’s License (Non-Commercial)
• Mexican Driver's License (Commercial or Non-Commercial)
• Commercial Driver’s License issued by a State or outlying possession of the U.S.
• DMV Non-Driver Identification Card
• Department of Defense Common Access Card
• Driver's License PERMIT issued by a U.S. State or outlying possession of the U.S.
• Employment Authorization Card/ Document (Form I-766) with a photograph
• Enhanced Commercial Driver's License
• Enhanced Tribal Identification Card (for federally recognized U.S. Tribes)
• Federal ID Card with a seal or logo from a federal agency
• Foreign passport
• Merchant Mariner Document (MMD)
• Military Dependent’s Identification Card
• Military Identification Card
• Military Identification Card (Retired)
• NYC Identification Card
• NYS Benefit Identification Card
• Passport Book or Card
• Permanent Resident Card / Green Card (I-551)
• Waiver Form for Applicants age 17 and Under��and U.S. Social Security Card or Birth Certificate
• U.S. Visa issued by the U.S. Department of Consular Affairs for travel to or within, or residence within, the U.S.
• Uniformed Services Identification Card (Form DD-1172-2)

6. What if my minor child does not have an acceptable state-issued photo identification card or other Primary Identity Document specified by the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services and needs to be fingerprinted?
   A: There is a��Waiver Form for Applicants age 17 and Under�� that must be printed, filled out and brought to the fingerprinting site location. Do not sign the form prior to arriving at your appointment, the form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian at the "time of fingerprinting", at the fingerprinting site location.��
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7. What name should I use when I get fingerprinted (nickname, abbreviated name, married name, etc.)?
   A: Your identification documents must match the name that you use when you log into to create your fingerprint application.
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8. What if I got married and/or moved after I created my TEACH account?��Will my fingerprint results get matched to my TEACH account if my name or address has changed?
   A: For fingerprinting and certification reasons it is important that you update your����account with any changes and it is best done prior to being fingerprinted. However, every attempt will be made to match your fingerprint results to your TEACH account using several different pieces of identifying information, such as, your social security number and your date of birth. If the information provided to IdentoGO/IDEMIA to verify your identity reflects a different name and/or address, and we can match you to an existing TEACH profile using this information, we will update TEACH with the latest information.
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9. What method of payment can I use for my fingerprint application fee?
   A: The only method of payment that can be accepted when scheduling an appointment online is a coupon or voucher code, from an employer/facility NCAC account. At the time of the fingerprinting session, the applicant can use a credit card, NCAC account coupon/ voucher code, or business check. Make checks payable to “IDEMIA”. Please be aware that processing time may be longer when paying with business check or money order.��
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10. What is the total fee for fingerprinting?
    A:��The total fingerprinting fee, subject to change, is $102.50.
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11. Is there a charge for applicants who fail to show up for their appointment?
    A: No.��Charges are only assessed upon completion of the enrollment process.��
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12. My fingerprints were rejected, do I have to pay another fee when I get re-fingerprinted?
    A: No.��If fingerprints are rejected due to poor quality prints and a reprint appointment is necessary, there is no additional charge, provided that the reprints are submitted in a timely manner.��It is important that you advise IdentoGO/IDEMIA that you are getting re-fingerprinted because your fingerprints were rejected (rather than an initial set of fingerprints which requires payment of a fee).
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13. Is a photograph a requirement of the applicant fingerprinting process?
    A: Yes.��IdentoGO/IDEMIA takes a photograph at the time the fingerprints are scanned.
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14. Am I required to have my fingerprints electronically scanned?
    A:��Yes.��Electronically scanned fingerprints captured at a IdentoGO/IDEMIA location in New York State are required for all applicants for certification and employment.
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15. What if I need to be fingerprinted for my New York State educator certificate application (e.g., teacher, administrator, school counselor) but I do not reside in New York State and live elsewhere within the United States?

    A:�� You should make every effort to make an appointment at an IdentoGo location in New York State.�� Most locations that process fingerprints for �鶹���� are within New York State, although there are many IdentoGo locations not in New York but within the United States that process fingerprints for �鶹����.�� Please visit our Fingerprint Process page for further information about scheduling an appointment with IdentoGo at a location closest to you.�� Please note that fingerprinting locations within the United States, but outside of New York State, may charge an additional fee.����

    If you cannot be fingerprinted at an appropriate IdentoGo location, you can contact OSPRA at OSPRA@nysed.gov for instructions on how you may satisfy the fingerprinting requirement for purposes of certification only.�� Please email OSPRA after all other requirements for your certificate application have been submitted, evaluated, and marked “met” in TEACH.�� Fingerprinting will be the final step in your application process.

16. How will I know if my fingerprints are rejected?
    A:��IdentoGO/IDEMIA will contact applicants whose fingerprints are rejected using the telephone contact information provided during the fingerprint application process.��If they are unsuccessful after three attempts, then IdentoGO/IDEMIA will attempt to notify the applicant of the rejection by sending a letter to the applicant at the address provided.��When an applicant receives notice that their fingerprints have been rejected, it is imperative that they follow up with IdentoGO/IDEMIA to be reprinted in a timely manner.��Failure to do so may result in an inability to complete the existing application and the requirement that the applicant start the process over and pay a new fee.
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17. How does the �鶹���� (�鶹����) find out that I have been fingerprinted?
    A:��Information provided to IdentoGO/IDEMIA during the fingerprint application process is electronically transmitted to the TEACH system maintained by �鶹����.��
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18. How can I find out information about my fingerprints?
    A:��Applicants that have an account in TEACH (i.e., teacher certification applicants or holders) and school employment applicants who have created an account in TEACH can view information about the status of their fingerprint application in��.
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19. Will I get notified of my fingerprint status?
    A: No written notifications are made. If you are seeking clearance for employment in a school district, charter school or BOCES, the covered school can view the status in TEACH. If you are seeking clearance for certification, the Office of Teaching Initiatives can view the status in TEACH.

20. Is OSPRA able to receive and use my New York criminal conviction for considering my suitability for employment or certification even if my New York criminal conviction has been sealed under “The Clean Slate Act”?
    A: Yes.��Convictions sealed pursuant to N.Y. Criminal Procedure Law § 160.57, commonly referred to as “The Clean Slate Act”, are accessible to and can be used by OSPRA in reviewing prospective school employees for employment in a covered school and in reviewing the moral character of those seeking or holding certification.����

21. How do I obtain a Social Security Number?
    A: For information on how to request a Social Security Number for the first time, please contact the United States Social Security Administration (SSA). The United States Social Security Administration's website is located at:��ssa.gov. Information on how to request a Social Security Number can be found on the SSA's information page, located ��.��
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22. I am an international applicant for certification and do not have a United States Social Security Number (SSN).�� A valid SSN is required to create a TEACH account.�� What should I do?
    A: For international applicants for certification who do not have an SSN and are trying to create a TEACH account, please see the Office of Teaching Initiatives (OTI) webpage on the Evaluation of Foreign Credentials at:��

    Per OTI’s instructions, if you are an international applicant for certification and do not have an SSN, you must first create a TEACH account with a "TEACH Access Number". You can either:

    �� �� �� �� �� ��(1.) Use OTI's to request a "TEACH Access Number". You will need to select the Administrative form and attach a PDF-formatted copy of either a valid passport or a valid visa;

    OR

    �� �� �� �� �� �� (2.) ​If you are enrolled in a New York State registered educator preparation program, ask the Certification Officer to send an email to tcert@nysed.gov with “TEACH Access Number” in the subject line to request a nine-digit identifier to use in the creation of your account, and include your first and last name, date of birth, and email address. Once your TEACH Access Number has been created, OTI staff will inform you via email.��

    NOTE: For international applicants for certification who have no SSN, after you create your TEACH account with the provided TEACH Access Number and before you make a fingerprinting appointment, please contact OSPRA by email at OSPRA@nysed.gov for further instructions on how to proceed with fingerprinting.

23. I am an international applicant for certification and do not have a United States Social Security Number (SSN).�� A valid SSN is required at the time of fingerprinting.�� What should I do?
    A: For international applicants for certification, please reach out to OSPRA by email at��OSPRA@nysed.gov��before scheduling an appointment for fingerprinting for further instructions on how to proceed.��

24. I am a Canadian citizen and do not have a United States Social Security Number (SSN).�� Can I use my Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) at the time I get fingerprinted for certification?
    A: No.�� The use of Canadian SINs are NOT allowed when getting fingerprinted for certification.�� Please reach out to OSPRA by email at��OSPRA@nysed.gov��before scheduling an appointment for fingerprinting for further instructions on how to proceed.����

25. I am an international applicant for certification.�� Can I get fingerprinted at an IdentoGo site outside of the United States?
    A: No. New York State does not allow for the transmission of fingerprints to New York State from foreign countries.��

1. What if a fingerprint background check reveals a criminal conviction?

A: If a background check reveals a criminal conviction, an analysis must be conducted by �鶹���� in accordance with the standards set forth in the Executive Law § 296(16) and the Corrections Law §§ 752 and 753 to determine whether a clearance should be issued. If it is determined that there may be an impediment to issuing a full clearance, you have certain due process rights depending on whether you are an applicant for certification, or an applicant for employment (either for a certified position or non-certified position.)
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2. What are my due process rights if I am requesting clearance for employment and my fingerprint background check reveals a criminal conviction?

A: You have due process rights as outlined in.�� For a description of those rights, please see the section on due process procedures. [Please note that you will be exiting the �鶹���� website. Make the following menu selections to navigate to the appropriate regulation: New York State Codes, Rules and Regulations/Title 8/Chapter II Regulations of the Commissioner/Subchapter C. Teachers/Part 87 Criminal History Record Check for Prospective School Employees and Applicants for Certification 87.5 Due Process Procedures.]
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3. What if I am an applicant for certification or currently hold a certification to teach and my fingerprint background check reveals a criminal conviction?

A: You have due process rights as outlined in��.�� For a description of those rights, please see the section on Part 83 Determination of Good Moral Character. [Please note that you will be exiting the �鶹���� website. Make the following menu selections to navigate to the appropriate regulation: New York State Codes, Rules and Regulations/Title 8/Chapter II Regulations of the Commissioner/Subchapter C. Teachers/Part 83 Determination of Good Moral Character.]��
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4. Is OSPRA able to receive and use a criminal conviction even if it has been sealed under “The Clean Slate Act”?

A: Yes. Convictions sealed pursuant to N.Y. Criminal Procedure Law § 160.57, commonly referred to as “The Clean Slate Act”, are accessible to and can be used by OSPRA in reviewing prospective school employees for employment in a covered school and in reviewing the moral character of those seeking or holding certification. The law specifically provides under § 160.57(1)(d)(vii) that “individuals or entities that are required by a local law in effect one year prior to the chapter of the laws of two thousand twenty-three that added this section, a state law, or a federal law or regulation to request and receive a fingerprint-based check of criminal history information. Nothing herein shall prohibit the commissioner of education or the office of school personnel review and accountability from receiving or using convictions sealed pursuant to this section for purposes of subdivisions seven, seven-a and seven-b of section three hundred five of the education law[.]” See: . (link is external)
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5. What if I have previously been fingerprinted by �鶹���� for employment in a school district, charter school or BOCES?

A: If you were fingerprinted after July 1, 2001 and you submitted your fingerprints to �鶹���� pursuant to the SAVE Legislation, then you do not need to be fingerprinted again for subsequent employment in a covered school (irrespective of whether you ever worked there) or for subsequent applications for certification.
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6. What if I was fingerprinted for another type of employment, such as a daycare worker, a security guard, a police officer?��

A: If you were fingerprinted for another type of employment, such as a daycare worker, a security guard, a police officer, etc., you need to be fingerprinted again.��
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7. Where do I get additional information on the fingerprinting process?

A: You may contact the Office of School Personnel Review and Accountability (OSPRA) office directly via regular mail, email, fax or by telephoning OSPRA during the telephone hours. Please note that any communication with OSPRA subsequent to the submission of your fingerprints MUST include your social security number.��
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8. If an individual seeks school employment (includes public school, private school, Charter School and BOCES) in either a certified position or a non-certified position and has received fingerprint clearance from �鶹����, does that guarantee that the individual is free of any criminal conviction(s)?

A: No, a prospective employer should be aware that��an individual can be cleared for employment even with a criminal conviction(s) history.��If the �鶹���� criminal history record check (DCJS/FBI) reveals that an applicant for employment has a criminal conviction then an analysis must be conducted by �鶹���� in accordance with the standards set forth in Executive Law §296(16) and the Correction Law §752 and §753 to determine whether a clearance should be issued.��
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9. If an individual seeks school employment (includes public school, private school, Charter School and BOCES) in either a certified position or a non-certified position but has had action taken against his/her teaching certificate in New York State or in another state (e.g. annulment, revocation, suspension, denial, or surrender), can the prospective employer obtain information relevant to such action?

A: Yes.�� A prospective employer can supplement the �鶹���� criminal history fingerprint clearance process by considering all publicly available information when screening individuals for employment.�� Many adverse actions against an educator’s certification do not result in a criminal conviction, therefore, a standard fingerprint background check may not reveal administrative action taken against an educator's certification. For example, it is feasible that an educator who had adverse moral character action taken against his/her New York State certification or another state certification, could apply for a��non-certified��position in a public school, private school, Charter School or BOCES. Such publicly available information may be obtained from the following sources:

• ’NASDTEC Educator Identification Clearinghouse’ is a national searchable database that provides information regarding individuals who have had his/her educator’s certification annulled, revoked, suspended, denied, or surrendered (*read-access-only membership now available to school districts and Local Education Agencys (LEA) for a subscription fee).
• is a search tool that provides information, to any interested party, regarding individuals who have had Part 83 ‘moral character’ action taken against his/her New York State educator’s certification or application for certification.�� [8 NYCRR Part 83 and/or 8 NYCRR Part 80]
• Any public search engine: Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc

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