According to §33-130, Idaho Code, the Idaho Department of Education, through the cooperation of the Idaho State Police, shall establish a system to obtain a background investigation check on individuals who have unsupervised contact with students in a public K-12 setting.

The background investigation check is completed through:

  1. Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification
  2. Federal Bureau of Investigation
  3. Statewide Sex Offender Registry

  • All individuals applying for their first Idaho certificate and those applying to reinstate an Idaho certificate that has been expired for more than Four (4) months
  • All public school employees - a change in school districts will require a new BIC if the applicant's previous BIC was completed more than six (6) months ago
  • Substitute teachers
  • Contractors who have unsupervised contact with students in a public K-12 setting, including contractors who are providing student services
  • Student teachers or any postsecondary candidates who have unsupervised contact with students in a public K-12 setting
  • Volunteers who have unsupervised contact with students in a public K-12 setting
  • Any individuals who have unsupervised contact with students in a public K-12 setting
  • Please send an email to fingerprintrequest@sde.idaho.gov with your mailing address to obtain an Idaho Department of Education fingerprint card, or visit us at 650 W. State St, Second Floor, Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm to pick one up. Packets will be mailed out within five (5) business days. For questions regarding the BIC process, please call (208) 332-6883. You must fingerprint on an Idaho Department of Education fingerprint card.
  • Once you receive the fingerprint packet, take it to any Idaho or non-Idaho police department or sheriff’s office, or any other facility with appropriately trained fingerprinting personnel, and have your prints rolled on the card. Please have them fill out Section II, sign, and date the Fingerprint Card Verification Form included in the fingerprint packet.

If the applicant has completed a background investigation check for either employment or certification through the Idaho Department of Education within the past six (6) months, the individual does not need to complete another background check. A Background Investigation (BIC) Check Form can be used to make changes to the background check within 6 months. Those requiring a new BIC, complete and submit or review the following:


If the applicants previous background check was completed less than six (6) months ago, complete and submit a Background Investigation Check Form to the Idaho Department of Education:


Frequently Asked Questions

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