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Background Investigation Check

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Important: As of January 1, 2026, the FBI fees for background investigation checks are changing. The new fees are $32.00 for employment/certification and $30.00 for volunteers.

According to Idaho Code §33-130, 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:

Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Statewide Sex Offender Registry

Individuals Required to Complete a Background Investigation Check (BIC)

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

Request a Fingerprint Card and Have Prints Rolled

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.

Background Investigation Check Process

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:

Idaho Department of Education Fingerprint Card
Directions for Completing Fingerprint Cards (for review only-not submitted)
Fingerprint Card Verification Form
Non-Criminal Justice Form (for review only-not submitted)
Background Investigation (BIC) Check Form
NCPA Waiver Agreement (Volunteers and Private and Parochial School Employees)
Fingerprint Processing Fee
- All applicants except for volunteers = $32.00
- Volunteers = $30.00
  - Checks and money orders are to be made payable to the Idaho Department of Education
  - Credit cards are not accepted at this time
  - Payment is non-refundable
  - Cash in the exact amount will be accepted for walk-ins

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:

Background Investigation Check (BIC) Form may be mailed to the address on the form or a scanned form may be emailed to BICForms@sde.idaho.gov

No other forms or fees are required.

Helpful Information

To access additional information, click the appropriate + sign below.

Forms and Waivers

Forms

Instructions and Other Information

Waivers

NCPA Waiver Agreement (Volunteers and Private and Parochial School Employees)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same background check for multiple reasons?

Yes, you can use the same background check for any employment or certification purpose within six months from the fingerprint card processing date. The BIC Form can be utilized to make any changes within that time frame.

How long is a student teacher background check good for?

Background checks for student teaching are valid for up to three years from the fingerprint card processing date, and can be used for student teaching purposes if the program was done in Idaho to apply for initial certification.

Can I submit my fingerprints digitally?

Only digital prints from an Idaho School District or University, with a scanner tied to the Idaho Department of Education, will be accepted. We will also accept digital prints that have been printed on Idaho Department of Education fingerprint cards and submitted to the department for processing.

How can I be added to the statewide sub list, and how long can I be on it?

Only one district needs to sign the form to add you to the list, which allows you to be a substitute teacher in any Idaho district. Substitute teachers remain on the statewide sub list for five years from the fingerprint card processing date and must submit a new one after the five-year time period in order to remain on the list.

How can I be added to the statewide contractor list, and how long can I be on it?

Only one district needs to sign the form to add you to the list, which allows you to be a contractor in any Idaho district. Contractors remain on the statewide contractor list for five years from the fingerprint card processing date and must submit a new one after the five-year time period in order to remain on the list.

Can I use a volunteer background check for employment?

A background check for volunteering can ONLY be utilized for volunteering purposes. The FBI charges a lower price for volunteers, who are not paid through the school district. A new background check for employment will be needed if a volunteer becomes an employee, regardless of when the volunteer fingerprint card was processed.

Where can I have my fingerprints rolled?

You can have your fingerprints rolled at any Idaho or non-Idaho police station, or any other facility with appropriately trained fingerprinting personnel.

Do I need a new background check to work in a different district for summer school?

No. However, a BIC Form needs to be submitted, which has been signed by the employing summer school district. The Idaho Department of Education will notify the new district if the summer school employee has not cleared the background check.