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State Licensing and Fingerprinting: What You Need to Know by Industry

How to Prepare for Your Fingerprinting Appointment A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re pursuing a professional license in 2025, there’s a good chance you’ll need to complete a fingerprint-based background check as part of the application process. From healthcare and childcare to real estate and education, fingerprinting is a vital step in meeting state licensing requirements—and knowing what’s required for your specific industry can help you avoid delays and stay compliant.

At FastFingerprints, we specialize in providing state-approved fingerprinting services across the country. In this guide, we break down what you need to know about fingerprinting requirements by industry and how to get started.

🔍 Why Fingerprinting Is Required for State Licenses

Fingerprint background checks provide a secure way for licensing boards to verify your criminal history (or lack of one). Many states—like Ohio and Florida—require LiveScan fingerprinting to perform state and federal (FBI) background checks for roles involving public safety, healthcare, education, and financial trust.

✅ Industry-Specific Licensing and Fingerprinting Requirements

Here’s a breakdown of common industries that require fingerprinting and what you’ll typically need to provide.

🩺 Healthcare Professionals

Who’s affected:

  • Nurses, doctors, and physician assistants
  • Home healthcare aides
  • Medical technicians
  • Pharmacy professionals
  • Mental health counselors

Fingerprinting requirement:

  • Level 2 background check in Florida (FDLE + FBI)
  • BCI + FBI background checks in Ohio
  • ORI number provided by the state board (e.g., Board of Nursing)

🧒 Childcare and Education

Who’s affected:

  • Childcare center staff
  • Preschool and daycare employees
  • K–12 teachers and substitutes
  • School administrators and volunteers

Fingerprinting requirement:

  • Required under state education departments (Ohio Department of Education, Florida DOE)
  • Must include national (FBI) screening in most cases
  • Often time-sensitive for school onboarding

🏠 Real Estate Professionals

Who’s affected:

  • Real estate sales associates and brokers
  • Appraisers
  • Property managers (in some states)

Fingerprinting requirement:

  • Florida DBPR requires FDLE-compliant LiveScan with ORI FL920010Z
  • Ohio professionals may require BCI checks based on state law

🧑‍⚖️ Legal and Financial Services

Who’s affected:

  • Notaries
  • Title agents
  • Insurance professionals
  • Mortgage brokers
  • Bank and credit union employees

Fingerprinting requirement:

  • Often includes FBI-level screening due to fiduciary responsibility
  • Requirements vary by state agency (e.g., Department of Insurance or Financial Services)

🛡️ Security and Private Investigation

Who’s affected:

  • Security guards and armed officers
  • Private investigators
  • Alarm installers

Fingerprinting requirement:

  • Florida Department of Agriculture: ORI FL922050Z
  • Licensing often requires Level 2 background checks

  • Annual renewal or recertification may be necessary

🚚 Transportation and Logistics

Who’s affected:

  • CDL holders
  • Hazmat-endorsed drivers
  • Airport and TSA personnel
  • School bus drivers

Fingerprinting requirement:

  • Must meet DOT, TSA, or state department of transportation requirements
  • Includes FBI fingerprinting in most cases

📝 What You’ll Need for Your Fingerprinting Appointment

  • A valid, government-issued photo ID

  • The correct ORI number (from your licensing board or employer)
  • Payment (unless covered by agency/employer)
  • Any documentation from your licensing agency

🏆 Why Professionals Trust FastFingerprints

  • State and FBI-approved LiveScan provider

  • Same-day appointments and walk-in service

  • Mobile fingerprinting for schools, clinics, and offices
  • Fast, accurate, and secure processing

  • Thousands of licensing applicants served annually

Whether you’re entering healthcare, education, or real estate, we make it easy to complete your fingerprint background check the right way—fast.

📍 Serving Professionals Across the U.S.

FastFingerprints has convenient locations in:

  • Ohio – BCI and FBI WebCheck
  • Florida – FDLE-approved LiveScan
  • And select locations across other states

📬 Ready to Book Your Fingerprint Appointment?

👉 Schedule online now
📞 Or call 614.457.8900 for assistance with ORI numbers or agency-specific questions.