Fingerprinting

The Hyattsville City Police Department now offers Livescan (electronic) Fingerprinting Services for criminal history background checks that may be required as a condition of employment, licensing, certification, foreign adoptions or VISA/Immigration clearances.  An example of the types of applications requiring fingerprint background checks are listed below:

  • Child Care Providers
  • Adult Dependent Care
  • Security Guard Licenses
  • Special Police Commissions
  • Handgun Qualification Licenses (HQL)
  • Handgun Permits
  • Firearms Dealers
  • Security Systems Technicians
  • Immigration / VISA Applications
  • Criminal Justice Employment (Sworn & Civilian)
  • And many other positions which require a criminal background check prior to employment, or when a person requests an individual review of their record.

How does it work?

A Livescan Fingerprinting Technician will roll/scan applicant fingerprints and submit his or her prints electronically to the State of Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and (dependent upon the requirements of the background check), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It takes approximately fifteen minutes for a certified fingerprint operator to type in applicant information (i.e. Name, birth date, gender etc.) into the computer, scan applicant fingerprints and electronically send the information to CJIS and FBI. 

Next, CJIS and the FBI will process applicant criminal background checks using the applicant submitted information and fingerprints. CJIS and FBI background checks can take up to two to three days; however, some requests may take up to two weeks or longer depending on the information contained within the record (i.e. If applicant has a past criminal history).

Last, CJIS and the FBI will send applicant criminal history background checks directly to the requesting agency or employer. (In the case of an individual/personal review, the information will be sent directly to the person fingerprinted.)

Applicants should allow a minimum of seven days before making a status inquiry. Please note that the Hyattsville City Police Department does not receive the results of the background check. To inquire about the status of your background check, please refer to the phone number located on the receipt given to you by the Fingerprint Technician.

What will I need to bring with me?

You must bring a valid government-issued photo identification card, along with any fingerprinting paperwork given to your by your employer. In addition, you will need to complete a Hyattsville City Police Department Livescan Pre-Registration Application (available below), and present it to the Fingerprint Technician upon your arrival at the police station. If the background check is being completed for employment or licensing purposes, you must provide the agency name and authorization number. If you are being fingerprinted for a government position, you will also need the agency's "ORI" number.

What are the hours of operation?

All Livescan fingerprinting services are performed at the Hyattsville City Police Department Headquarters located at 4310 Gallatin Street, Hyattsville, Maryland 20781, Monday - Friday, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. To schedule an appointment, call (301) 985-5060.

Please Note: Fingerprinting is conducted in the prisoner processing area of the police station. No one except the person being fingerprinted is allowed in this secure area. Please refrain from bringing children as they will not be permitted to accompany you past the public lobby. Additionally, if the secure area is in use to process prisoners, your fingerprinting appointment will have to be rescheduled.

How much does it cost?

The fee for fingerprinting (per-person) ranges from $38.00 to $54.50. When you schedule your appointment, the Fingerprint Technician will inform you of the exact fee, based on the type of background check required by your application or employer. (There is No Charge for fingerprinting Criminal Justice Employment Applicants.) Payment is accepted in the form of Cash or Money Order only. Money Orders must be made out to: "City of Hyattsville."
(Checks and Credit Cards are not accepted at this time.)

How to I prepare to have my fingerprints taken?

Hands should be clean and free of bandages or broken skin. If you have an injury that prevents you from extending your fingers or rotating your wrist, please wait until it has healed before having your fingerprints taken. Please do not apply any moisturizer or lotion to your hands before your appointment.

What if I am late?

Due to the high volume of fingerprinting requests, customers who arrive later than 15 minutes will most likely have to request a new fingerprinting appointment, so that other appointments can be kept on schedule.

What if I have additional questions?

If you need additional information, please call (301) 985-5060.

You can also download the required Hyattsville City Police Department Livescan Pre-Registration Application. 

Alternate Fingerprinting Locations::

There are a number of alternate locations throughout the state where fingerprinting services are available.  Find a list of fingerprint service providers (both public and private) in Maryland.