Get a Background Check

Step 1: Request a fingerprint card

You need the card to get a record of your fingerprints — here’s a sample of what one looks like. To get a fingerprint card, you can:

• Fill out our fingerprint card request form
• Send us an email or call us at 860-500-4466
• Ask your employer (if you work at a child care center)

Step 2: Get your fingerprints taken

Once you get your card in the mail, fill out everything on the front and bring it to your local police department or state police barracks. Keep in mind:

• You need to bring your current government-issued photo ID with you
• Some offices require an appointment or are only open at certain days and times
• You can use the ct.gov site to find locations and contact information for Connecticut State Police Troops and Districts
• Most agencies charge a fee to take your prints, which is separate from the background check processing fee — make sure to bring payment with you
• If you have questions, call the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) Fingerprinting Division at 860-685-8270

Step 3: Download and fill out the forms

For each background check, you need to fill out and sign a DCF authorization form and an FBI Privacy Rights Act Statement. 

• Fill out a DCF Authorization Form
  DCF Authorization Form (English)
  DCF Authorization Form (Spanish)
• Fill out an FBI Privacy Rights Act Statement
  FBI Privacy Rights Act Statement (English)
  FBI Privacy Rights Act Statement (Spanish)

Step 4: Write out a check or money order

Make the check out to “Treasurer, State of CT.” The current processing fees are:

Step 5: Send us the completed packet and payment

Follow these instructions to make sure you have completed all the steps. 

• Background check instructions for child care center staff and volunteers
• Background check instructions for family child care providers, substitutes, assistants, and household members

Remember, you must include the:     

• Completed fingerprint card
• Completed DCF Authorization form
• Signed FBI Privacy Rights Act Statement form
• Check or money order made out for the correct amount

If your application is incomplete, we have to send it back. 

Mail it all to: 

Office of Early Childhood, Legal Division
450 Columbus Blvd., Suite 303
Hartford, CT 06103

That’s all there is to it. Once we accept your fingerprints and forms, we will send the card off to get checked in the appropriate databases. We usually get secure results back within four weeks.

If you don’t hear from us in a month or two, you can assume we didn’t find any problems in your background check. If there are issues, we will send you a letter explaining why and what you can do. Learn more about getting your results.