How do I get my fingerprints for my license?

Depending on which state you are in, the fingerprint process can work differently.  First, check with your state's real estate commission website for the most up-to-date information regarding the fingerprinting process, as it can change from time to time.  

Once you are on the real estate commissions website, look or search for "fingerprinting, or fingerprints."  The information could also be under the "new applicants or licenses" section.

In Missouri here is information you can use:

Criminal History Background Check: All applicants for an original Missouri license are required to be fingerprinted for a Missouri and federal criminal history background check. Therefore, all new applicants must contact the approved statewide vendor for fingerprinting prior to making application for licensure. The current statewide vendor is IDEMIA (IDENTOGO).

To be fingerprinted through IDEMIA (IDENTOGO), you must first register with the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) at www.machs.mo.gov. Individuals without access to the Internet may contact IDEMIA (IDENTOGO) directly at 1-844-543-9712 to have a Fingerprint Services Representative conduct this registration on your behalf. You will need to provide the MREC’s four-digit registration number, 0004, in order to register to be fingerprinted.

This will authorize the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI to send the results to the Missouri Real Estate Commission. Upon registration you will be directed to a list of fingerprinting locations available throughout the state, with some sites offering night and/or weekend hours.

You are required to bring Photo ID with you to the fingerprint site. Acceptable forms of ID are a valid driver’s license, military ID or passport. While each location is on a first come, first served basis appointments should be scheduled and will take precedence over walk-ins. The actual fingerprinting process will take approximately 10 minutes.

John