Background Checks

Fingerprinting & Background Checks

All Utah educators must complete a criminal background check by submitting fingerprints to the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). You can do this through a LiveScan electronic site (if in Utah) or by mailing a Fingerprint Card (if outside Utah).

Step 1: Registration

Before getting fingerprinted, you must have an active educator record in our system:

1. Create a USIMS Account: Visit the Utah Schools Information Management System (USIMS).

2. Start the Task: Select and acknowledge the Criminal Background Review Fingerprint task.

3. Review Instructions: Locate the specific "Fingerprint Instructions" link inside USIMS.

Step 2: Choose Your Method

Option A: LiveScan (Available ONLY in Utah)

Use this method if you are physically located in Utah.

• Action: Schedule an appointment at an approved Utah LiveScan Site.

• Required Codes: You must provide these codes to the technician to ensure your results reach us:

  • Reason: National Child Protection Act/Volunteers for Children Act (NCPA/VCA)

  • USBE Code: B1017

Option B: Fingerprint Cards (Required for Out-of-State)

Use this method if you are outside of Utah.

• Action: Go to a local law enforcement agency and request a standard fingerprint card. Note: USBE does not mail cards to you.

• Mailing: Mail your completed card to:

  Utah State Board of Education – Fingerprints

  250 E 500 S

  PO Box 144200

  Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4200

Processing and Results

• Timeline: It can take up to 20–25 business days to process your prints after we receive them.

• Status Updates: Check your USIMS account. Your background review is CLEARED only after your fingerprints are received AND USIMS shows both:

  • "Criminal Background Review Fingerprint" = COMPLETED
  • "Criminal Background Review" = CLEARED

• Low-Quality Prints: If your prints are unreadable, USBE will contact you for a second set. If the second set is also low quality, we will register you with the Western Identification Network (WIN), which is valid for 2 years.

Background Check Updates (Re-activation)

If your last check was before July 1, 2015, or has been discontinued in the BCI Rapback network, you must update your prints by following the steps outlined above.

Important: You cannot work with students until this updated check is complete.