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All Arizona insurance license applicants must provide fingerprints for a state and federal background check
Fingerprints must be submitted electronically through the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) and vendor Fieldprint
Must create accounts for both the AZDPS Public Services Portal and Fieldprint before scheduling an appointment
Arizona requires comprehensive background checks for all insurance license applicants, and fingerprinting represents a critical step in this process. Understanding the requirements and procedures helps ensure smooth completion of your licensing journey.
Arizona mandates fingerprinting for specific categories of insurance license applicants:
Arizona residents applying for their first insurance license
Arizona residents who don't already hold an Arizona insurance license requiring fingerprints
New residents relocating to Arizona from states without equivalent background checks
Applicants with expired licenses beyond renewal grace periods
Limited exemptions exist for:
Current Arizona licensees adding additional lines of authority (fingerprints already on file)
Non-resident applicants in good standing in their home state (specific conditions apply)
Renewals of existing licenses with fingerprints already submitted
According to Arizona Revised Statutes §§ 20-142(E) and 41-1750(G)(2), fingerprinting ensures applicants don't have disqualifying criminal or social services backgrounds that would prevent them from being licensed insurance agents.
Arizona uses a two-part electronic fingerprinting system requiring separate account creation:
Purpose: State-level background check processing
Required: AZDPS Public Services Portal account creation
Function: Processes fingerprints against Arizona criminal databases
Purpose: Fingerprint collection and federal submission
Required: Separate Fieldprint account creation
Function: Captures fingerprints and submits to FBI databases
This dual-system approach ensures comprehensive background screening at both state and federal levels.
For comprehensive guidance on licensing requirementsResources Pre License How To Get Your Insurance License In Arizona Insurance.aceable.com, fingerprinting represents one component of Arizona's thorough vetting process.
Visit the Arizona DPS website at the designated public services portal
Select "Create New Account" and provide required personal information
Verify your identity using requested documentation methods
Complete account setup and record your login credentials
Navigate to fingerprinting section within your account dashboard
Access Fieldprint website through official Arizona insurance department links
Select "New User Registration" for Arizona insurance candidates
Enter personal information exactly as it appears on your identification
Choose "Arizona Insurance License" as your fingerprinting purpose
Link your DPS information when prompted during setup
Select fingerprinting location from available Arizona sites
Choose a convenient date and time from the available slots
Pay required fees through the Fieldprint system
Print appointment confirmation for your records
Arizona fingerprinting involves multiple fee components:
DPS processing fee: Approximately $20 for state background check
FBI processing fee: Approximately $22 for a federal background check
Fieldprint service fee: Additional charges for fingerprint collection services
Total typical cost: Around $42-50, depending on specific services
Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express)
Debit cards with major network logos
Electronic bank transfers (some locations)
Money orders (limited locations, check availability)
Payment is typically required at the time of appointment scheduling through the Fieldprint online system.
Strategic scheduling ensures efficient completion of this requirement:
After passing your exam - Don't schedule until you've successfully passed your licensing exam
Before license application - Complete fingerprinting before submitting your license application
Allow processing time - Fingerprint results take several business days to process
Coordinate with other requirements - Plan alongside other licensing steps
Arizona offers fingerprinting locations throughout the state:
Phoenix metropolitan area - Multiple locations available
Tucson area - Several convenient options
Flagstaff region - Northern Arizona coverage
Other cities - Scattered locations statewide
Choose locations based on convenience, availability, and your personal schedule.
Understanding effective preparation strategiesResources Pre License How To Study Insurance Licensing Exam Insurance.aceable.com helps you coordinate fingerprinting with other licensing timeline requirements.
Ready to take your insurance career to the next level?
If you’re eager to learn how to not only get licensed but also thrive in your insurance career, check out our Tips for Becoming a Successful Insurance Agent.
Proper preparation ensures the smooth completion of your fingerprinting session:
Primary Identification:
Driver's license (current, valid Arizona or out-of-state)
State-issued ID card (current and valid)
Valid passport (US or foreign with appropriate documentation)
Military identification (active duty or veteran)
Secondary Documentation (if requested):
Social Security card (original, not a photocopy)
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Immigration documents (if applicable)
Appointment confirmation (printed or digital)
Payment method (if fees weren't prepaid online)
Comfortable clothing (avoid excessive jewelry that might interfere)
Arrive early (15 minutes before the scheduled time is recommended)
Understanding what happens during your appointment reduces anxiety and ensures efficiency:
Verify identification against appointment information
Confirm payment for all required services
Review paperwork and sign required forms
Receive instructions for the fingerprinting process
Clean hands ensure clear print quality
Follow technician instructions for finger placement
Multiple attempts may be needed for quality prints
Both hands required for complete capture
Verification process ensures acceptable print quality
Receive confirmation of successful print capture
Get timeline information for processing completion
Understand next steps for the license application process
For insights into comprehensive licensing planningResources Pre License How To Become An Insurance Agent With No Experience Insurance.aceable.com, coordinate fingerprinting with your overall licensing timeline.
Understanding the fingerprinting timeline helps you plan your licensing schedule appropriately:
Initial submission: Results transmitted within 24-48 hours of appointment
State processing: Arizona DPS review typically completes within 3-5 business days
Federal processing: FBI review may take 7-14 business days
Overall timeline: Plan for 2-3 weeks from appointment to final clearance
Quality of prints - Clear prints process faster than those requiring manual review
Background complexity - Extensive histories may require additional verification time
System volume - High-demand periods may extend processing times
Holiday periods - Government processing delays during holidays and weekends
Anticipate potential challenges and prepare solutions:
Issue: Fingerprints don't capture clearly
Solutions:
Use hand lotion sparingly before the appointment (not immediately before)
Follow technician guidance for proper finger placement
Allow multiple capture attempts if needed
Issue: Problems setting up DPS or Fieldprint accounts
Solutions:
Contact customer service for both systems separately
Ensure all personal information matches exactly across systems
Have identification documents readily available during setup
Issue: Fingerprint processing delays affecting the license application timeline
Solutions:
Schedule fingerprinting immediately after passing the exam
Allow extra time buffer before the planned career start date
Maintain communication with the licensing department about status
Understanding exam scheduling strategies helps coordinate fingerprinting within your overall licensing timeline.
Fingerprinting connects directly to your license application requirements:
DPS registration number from fingerprinting must be entered on the NIPR application
Clearance confirmation must be received before license approval
Background check results are transmitted directly to the Arizona Department of Insurance
No separate submission is required once fingerprinting is complete
Complete fingerprinting first before submitting the license application
Wait for processing confirmation before application submission
Plan buffer time for any processing delays or issues
Coordinate with other requirements like exam passage and education completion
Understanding what Arizona reviews helps set appropriate expectations:
Arizona checks for:
Felony convictions, particularly those involving dishonesty or breach of trust
Financial crimes, including fraud, embezzlement, or money laundering
Recent violations that might indicate character concerns
Social services background, including child protective services records
Nature of offense and its relationship to insurance duties
Time elapsed since conviction or incident
Evidence of rehabilitation and character improvement
Disclosure honesty during the application process
Complete your background check requirement efficiently by approaching fingerprinting systematically:
Create both required accounts well in advance of scheduling
Gather all necessary identification documents
Schedule the appointment strategically within your licensing timeline
Prepare the payment method and confirm appointment details
Arrive early with all required documentation
Follow technician instructions carefully for quality prints
Ask questions if you're unsure about any procedures
Confirm next steps and timeline expectations before leaving
Ready to complete your fingerprinting requirement efficiently? Schedule your appointment through the proper channels and coordinate this important step within your overall Arizona insurance licensing timeline. Professional licensing requires attention to detail, and fingerprinting represents your commitment to industry standards and consumer protection.
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