What Are the Fingerprinting Requirements for an Arizona Insurance License?

Quick Answers:

  • 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.

Who Must Complete Fingerprinting

Arizona mandates fingerprinting for specific categories of insurance license applicants:

Required for These 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

Exemptions from Fingerprinting

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.

Understanding the Dual-System Process

Arizona uses a two-part electronic fingerprinting system requiring separate account creation:

Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Portal

Purpose: State-level background check processing
Required: AZDPS Public Services Portal account creation
Function: Processes fingerprints against Arizona criminal databases

Fieldprint Vendor System

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.

Step-by-Step Account Creation Process

Step 1: Create AZDPS Public Services Portal Account

  1. Visit the Arizona DPS website at the designated public services portal

  2. Select "Create New Account" and provide required personal information

  3. Verify your identity using requested documentation methods

  4. Complete account setup and record your login credentials

  5. Navigate to fingerprinting section within your account dashboard

Step 2: Create Fieldprint Account

  1. Access Fieldprint website through official Arizona insurance department links

  2. Select "New User Registration" for Arizona insurance candidates

  3. Enter personal information exactly as it appears on your identification

  4. Choose "Arizona Insurance License" as your fingerprinting purpose

  5. Link your DPS information when prompted during setup

Step 3: Schedule Your Appointment

  1. Select fingerprinting location from available Arizona sites

  2. Choose a convenient date and time from the available slots

  3. Pay required fees through the Fieldprint system

  4. Print appointment confirmation for your records

Fingerprinting Fees and Payment

Arizona fingerprinting involves multiple fee components:

Fee Structure Breakdown

  • 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

Payment Methods Accepted

  • 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.

Scheduling Your Fingerprinting Appointment

Strategic scheduling ensures efficient completion of this requirement:

Optimal Timing Considerations

  • 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

Location Selection Factors

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.

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What to Bring to Your Appointment

Proper preparation ensures the smooth completion of your fingerprinting session:

Required Documentation

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)

Additional Requirements

  • 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)

The Fingerprinting Process Experience

Understanding what happens during your appointment reduces anxiety and ensures efficiency:

Check-in Procedures

  1. Verify identification against appointment information

  2. Confirm payment for all required services

  3. Review paperwork and sign required forms

  4. Receive instructions for the fingerprinting process

Digital Fingerprint Capture

  • 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

Completion and Next Steps

  • Receive confirmation of successful print capture

  • Get timeline information for processing completion

  • Understand next steps for the license application process

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Processing Timeline and Results

Understanding the fingerprinting timeline helps you plan your licensing schedule appropriately:

Processing Duration Expectations

  • 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

Factors Affecting Processing Speed

  • 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

Common Issues and Solutions

Anticipate potential challenges and prepare solutions:

Print Quality Problems

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

Account Creation Difficulties

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

Timeline Coordination Problems

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.

Integration with License Application Process

Fingerprinting connects directly to your license application requirements:

Application Coordination

  • 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

Timing Considerations

  • 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

Background Check Scope and Implications

Understanding what Arizona reviews helps set appropriate expectations:

Criminal History Review

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

Evaluation Criteria

  • 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

Your Fingerprinting Success Strategy

Complete your background check requirement efficiently by approaching fingerprinting systematically:

Pre-Appointment Preparation

  • 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

Day-of Success Factors

  • 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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