FAQ
Please see the answers to our most frequently asked questions below.
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Colorado Applicant Background Services
Will an appointment be necessary or will you accept walk-ins?
Appointments are required. Applicants need to register for their fingerprinting location and appointment at www.coloradofingerprinting.com/cabs/.
How much will it cost to have employees processed with CABS?
The total fee is the CBI fee plus the $15 rolling fee. The range of fees is from $31.50 – $54.50 depending on your fingerprinting purpose with CBI. You receive the total at the end of the ordering process.
What kind of documentation will I need to bring with me to the fingerprint location?
You will need to bring in your CBI unique ID # if you’re being fingerprinted for a company. If you are being fingerprinted for personal reasons, you will need to bring in your registration number. Everyone will need to bring in a government-issued identification card. Examples include: Driver’s License, Passport, Military ID.
How do I obtain my CBI Unique ID?
It is very important to use the correct CBI Unique ID when placing your order. You can contact us with the CONCJ#, employer/agency name and employer/agency address and we will do our best to assist you. If we cannot determine the correct CBI Unique ID after using all available information it is best to contact your agency/employer for assistance.
What if I used the incorrect CBI Unique ID?
Once your fingerprints are submitted you cannot cancel your request. If you realize before your fingerprints are submitted that you used the incorrect CBI Unique ID you can cancel your order and submit a new order with the correct CBI Unique ID.
If my fingerprints are rejected, do I have to pay again?
No, we will re-fingerprint at no additional charge. Simply login to your portal to reschedule your appointment. If your fingerprints are rejected for a second time, the employer/agency can request CBI to conduct a name check.
When should the transfer CBI Unique ID be used?
An applicant is transfer-eligible if:
The applicant currently maintains an active status within the CBI database, with an active child care provider license, and is now submitting under another agency which also requires a child care provider license.
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What is average processing time for CABS background check results?
The average processing time is 72 hours.
Who can access my CBI background check results?
Authorized employers/agencies receive CBI background check results through their secure results portal. Colorado Fingerprinting can view the status of the background check request but we do not receive the actual results.
How do I dispute my background check?
You will need to contact CBI.
What happens if I miss my appointment? Or if I am late?
If you miss your fingerprinting appointment you can reschedule within 30 days. After 30 days you would no longer be able to reschedule your appointment.
If you are late for your appointment you can wait and we will fingerprint you as soon as possible.
If I am a new employer how can I use CABS?
You will need to contact CBI to establish an account.
How do I set up a account to be a client with Colorado Fingerprinting?
You will need to fill out the billing form that we have sent you and email it back to us ASAP. The sooner we receive the form, the smoother the transition will be for everyone.
Can a Government agency establish a billing account?
Yes, please contact us and we will provide the appropriate registration forms for billing accounts.
Can the total cost of fingerprinting be split between the applicant and employer?
Yes, when you contact us to establish a billing account you can indicate on the account registration form that you would like to have the applicant pay a portion of the total payment.
How do my applicants enroll for fingerprinting if they do not have a computer and/or internet access?
Your applicants can call in to our call center and we will assist them with enrolling for fingerprinting.
How are out of state applicants processed with CABS?
Applicants will register online, select “out-of-state applicant” and pay for their order online or select money order or business check for payment. Once the order has been placed the applicant will receive a receipt with instructions on where to send their fingerprint cards to Colorado Fingerprinting for processing.
How will we handle registrations for the blind or hearing-impaired?
If someone calls and states that they are visually impaired or hearing impaired we will assist them with their registration whether it be over the phone or in person.
Why do I have to get fingerprinted?
There are certain professions, employers and licensing that requires applicants to get fingerprinted with CBI. You can contact the employer/agency for additional information.
Can my fingerprints be archived?
We can no longer archive fingerprints.
What if I don't have a credit card? Are there other forms of payment that will be accepted?
It depends on the location. A very limited amount of locations will accept cash, but for the most part, you will need a credit/debit card or money order.
Are refunds available?
Yes, if you cancel or reschedule your appointment within 30 days of registering. If you do not cancel or reschedule after 30 days, you will not be entitled to a refund.
How do I choose a location for CABS?
You will select the location, day and time for fingerprinting during the enrollment process.
Do you reimburse for parking?
No. We do not, but most locations have free parking.
Can I challenge records reported by CBI?
Yes, you will first need to contact CBI at 303-239-4208 to start the process.
Can I go to CBI to be fingerprinted?
No. CBI does not provide fingerprinting. You need to register online for CABS.
I am a minor and do not have a valid government issued ID, what should i do?
The following form is to be used by parents or legal guardians of minors who require fingerprinting and do not have a state-issued photo ID or other Primary Identity Document.
General Questions
Do I have to have an appointment?
Yes, appointments are required. Please schedule your appointment and contact us for assistance with scheduling.
How long does it take for fingerprinting?
Fingerprinting takes 5-10 minutes on average.
What should I bring for identification?
Please bring a government-issued photo ID such as a Driver’s License, State ID Card, Passport, Military ID Card or other government issued ID with a photo. The acceptable government issued ID can be from any state or country. Certain services require your SSN, you do not have to present your SSN card but you must be able to provide your SSN.
Do I have to bring my own fingerprint cards?
No. We include the FD-258 fingerprint cards with our service. If you have or were provided fingerprint cards, we can print on those cards. Just bring them in with you.
Why do I have to get fingerprinted?
Background checks conducted with fingerprints offer a higher degree of accuracy compared to name-based criminal history searches. Names, DOBs and other identification information can be faked, transposed, misspelled, etc. However, fingerprints are extremely difficult to fake or counterfeit. Additionally, common names, alias names, or maiden names can result in multiple responses, false responses, or no response at all.
What is "Live Scan" and is it acceptable instead of traditional ink?
Live Scan is an ink-less electronic means to capture fingerprints. All state and federal agencies accept and prefer live scan capture and print on fingerprint cards. With live scan, there is no smudging or smearing. The software helps determine a good fingerprint, and our highly trained fingerprint technicians can see the fingerprints in detail to help get the best possible fingerprints.
What is required for 24-48 hour FBI background check processing?
In addition to your government issued ID (Driver’s License, State ID Card, Passport, Military ID Card, Other Government Issued ID with a photo), you must be able to provide your U.S. Social Security Number. Please note, we can only submit fingerprints to the FBI for expedited processing if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. We can still process the FBI background checks for everyone else with results returned within 2-4 weeks.
Can I challenge my FBI record?
Yes, you can challenge/correct information that is returned on your FBI record. The FBI CJIS Division is not the source of the data appearing on identification records. All data is obtained from fingerprint submissions or related identification forms submitted to the FBI by local, state and federal agencies. As a result, the responsibility for authentication and correction of such data rests upon the contributing agency (state/county police department, county court, state bureau of identification, etc.). Once you have reviewed the results of your fingerprint-based background check and you believe it contains inaccurate or incomplete information, you may request a correction by contacting the agency or agencies that submitted the information to the FBI. For additional information on challenging your identity history please visit https://www.fbi.gov/.
Can my FBI results be sent to another individual or an address outside of the United States?
Expedited FBI results can only be sent to you or to a designated attorney. If you have a designated attorney, you must provide a written request on the attorney’s letterhead that includes both your signature and your attorney’s signature. The results from non-expedited FBI background checks can be sent to any address worldwide and the turnaround time is 2-4 weeks.
What happens if my fingerprints are rejected?
The agency processing fingerprints (FBI, CBI, State Police, etc.) have sole discretion on the acceptance and rejections of fingerprints. Less than 1% of our fingerprints are rejected. In the rare event your fingerprints are rejected due to quality, we will re-roll your fingerprints for free! Just come back to our office during our business hours.
I have been fingerprinted previously; why do I have to get fingerprinted again?
Fingerprints previously submitted to agencies for processing are not retrievable. When a new check is needed, they require another set of fingerprints.
Are there reasons for fingerprinting that cannot be completed by Colorado Fingerprinting?
Colorado Fingerprinting cannot fingerprint for Hazmat at this time and we recommend contacting TSA for locations and assistance with HAZMAT. Law enforcement is required to fingerprint applicants for Arrest Booking; Criminal Justice Employee/ Applicant for agency or for other agency (e.g. Courts); Concealed Handgun Permits – Including emergency, renewal, and permit name changes; Explosive Permits; Interstate Compact Supervision/Treatment; Probation or Parole Registration; Sex Offender Registration; Record Challenges – CBI, Court Ordered Prints.
What days are you closed?
For 2019 we are closed on January 1st, May 27th, July 4th, September 2nd, November 28th, November 29, December 25. We are open all other days during our normal business hours.
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