New Hampshire law allows access to the FBI criminal history record database by select non-criminal justice agencies.  The FBI record database is fingerprint supported, and thus requires the applicant to submit his or her fingerprint images to the State Police for processing through the FBI.

Applicant fingerprints may be captured by one of two ways: inked or digitally. 

The inked process requires the applicant to have ink applied to his or her fingers and rolled onto a fingerprint card.  The card will be returned to the respective hiring or licensing agency from where the applicant originally applied.  The agency will in turn forward the card to the State Police for further processing. The results of the FBI database search by inked prints can take up to six weeks.

Digitally capturing fingerprint images requires the use of a livescan device.  Livescans are located in a few select law enforcement agencies, and limited non-criminal justice state agencies. The livescan will capture both fingerprint images and demographic information, and electronically transmit that data to the State Police for further processing.   The result of the FBI database search by electronic submission is usually within three days.

Whether the applicant fingerprints are captured by ink or livescan, it is imperative that the correct New Hampshire statutory cite (RSA) is noted that authorizes access to the FBI record database for that applicant.

FBI Revised Fee Schedule

Effective October 1, 2007 the FBI will be adjusting their required fees for submitting fingerprint cards by non-criminal justice users. 

The new fee schedule is detailed below:

• Inked fingerprint cards- $30.25 from $24.00
• Electronic submission (livescan)- $19.25 from $24.00
• Volunteers (inked or electronic)- $15.25 from $18.00

Combined fees with the New Hampshire state record check will be:

• Inked fingerprint cards- $45.25
• Electronic submission- $34.25
• Volunteers (inked or electronic)- $22.75

All requests received after October 1, 2007 without the adjusted fee will be rejected and returned.