Criminal Background Check

Image of a field at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.

Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina.

All new and reinstatement applicants are required to undergo a fingerprinted criminal background check. The process is different depending on where you are physically located.

Before choosing which pathway to obtain fingerprints, please review these important notes:

  • It is up to the applicant to initiate one of the processes described below. The NCBDN does NOT initiate the background check process.
  • You should not begin one of the below (in-state or out-of-state) processes until you have registered in the licensee gateway and submitted an application and payment.
  • You cannot use a background check you may have done for another state, an employer, university or any previous reason. Background checks are authorized by statute to the specific agency and purpose.

Please click here to review the NCBDN’s CHRI Use Policy regarding how we may use your criminal history report, your rights in this process, as well as our policy regarding discrepancies between your self-reported criminal history and the results returned on your background check.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long will it take?
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Background Check timing is approx. 3-5 weeks from the date of submission of fingerprints. We have no control over the processing time.

  • If in-state, that is the date you had fingerprints done via LiveScan;
  • If out-of-state that is the date our office receives, then mails your cards to NCSBI for processing.

The NCBDN office will NOT have any update on your application during this time as the process is in the hands of the NCSBI. Once results are received by our office, we will process them as expeditiously as possible (typically same-day of receipt) and you will receive an email from gateway@ncbdn.org when your application has been approved. Please make sure gateway@ncbdn.org is not sent to junk/spam.

Our staff cannot process your Criminal Background Check results if you have not uploaded a signed and dated Electronic Fingerprint Submission Release of Information form (if in-state) or the Authority to Release Information form (if out-of-state) and you have paid all application fees.

Why do I have to do this?
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Per NC General Statute § 90-357.6, applicants (in-state and out-of-state) for LDN or LN licensure are required to undergo a fingerprint-based NC State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal history check.

What if I know something is on my record?
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If you have answered “yes” on the application indicating you have a currently pending charge, or prior conviction (misdemeanors and/or felonies that have not been expunged), please click here for supplemental documentation that will also be required and uploaded to your application.

What is Live Scan?
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LiveScan is digital fingerprinting and transmission of the impression directly to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for processing. If you reside in North Carolina and get fingerprinted at a law enforcement agency (sheriff or police department), LiveScan can be used to obtain and transmit your digital fingerprints electronically to the NCSBI and FBI. At this time, you cannot utilize LiveScan in any other states outside of NC. In addition, if you are using a private entity like Identogo or the UPS Store, you must follow the Out-of-State instructions, even if in NC.

Can I challenge the results of a Criminal History Record Check?
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Yes, North Carolina allows an individual to review and challenge the results of a Criminal History Records Check. To do so, contact the agencies as listed below:

  • North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation: (919) 582-8660
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation: (304) 625-5590
  • Contact the Clerk of Court in the arresting county
  • Visit the FBI’s website for more information on obtaining your own report.