The University of Maryland (UMD) Police Department (UMPD) offers fingerprinting services to the public, utilizing advanced technology for both electronic submissions and customary fingerprint cards. This service is available to students, faculty, staff, and community members who require fingerprinting for various background checks, employment screenings, or licensing purposes.

The UMPD uses a “LiveScan automated Fingerprint Scanner,” which allows them to submit fingerprints electronically for faster processing. They also offer traditional fingerprinting onto FD258 fingerprint cards, even though these “are not submitted electronically.”

Walk-In Fingerprinting Hours

The UMPD offers walk-in fingerprinting services during the following hours:

Fingerprints are processed on a “first-come/first-served basis.” Note that “services are unavailable on university holidays and during university closures.” For larger groups, “Appointments MUST be made for any group of 5 or more by calling 301-405-5758 or 301-405-5720.”

Fees and Payment Options

The UMPD charges fees for fingerprinting services, which vary depending on the type of background check requested:

“Service fees can be paid by credit card, check, or money order made payable to ‘University of Maryland.’ Cash in the form of EXACT change only is acceptable.”

Ensuring Fast and Accurate Service

To ensure a smooth fingerprinting experience, the UMPD advises individuals to come prepared. This includes knowing what type of background check is required: “Please know what type of check you are required to have; Federal and State or State Only. Our staff cannot answer questions as to which type of check you should have. We cannot be responsible if the type of check you request is not what has been required of you.”

For employment or licensing purposes, “If you are requesting a background check for employment or licensing purposes you must have all documentation from the requestor to include the agency name and authorization number.” If the background check is being sent to a government agency, you “may also need an ORI number.”

A valid form of government identification is required. Acceptable forms of ID include a “driver’s license, Certificate of Naturalization, passport, or Military Identification.”

The UMPD also encourages individuals to fill out the required form in advance. Completing the form ahead of time ensures accuracy and speeds up the process.

Payment should also be prepared in advance. “Bring payment as indicated below. Major credit cards, checks, and money orders are accepted. Cash is accepted in the form of EXACT change only.”

Additional Data and Considerations

To ensure the quality of the fingerprints, the UMPD advises that “Hands should be clean, without bandages or broken skin.If you have an injury that prevents you from rotating your arm or wrist, please wait until you can do so.”

“During the winter season or if you have especially dry hands, using water-based lotion prior to fingerprinting can help.”

The fingerprinting process typically takes “about 10-15 minutes” under normal circumstances. Notably “This service is first-come first-served. Every attempt is made to ensure the quality of the image. Please give yourself a large window of time to be fingerprinted, in the event of high volume or remarkable circumstances.”

Parking at the police department is limited. “Ther are limited short-term visitor spaces available in the police department parking lot. The closest metered parking is located on College Ave and Yale Ave.”

Alternative Fingerprinting Locations

For individuals seeking alternative fingerprinting locations, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) provides a list of approved sites. “The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services website contains more detailed information about fingerprinting services to include a list of locations.” This list can be found on the DPSCS website.

Addressing Concerns about accuracy and Privacy

While fingerprinting is a widely used method for identification, concerns about accuracy and privacy sometimes arise. The LiveScan technology used by UMPD helps to minimize errors associated with traditional ink fingerprinting. The electronic submission process also enhances security, reducing the risk of lost or mishandled records.

The UMPD adheres to strict protocols to protect the privacy of individuals’ fingerprint data, complying with all applicable federal and state regulations. Data is only shared with authorized agencies for legitimate background check purposes.

Questions and Contact Information

For further inquiries or special needs, contact Kristen Ghrist at 301-405-5758. “For any questions,concerns,or for special needs (ex: printing large groups) contact Kristen Ghrist at 301-405-5758.”

FAQ: Fingerprinting Services at UMD

What should I bring with me to get fingerprinted?

You should bring a valid form of government-issued photo identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport), any required documentation from the requesting agency (if applicable), and a method of payment (credit card, check, money order, or exact cash).

do I need to make an appointment for fingerprinting?

Walk-in services are available during the posted hours. However, “Appointments MUST be made for any group of 5 or more by calling 301-405-5758 or 301-405-5720.”

How long does the fingerprinting process take?

“Without a wait or exceptional circumstances, fingerprinting should take about 10-15 minutes.”

What if I have dry hands?

“during the winter season or if you have especially dry hands, using water-based lotion prior to fingerprinting can help.”

Where can I find alternative fingerprinting locations?

Visit the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services website for a list of locations: DPSCS – fingerprint Services (state.md.us).