As of February 10, 2025, Accurate Biometrics is the sole provider for all DCFS fingerprinting in Illinois.
The State of Illinois requires the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to conduct fingerprint-based background checks on individuals who work with or live in licensed and unlicensed childcare facilities, those that may work alone with children in care, and anyone the age of 18 or older living in a home with children.
Individuals employed in childcare facilities between the ages of 14 and 17 are required to undergo a comprehensive fingerprint based criminal background check.
In addition, relative caregivers and all adult household members seeking placement and/or certification are required to complete a fingerprint-based background check. This includes all adults 18 and older living in the home with children.
Key Information:
Cost: There is NO cost to the individual; the fee is paid by DCFS.
Service: Fingerprinting is offered as a convenient walk-in service throughout Illinois; no appointments are required.
The 4-Step DCFS Fingerprinting Process
Below are the steps required to complete your DCFS fingerprint-based background check through Accurate Biometrics.
Step 1: Gather Your Required Forms
Obtain the necessary forms from your DCFS representative or your employer.
DCFS Authorization Form: Get the specific form that matches your role e.g. Forms:
- 718-A-AUTHORIZATION FOR BACKGROUND CHECK for Foster Care & Adoption
- 718-B-AI- AUTHORIZATION FOR BACKGROUND CHECK for Agencies & Institutions
- 718-B-DC- AUTHORIZATION FOR BACKGROUND CHECK for Day Care
- 718-C- Authorization_for_Background_Check_for_Non_Licensed_Contract_Staff
- 718-D- AUTHORIZATION FOR BACKGROUND CHECK for Unlicensed/License Exempt Child Care
- 718-E- FOR EMPLOYEES/VOLUNTEERS OF CHILD CARE FACILITIES
- 717-H- Authorization for Background Check by DCFS/Office of Employee Services
- 450-1 Authorization for Background Check for Relative Home Certification
- YIC – Youth in care
Search Result Letter: Accurate Biometrics needs this letter provided by your DCFS representative or employer.
- Relative Caregivers: All applicants may show the Accurate Biometrics representative a digital copy or screenshot of the results. You are not required to print out and bring a physical copy of the Search Results Letter.
- Exception: You do NOT need the Search Result Letter if you are applying for DCFS employment using 717-H or Youth in Care form used for fingerprinting or if you have a reprint notice.
Click this link for detailed instructions on how to download your DCFS search result letter.
Step 2: Complete the Forms
Ensure all forms are filled out accurately before going to the fingerprinting location.
- Fill out and sign/date the DCFS Authorization Form completely.
- For Day Care Providers/Employees (using forms CFS 718-B-AI/DC, C, D, or E): You must include your 6-digit provider ID to be fingerprinted.
- For relative caregivers and all household members (using form CFS 450-1: 6-digit provider ID is needed if available.
Step 3: Get Fingerprinted
This service is offered on a walk-in basis—no appointments are required.
- Find a Location: Click the Location button below to check the Accurate Biometrics website for the closest location and its hours of operation.
- What to Bring:
- Your Completed DCFS Authorization Form.
- Valid, government-issued picture ID (check the “Accepted Forms of ID” list).
- Your Completed Search Result Letter (unless you are a 717-H- applicant, Youth in Care or have a reprint notice.)
Step 4: After Fingerprinting
- You will receive a receipt – keep this for your records.
- The fingerprint results will be sent electronically and directly to DCFS by the Illinois State Police (ISP).
DCFS Out-of-State Fingerprint Card Process
This is only for out-of-state DCFS applicants. If you are physically in Illinois, please visit one of our locations.
Click the button below to download the DCFS out-of-state forms packet.
Homebound Mobile Fingerprinting Processes
MOBILE FINGERPRINTING FOR HOMEBOUND HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS
** For Homebased Applicants/ Household members only
Contact: Central Office of Licensing Background Check Unit for information regarding homebound fingerprints
- Telephone Number-217-785-2688- Contact: BCU Manager
- Send email request to: [email protected]
Required letter from healthcare professional to verify that the individual is homebound.
- Confirm with placing or licensing worker for qualifying medical conditions and additional waivers.
Background Check unit will forward requirements and waivers form to the Placing worker and/ or Licensing Representative
Additional Notes
- The ISP will electronically send the results directly to DCFS.
- Each applicant will be issued a receipt that they will need to retain for their records.
- For inquiries about on-site services or service needs outside of our standard business hours, please contact [email protected]
- For more information on background check requirements for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, click here. (https://dcfs.illinois.gov)
Accepted Forms of ID:
- State-issued Driver’s License that contains a photo and other identifying information
- State ID Card
- United States or another country Passport
- Real ID
- Federal, state, or local government agency ID card with photograph
- United States Permanent Resident card
- City of Chicago Key Card
- United States Military ID
