The short answer
A clearance belongs to a process, not just a set of prints
The receiving agency controls who captures the fingerprints, why the check is run, where the result goes and how recent it must be. A prior check can be perfectly valid for its original purpose and still be unusable for your next license.
Four details have to match
Recipient
The destination may require results sent directly to its licensing office, not a copy from another agency.
Purpose code
The ORI, reason code or authorization must match teacher licensure or the specific employment check.
Method
Live Scan, an ink card, an approved vendor and the mailing sequence are not interchangeable.
Timing
A state may set a validity window or require the check at a particular point in the application.
Current official examples
The destination’s process wins
These examples are not a national rule. They show why you should open the destination agency’s instructions before booking an appointment.
Alaska
Another state’s clearance is not accepted
Alaska says an applicant still needs to submit a fingerprint card. Its Department of Public Safety must complete the background check and send the result directly to the Teacher Certification Office.
Checked 2026-08-02
Wyoming
Even a recent out-of-state check does not carry over
Wyoming says PTSB cannot accept another agency’s background report. Applicants fingerprinted in another state must be fingerprinted for Wyoming, whether the earlier check was years or days ago.
Checked 2026-08-02
New Mexico
The reason code and recipient matter
New Mexico PED does not accept a background check completed for another purpose. Initial licensure applicants must use the agency’s teacher-licensure reason code and ORI number.
Checked 2026-08-02
California
Your location changes the method
California directs applicants outside the state to request and mail fingerprint cards. Applicants in California—or able to travel there—use the state’s Live Scan process instead.
Checked 2026-08-02
Washington
Certification and employment can be separate checks
Washington requires fingerprint background checks for certification applicants without a valid Washington teaching certificate and separately identifies checks for certain new school employees and contractors.
Checked 2026-08-02
Before you book fingerprinting
- 1
Name the check
Confirm whether the instruction is for state licensure, school employment or both.
- 2
Use the destination’s current form
Copy the required vendor, card, ORI or reason code and delivery method exactly.
- 3
Check the sequence
Some agencies want an application or account number before they can match a fingerprint result.
- 4
Keep the receipt, not the sensitive file
Save the confirmation or tracking number. Send fingerprints and reports only through the authorized process.
A firm privacy line
Track the step, not your fingerprints
TeachPassport can show the fingerprinting step and link you to the official process. It does not ask you to upload fingerprint cards, background reports, Social Security numbers or licensing-portal passwords.
Use the right process the first time
Put the background-check step in your live plan
TeachPassport organizes the expected fingerprints, records, tests, fees and application steps for your route, with the destination agency links beside them.
State agencies and employers make the final background-check and licensing decisions.
Build my move plan — $49Questions about teacher fingerprints and background checks
Do teacher fingerprints transfer between states?
Often, no. A destination licensing agency may require a new fingerprint submission or its own background check even when another state recently cleared you. Follow the destination’s required agency, purpose code, form, vendor and delivery method.
Why can’t a state use my existing teacher background check?
Background-check results can be tied to the agency receiving them, the legal purpose for the check, a specific ORI or reason code, the method of transmission and a validity period. Another state’s clearance may not satisfy those rules.
Will I need one background check for my license and another for my job?
Possibly. The state licensing agency and the employing district can have separate legal duties and processes. Confirm whether each instruction is for credential issuance, school employment or both before paying.
Can I complete destination-state fingerprints before I move?
Sometimes. Some states provide fingerprint cards or other options for applicants who are still out of state. The accepted method and mailing sequence are state-specific, so use the destination agency’s current instructions.
Should I use any nearby fingerprinting business?
Only if the destination permits it and you have the correct card, form, reason code and delivery instructions. A technically good fingerprint capture can still be unusable when it is sent through the wrong process.
How long is a teacher background check valid?
There is no national validity period. The receiving state decides whether a prior result in its own system is current, whether a new submission is required and when the check must occur relative to the application.
Does TeachPassport store fingerprint cards or background reports?
No. TeachPassport can put the required step and official instructions in your live plan, but it does not ask for or store fingerprint cards, background reports, Social Security numbers or agency-portal passwords.
Does the $49 include fingerprinting fees?
No. The one-time $49 covers your TeachPassport live plan, future moves and requirement updates. Fingerprinting, background checks and other agency or vendor fees are paid directly to those organizations.
How these examples are checked
Every example links to the teacher-certification or fingerprint guidance published by the destination agency. Recheck the linked instructions before paying a vendor because forms, fees and accepted methods can change.
Checked 2026-08-02 · Check again by 2026-11-02