How Often Do You Need New Fingerprints?

One of the questions we hear most often is, “I’ve been fingerprinted before—do I have to do it again?”

The answer is: it depends on who is requesting your fingerprints.

Many people assume that once their fingerprints are on file, they never need to be fingerprinted again. In reality, different employers, licensing boards, and government agencies have their own requirements. In many cases, you’ll need a new fingerprint submission even if you’ve completed one in the past.

Why Would I Need to Be Fingerprinted Again?

Fingerprint submissions are generally tied to a specific application, employer, or licensing agency. That means your previous fingerprints aren’t automatically shared with every organization that requests a background check.

For example, if you were fingerprinted a few years ago for a teaching position and you’re now applying for a healthcare license, you’ll likely need a new fingerprint submission because the two agencies have separate requirements.

Situations Where New Fingerprints Are Commonly Required

You may need to be fingerprinted again if you’re:

• Starting a new job that requires a background check
• Applying for a professional license
• Renewing certain licenses, if required by the licensing agency
• Volunteering with an organization that requires fingerprint screening
• Applying for a government position
• Moving to another state and applying for a new license
• Completing fingerprinting for an agency that requires its own submission

Even if you’ve been fingerprinted recently, the requesting agency may still require a new set of fingerprints.

Do Fingerprints Expire?

Your fingerprints themselves don’t expire—they stay the same throughout your life.

However, fingerprint submissions can become outdated because background checks reflect your record at the time they were completed. Many employers and licensing agencies require a new submission to ensure they’re reviewing the most current information.

What About Florida Professional Licenses?

Many Florida licensing boards require fingerprint-based background checks when you first apply for a license. In some cases, fingerprints may not be required again unless directed by the agency, while other professions or employers may request a new submission.

Requirements vary depending on the agency and license type, so it’s always best to follow the instructions you receive with your application.

Can My Previous Employer Share My Fingerprints?

Usually, no.

Fingerprint submissions are generally made for a specific employer or agency and are not automatically transferred to another organization. If you’re changing jobs or applying for a different license, you’ll often need to complete the fingerprinting process again.

How Do I Know If I Need New Fingerprints?

If you’re unsure, ask the organization requesting your background check. They can tell you whether they can use an existing fingerprint record or whether a new submission is required.

If you’ve received application instructions, they will usually specify whether fingerprinting is needed and provide the information required for your appointment.

We’re Here to Help!

At Jax Florida Fingerprinting, we help individuals complete fingerprinting for employment, professional licensing, volunteer positions, immigration-related requests, and other official purposes.

If you’re not sure whether you need to be fingerprinted again, give us a call. We’ll review your paperwork, answer your questions, and help you understand the next steps.

Our goal is to make the process simple, accurate, and stress-free so you can move forward with your application with confidence.

Schedule Your Appointment

Whether this is your first fingerprinting appointment or you’ve been through the process before, we’re here to help. Contact Jax Florida Fingerprinting today to schedule your appointment and receive fast, professional service.