Fingerprinting

Anyone who works with children in a school setting is required by law to be fingerprinted through a process approved by the Maine Department of Education. You may receive an evaluation for a certificate before having your fingerprints taken, but you won't be issued any type of Maine certification until your fingerprints are on file.

Please contact the Certification Office at 207-624-6603 to check the status of your fingerprints or check on MEDMS.

If you currently hold a valid educational technician or teacher certificate, but it appears the Criminal History Record Check line is expired, you are still covered to work under that valid certificate. Read Informational Letter 88 (more about the CHRC).

Anyone other than teachers, educational specialists, administrators, or education technicians who works in a school only needs to have fingerprinting and CHRC approval. This includes bus drivers, secretaries, cafeteria employees, custodians, and volunteers (at the school's discretion), among others.

• Fingerprint Sites & Online Registration. You must schedule fingerprinting appointments in Maine in advance through IdentoGO.
• Approval Instructions. Initial approval to obtain eight week-temporary and first five-year card.
• Approval Renewal Instructions. If you need fingerprinting renewal, follow this process. You will not be sent renewal applications. It is up to you and your school to keep track of renewal.