What You Need to Know About NDOE Fingerprinting
Getting your Nevada teaching license involves a lot of paperwork, and one requirement often catches new and renewing teachers off guard: the fingerprint based background check required by the Nevada Department of Education (NDOE). Here is what you need to know, and how to get it done quickly and affordably before the school year starts.
Why Fingerprinting Is Required
The NDOE requires a fingerprint based background check for anyone applying for or renewing a Nevada educator license, as outlined on the NDOE Fingerprinting and Background Information page. This applies to classroom teachers, substitutes, administrators, and support staff working directly with students. The results are reviewed as part of your licensing application, and your file cannot move forward without them.
The Good News: Your Background Fee Is Already Covered
Many applicants assume they owe a separate charge for the background check itself. In reality, that fee is already built into your NDOE licensing fee when you apply. That means the only cost you owe at the fingerprinting appointment is the fingerprinting service fee, paid directly to your Livescan provider.
Two Requirements, Two Separate Fingerprint Submissions
This is one of the most common points of confusion, so it is worth spelling out clearly. Nevada teachers are actually required to be fingerprinted twice, for two distinct lawful purposes:
- State licensing. The Nevada Department of Education requires a fingerprint based background check as part of your educator license application. This clearance is tied to you as a licensed professional in the state.
- School district or school employment. Separately, the district or school hiring you (such as Washoe County School District, or a private or charter school) requires its own fingerprint based background check as a condition of employment. This clearance is tied to your specific employer and your role working directly with students.
These are two different submissions, done for two different lawful reasons, even though the fingerprinting process itself feels the same each time. Completing one does not satisfy the other, so make sure you know which requirement (or both) applies to your situation before your appointment.
We Also Assist with Out of State Licensing
If you are applying for a teaching license in a state other than Nevada, our team regularly assists educators with fingerprinting for out of state licensing requirements. Many states, like Nevada, require fingerprint based background checks as part of the application, and we can help make sure your prints are captured and transmitted correctly for that state’s process. If you are relocating or applying to teach elsewhere, just let us know which state so we can guide you through the right submission.
If you are located outside the state of Nevada, and require Nevada Department of Education Live Scan services, we can help you! Contact us for more information.
Fingerprinting Express Is Your Approved NDOE Vendor
Fingerprinting Express is an approved Livescan fingerprinting vendor for the Nevada Department of Education, as well as the Washoe County School District. We are also an approved vendor for a number of private and charter schools throughout the state, so if you are applying to one of these institutions, you can complete your fingerprinting requirement with us as well.
Because we transmit results directly through the state approved Livescan system, your prints go straight into the NDOE review process with no extra steps on your end.
Teachers Get an Automatic Discount
As a thank you to Nevada educators, we automatically apply a discount to NDOE fingerprinting services. There is nothing extra to fill out and no code to remember. Just let our team know you are completing fingerprinting for your NDOE license, and the discount will be applied at checkout.
Coaches Need Fingerprinting Too
If you are a coach, whether paid or volunteer, working with a Nevada public, private, or charter school, you likely need the same background clearance as classroom staff. This is a step that often gets missed until right before a season starts, so if you are stepping into a coaching role this year, plan to get your prints done early alongside your fingerprinting appointment.
Back to School Season: Do Not Forget Sports Physicals
While you are getting ready for the new school year, remember that student athletes need a current sports physical before they can practice or compete. Our sister company, HireHealth, offers back to school sports physical packages designed to get students cleared quickly, without the wait times common at busy pediatric offices.
Booking a sports physical at the same time as your fingerprinting appointment is an easy way to check two back to school requirements off your list in a single visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay a separate fee for my NDOE background check? No. The background check fee is already included in your NDOE licensing fee, paid through OPAL. At your fingerprinting appointment, you only pay the fingerprinting service fee to Fingerprinting Express.
Why do I need to be fingerprinted twice? Nevada teachers complete two separate fingerprint based background checks for two lawful reasons: one for state licensing through the NDOE, and one for employment through the hiring school or district. The NDOE and your employer do not share background results, so completing one does not satisfy the other.
Is Fingerprinting Express an approved NDOE vendor? Yes. Fingerprinting Express is an approved Livescan vendor for the Nevada Department of Education, the Washoe County School District, and a number of private and charter schools throughout Nevada.
Do teachers get a discount on fingerprinting? Yes. Fingerprinting Express automatically applies a discount to NDOE fingerprinting appointments for teachers. No code or extra paperwork is needed.
Do coaches need fingerprinting too? Yes. Paid and volunteer coaches working with Nevada public, private, or charter schools typically need the same background clearance as classroom staff.
Can Fingerprinting Express help with fingerprinting for a license in another state? Yes. Fingerprinting Express regularly assists educators completing fingerprinting for out of state teaching license applications.
What if I need a sports physical for my student athlete during back to school season? HireHealth, our sister company, offers back to school sports physical packages so students can get cleared quickly for practice and competition.
Ready to Schedule?
Whether you are a new hire completing your first NDOE application, a returning teacher renewing your license, or a coach getting cleared for the season, our team makes the process fast and simple. Walk in or book ahead at any Fingerprinting Express location, including Reno, North West Las Vegas, South West Las Vegas, or Henderson, and let us know you are completing NDOE fingerprinting so we can apply your discount right away.
