How to Start a Fingerprinting Business in Maryland

1. State Regulation Knowledge:

The fingerprinting regulations in Ohio are as follows.

• Open State
• Accepts Fingerprint Cards
• Electronic fingerprinting can be done commercially and statewide (AKA, Live Scan)

Now if those bullet points do not make complete sense that's fine. See the explanations below.

An "open state" means that a state will allow a private person or business to process fingerprint cards for state reason, as well as for electronic reasons. Open also means that the state has electronic or "live scan" connections that can be made directly to the state.

The live scan connection process typically includes the need for fingerprinting scanning hardware, software, and a company to assist in facilitating the connection.

In Maryland there is currently a private provider application which makes this state open for the time being. The Private Provider application typically requires 5 years experience in fingerprinting, a written test, and specific materials and software for connection to the CJIS.

"Accepting fingerprint cards" means that if the state is requiring a fingerprint card to be done, then that card can be done by you without any licenses or other requirements. These cards for Maryland are typically called "Maryland CJIS Cards" and are done when a person is residing out of state.

Fingerprint cards can also be for federal reasons or "commercial" reasons which anyone can do regardless of what state you are in.

A license is not required to conduct ink fingerprinting services and live scan in the state of Maryland. If electronic fingerprinting is going to be the business model for someone in the state of Maryland, you will need to complete a private provider application with Maryland state.

Commercial electronic fingerprinting or "live scan" can be done along with a direct connection to the CJIS.

NOTE: This private provider application can be found below:

https://www.dpscs.state.md.us/publicservs/pfp.shtml

2. Fingerprinting Skills

We always suggest to seek professional training to be confident in rolling fingerprints for the state of Maryland. You can inquire about training by booking a call with a fingerprinting.org team member. Click here to book a call

3. Marketing Strategy

For marketing we suggest creating the following to get started.

• Google Business Profile
• Website
• Listing on a referral site

For more information on marketing and assistance with marketing you can inquire about our live bootcamp training below!

Summary:

Maryland is a great state to do fingerprinting in. As long as you have a solid plan, the right materials, and take action!