How to Start a Fingerprinting Business in New York

Interested in starting a fingerprinting business in New York? Our comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step process to help you get started successfully.

January 2024 - Fingerprinting.org

Fingerprinting Business

Starting A Fingerprinting Business In New York?

Starting a fingerprinting business in New York requires a few things to get started. The most important being the following.

  1. Fingerprinting Skills
  2. State Regulation Knowledge
  3. Marketing Strategy

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you learn how to start a fingerprinting business in New York:

  1. State Regulation Knowledge:

The fingerprinting regulations in New York are as follows.

  • Closed State
  • Accepts Fingerprint Cards (rare scenarios)
  • Requires no professional license
  • Electronic fingerprinting can be done commercially but NOT statewide.

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

A "closed state" means that a state will NOT allow a private person or business to process fingerprint cards for state reason. Closed also means that the state does have a contract with an electronic fingerprinting vendor and it is exclusive. In short there is a company doing contract work for the state and fingerprint cards are still an option but it will be used for commercial purposes only. This is still a viable business model!

"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. This will be in rare circumstances when the customer has no option to visit the state vendor. Fingerprint cards can also be for federal reasons or "commercial" reasons which anyone can do regardless of what state you are in.

No professional license or certification is required to conduct ink fingerprinting services in the state of New York. It is suggested to be certified with a company that provides training so you ensure your customers get a quality service.

Commercial electronic fingerprinting or "live scan" can be done. State live scan or state specific electronic fingerprinting is only done by law enforcement or the state vendor in the state of New York.

 

2. Fingerprinting Skills

We always suggest to seek professional training to be confident in rolling fingerprints for the state of New York. 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:

New York is a great state to do fingerprinting in. You will have to focus on the commercial or federal market. This is great because in closed states the competition is much less. As long as you have a solid plan, the right materials, and take action!

Want to join the live fingerprinting bootcamp?

Business Setup And Legal Information

Although fingerprinting.org is not licensed to provide legal or tax information in regards to your state, we always suggest the following as a starting point.

  • Ensure you have a legal business entity setup
    • LLC, Sole Proprietorship, or other
  • Ensure you keep good financial records
  • Consult an attorney or tax professional for further advice regarding operating a business in your state.