ASSISTANCE FOR NEW YORK STATE CERTIFICATION

New York State requires a fingerprint-supported background check for applicants for certification in teaching, counseling, and administration.  The State Department of Education encourages you to be fingerprinted early in your program (i.e., in the first semester if possible) in order to expedite the clearance process.  Clearance allows you to work as a per diem substitute in a school system, thereby enhancing your ability to secure a permanent job.

All fingerprint applications must be completed online using the TEACH system.  Please access http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/ospra/.  The side link Fingerprint Process from Start to Finish will guide you through the entire fingerprint process. 

Pages 2, 3, and 4 of this document (i.e., Fingerprinting Assistance for New York State Certification) contain information that can be used in conjunction with the second paragraph of online Item 2 (Get Fingerprinted).  The following pages list locations in Rochester and the surrounding area that will “roll” fingerprints—along with service times, fees, and contact information for these locations.

LOCATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR FINGERPRINTING IN ROCHESTER AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

The Rochester Police Department has agreed to provide fingerprinting services for all University of Rochester students, regardless of whether they are residents of the City of Rochester.  You must go to the City of Rochester Public Safety Building (Room 147), 185 Exchange Street, Tuesdays through Fridays, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  There is a $25.00 service fee that must be paid IN CASH. You must identify yourself as a University of Rochester student, and you must show your University of Rochester ID card.  Additionally, you must bring one form of picture identification. (A driver’s license is preferable.)  Finally, you must bring the two fingerprint cards (partially completed by either typing or printing in black ink).  Paid parking is available in the Civic Center Garage, across the street from the Blue Cross Arena. 

You may wish to use fingerprinting services offered by the police department of the town in which you reside.  Information on services available in Rochester suburbs and surrounding areas is provided is provided below.  Although we have listed specific days and times that each department offers this service, you may want to call ahead to be sure that the schedule has not changed.

Brighton Police Department
Town Hall – 2300 Elmwood Avenue, Brighton
Service available for Brighton residents only, on Mondays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Please phone ahead to ensure that fingerprinting has not been cancelled for a particular day.  You must bring the two fingerprint cards.  There is a $5.00 service fee per fingerprinting card (cash only, exact change required).  Persons can call 585-784-5125 for further information.

Brockport Police Department
1 Clinton Street (across from the Brockport Post Office), Brockport
Services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  For Village of Brockport residents fingerprinting services are free; for all others there is a $15.00 fee (cash or money order; no personal checks).  Payment must be made at the Village Hall located at 49 State Street.  You must bring your receipt to the Brockport Police Department.  Two forms of identification are required, one of which must be a picture ID (driver’s license preferred).  You must bring the two fingerprint cards.  For more information, please call 585-637-1021.

Fairport Police Department
31 South Main Street (Route 250), Fairport
Service available for anyone (regardless of town of residence) Monday through Friday at 2:00 p.m. only. However, there is a $15.00 service fee (cash or personal check) for anyone who is not a resident of the Village of Fairport.  One form of picture identification is required.  You must bring the two fingerprint cards. Persons can call 585-223-1740 for additional information.

Greece Police Department
400 Island Cottage Road (off Latta Road), Greece
770 Fetzner Road, Greece
Service available to anyone (regardless of town of residence) Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  There is a $10.00 fee (cash or personal check) for the service.  A picture ID is required.  You must bring the two fingerprint cards.  Call 585-865-9200 (press 2 or follow the prompts) for further information.

Irondequoit Police Department
1300 Titus Avenue, Irondequoit
Service available to town residents and businesses on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.  There is a $15.00 fee (cash only, exact amount required).  A picture ID is required.  You must bring the two fingerprint cards.  Call 585-336-6000, ext. 313, for further information.

Livingston County Sheriff’s Department
4 Court Street, Geneseo
Service is available to anyone (regardless of town of residence) Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  You must bring the two fingerprint cards.  There is a $7.50 service fee (cash, money order, or personal check, payable to Livingston County Sheriff).  A picture ID is required.  Making an appointment is recommended — by calling 585-243-7152.  Call 585-243-7140 if you have not made an appointment.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Department
Public Safety Building (located in the Civic Center Plaza directly behind the Hall of Justice) – 130 South Plymouth Avenue, Records Office, Room 100, Rochester.  Service is restricted to residents of Monroe County who do not reside in the City of Rochester.  Service is available Monday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Fridays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Two forms of identification are required; one form of ID must be a picture ID, and one form of ID must indicate a current address.  There is a $25.00 fee (cash only) for the service.  You must bring the two fingerprint cards.  Persons can call 585-428-5432 (and press 2 or follow the prompts) for further information.  (Zone offices do not perform this service.)

New York State Police
1155 Scottsville Road, Rochester
Service available to anyone (regardless of town of residence) Monday through Friday, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  There is no fee for the service.  A picture ID is required.  You must bring the two fingerprint cards.  Call 585-279-8891 for additional information.

Ogden Police Department
269 Ogden Center Road, Ogden
Service available for residents of Ogden or people who work in Ogden, Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day).  However, applicants must call 585-617-6131 to confirm that an officer will be available to take prints.  A driver’s license is required.  There is no fee.  You must bring the two fingerprint cards.  Call 585-617-6131 for additional information.

Webster Police Department
Town Hall – 1000 Ridge Road, Webster
Service restricted to Webster residents only (Webster mailing address will not suffice).  Service is available Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.  Please avoid the hour between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. throughout the year.  There is no fee for fingerprinting.  A driver’s license with current address is required.  You must bring the two fingerprint cards.  Call 585-872-1216 for additional information.

Revised 8/2009