Rhode Island Criminal Background Check

Ask whether a state BCI or an authorized national check is required

Rhode Island’s state BCI check uses name and date of birth and reflects Rhode Island records. It includes fingerprint-supported arrests leading to a conviction or equivalent and cases still pending prosecution. Federal and out-of-state arrests, sealed or expunged records and specified nonconviction outcomes such as dismissals or acquittals are not included. A state result therefore should not be described as every arrest everywhere.

BCI supplies the state report to the subject; a third party needs a signed, notarized release and the required identifying documents. The Attorney General’s office processes adult checks, for people 18 or older; juvenile-record questions go to Family Court. Ask the recipient which product, purpose and report recency it requires. The report is time-and-date stamped, and the recipient decides whether it needs a newer one.

For a state check in person, bring ID and a card

Visit the Attorney General’s Customer Service Center at 4 Howard Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920. Bring a valid state driver’s license, state identification card or U.S. passport and a credit/debit card. The state-check fee is $5, with card fees added. State checks use walk-in service rather than an appointment.

The center’s published hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays. Join the virtual line using the onsite QR code or lobby kiosk; assistance is available at 401-274-4400. Fingerprinting stops at 4 p.m., so a national-check visit requires an earlier arrival. Check that your paperwork is complete before making the trip.

Build a complete mail packet

Mail the signed, notarized release, an acceptable photo-ID copy, a $5 check or money order payable to BCI, and a self-addressed stamped return envelope to Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General, 4 Howard Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920. Copy the front and back of a state driver’s license or ID. The release form specifically asks for a colored photocopy of government photo ID showing date of birth. Cash and credit cards are not accepted by mail.

The release identifies the applicant’s full name, maiden or other names, birth date, address and purpose, and names the entity authorized to receive the information. Complete that recipient field deliberately and sign through the notarial process. For a third-party request, the office also requires ID from the agency or person to whom the release is made; an unsigned general request is insufficient.

Allow the published 14 days for mail and BCI processing. For urgent requests, the office suggests including prepaid overnight return shipping with tracking; this changes the delivery method, not a guaranteed processing deadline. State-report questions go to [email protected]. Keep your request copy and mailing reference so a follow-up can identify the transaction.

National checks depend on an authorized purpose

Certain employment and licensing programs require fingerprint-based national checks. Rhode Island agencies perform these for specific legally authorized purposes, not simply because someone wants a broader report about another person. Obtain the employer’s paperwork and complete the national fingerprint form with the correct purpose and recipient. It requires identifying information, consent and the applicant’s signature.

The currently posted national form lists $45 plus a $1.40 credit/debit surcharge. Bring the required employer documents and valid ID. National appointments are available in limited numbers, and walk-ins are also accepted within fingerprinting hours. Some long-term-care applicants must first be registered by the employer and bring an eligibility letter with the registration number; ask the employer before arriving.

For the authorized employment process, fingerprints go to the FBI and the Attorney General’s office reviews the returned report. The office describes sending the employer or agency a qualification result rather than the underlying record details. An applicant found disqualified may collect a copy of the record in person. This is different from simply buying a state BCI letter.

National requests by mail need an authenticated fingerprint card

For a mailed or out-of-state national request, the office requires the notarized release, completed fingerprint form, actual fingerprint card, acceptable photo-ID copy, the BCI Certification of Fingerprints completed by the taking agency, and a $45 check or money order payable to BCI. Address the packet to the Fingerprint Department at the Howard Avenue address. The agency publishes seven business days for processing, separate from mailing.

The fingerprint certification records the applicant and technician signatures, agency, technician identification and contact details, and the identification presented when the prints were taken. Arrange for the taking agency to complete it during the appointment; a loose fingerprint card without the required certification can leave the packet incomplete. Fingerprint questions go to [email protected].

Request the proper signature and seal before an apostille

If the BCI record will be used overseas, tell the Attorney General’s office before issuance that it must bear the Attorney General’s signature and official seal. Rhode Island’s Department of State says it cannot legalize a BCI record without them. Once the correctly issued record arrives, follow the Department of State’s apostille or legalization instructions for the destination and document.

Do not ask an ordinary notary to turn a photocopy of a state or FBI background check into the required official document. Rhode Island’s notary guidance directs these customers to the issuing agency for a certified record intended for apostille. Confirm whether the overseas recipient wants a Rhode Island BCI or an FBI product before paying for the wrong report.

Review errors and special-purpose requirements

Compare the returned name, birth date and case outcomes with your own documents. The national fingerprint form advises that an applicant can challenge inaccurate or incomplete FBI record information through the FBI’s amendment procedure. For a Rhode Island state-report problem, contact [email protected] with the request reference and a description of the discrepancy; ask which supporting court disposition is required rather than editing the report yourself.

Tell BCI the purpose accurately. The office warns that law-enforcement, court and other specified requests may need additional information. School volunteers use the dedicated school-volunteer form, with results sent to the named Rhode Island school district. Neither a public court printout nor a standard state BCI automatically substitutes for a program-specific request.