DCF Fingerprinting in Florida: A Complete Guide

What is DCF Fingerprinting?

DCF fingerprinting is an FDLE-approved Live Scan fingerprint background check required by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) for individuals working in DCF-regulated settings — primarily positions involving contact with children, vulnerable adults, or families.

Like all Florida Level 2 background checks, DCF fingerprinting uses your biometric fingerprint data to search both FDLE (Florida) and FBI (national) criminal records databases. Results are used to determine eligibility for employment, licensing, or certification in DCF-regulated roles.

Sky Bright LiveScan is FDLE-registered and provides DCF fingerprinting at our Miami Lakes location for clients throughout Miami-Dade and Broward County.

Who Needs DCF Fingerprinting?

The following categories commonly require DCF fingerprinting. Requirements vary by employer, facility type, and program — always confirm with your employer or DCF:

• Licensed childcare facility staff (directors, teachers, assistants) with direct child contact
• Family childcare home operators and household members
• Foster parents and household members age 12 and older
• Adoption applicants
• Shelter staff and youth services workers
• Child welfare case managers and social services workers
• Volunteers with regular, direct unsupervised access to children in DCF-regulated programs

How DCF Background Checks Work

DCF uses the FDLE Background Screening Clearinghouse, which operates similarly to the AHCA Clearinghouse but covers DCF-regulated programs. Background check results are matched to your employer or agency sponsor, allowing DCF to make eligibility determinations.

Sky Bright LiveScan captures your fingerprints and transmits them electronically to FDLE the same day. Results are processed by FDLE and forwarded to DCF. We do not make eligibility decisions, access DCF records, or have visibility into DCF clearance outcomes.

What to Bring

Bring: (1) A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID — Florida driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or Permanent Resident Card. (2) Your ORI number, provided by your employer, DCF, or your foster/adoption caseworker. (3) Payment — DCF fingerprinting is currently priced at $90. Call (786) 322-3109 to confirm current pricing before your visit.

ORI Numbers for DCF

DCF ORI numbers vary by program type. A commonly referenced general DCF ORI is EDCFGN10Z, but your specific program may use a different code. Confirm the correct ORI with your employer, your DCF caseworker, or the DCF licensing office before your appointment.

Using the wrong ORI can result in delays and may require re-fingerprinting. See our Florida ORI Number Directory for reference — but always verify before your appointment.

Processing Times

DCF background check results are commonly reported within approximately 3–7 business days after Live Scan fingerprinting, based on typical applicant feedback. Processing times vary by case, workload, and complexity and are not guaranteed.

Track your FDLE submission status using your TCN at fdle.state.fl.us/TCN-Status.