Fingerprinting and background checks

Understand the applicant process for fingerprinting and background checks, including where to get fingerprinted.

Applicant notification and record challenge

Your fingerprints will be used to check the criminal history records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). You will be given reasonable time to complete or challenge the accuracy of the information contained in the FBI identification record, if needed. The procedure for obtaining a change, correction, or updating a FBI identification record are set forth in Title 28, CFR, 16.34 (www.ecfr.gov).

If you have any questions or want to discuss a reasonable timeframe, contact a Licensing Specialist at 1-800-345-2529 (toll-free) or 360-486-3441.

Social Security Account Number (SSAN)

Pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974, any federal, state, or local government agency that requests an individual to disclose his or her SSAN, is responsible for informing the person whether disclosure is mandatory or voluntary, by what statutory or other authority the SSAN is solicited, and what uses will be made of it. In this instance, the SSAN is solicited pursuant to 28 U.S.C 534 and will be used as a unique identifier to confirm your identity because many people have the same name and date of birth. Disclosure of your SSAN is voluntary; however, failure to disclose your SSAN may affect completion or approval of your application.

Additional information

The requesting agency and/or the agency conducting the application-investigation will provide you additional information pertinent to the specific circumstances of this application, which may include identification of other authorities, purposes, uses, and consequences of not providing requested information. In addition, any such agency in the Federal Executive Branch has also published notice in the Federal Register describing any system(s) of records in which that agency may also maintain your records, including the authorities, purposes, and routine uses for the system(s).

Fingerprinting information

Along with your application, you are required to submit a fingerprint card. You may be fingerprinted at our Lacey office or you may go to your local law enforcement agency (city police or county sheriff).

Fingerprint Instructions (PDF, 356 KB)

Fingerprinting at our office

We are available for fingerprinting services at our headquarters in Lacey by appointment only. We are located at 4565 7th Avenue SE, Lacey, WA 98503. To schedule an appointment please call 360-486-3441 or email us at Licensing@wsgc.wa.gov.

  • We only fingerprint gambling license applicants and / or substantial interest holders
  • Only the person being fingerprinted is allowed in the fingerprint room. Children must be supervised at all times
  • Animals are not allowed, except those covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Make sure your hands are clean and dry prior to being fingerprinted (no lotion). If your hands are bleeding, have open wounds, or any fingers are bandaged, we are unable to roll your prints
  • Valid identification is required at the time of printing
  • It takes approximately 20 minutes and there is a $16 fee. This fee is non-refundable and paid prior to being printed. We do not accept credit or debit cards
  • Neither the fingerprints nor the results will be returned to you.

Fingerprinting at your local law enforcement office

  • Make sure that the top portion of the card is filled in correctly
  • The fingerprint card must be submitted by mail (we do not accept electronic copies) with your completed application along with the appropriate fee(s)
  • Make sure you use the correct address based on the carrier you're using.

For US Mail (No UPS or FedEx)

Washington State Gambling Commission
PO Box 42400
Olympia WA 98504-2400

For UPS, FedEx, and overnight packages

Washington State Gambling Commission
4565 7th Avenue SE
Lacey WA 98503

What happens next

Once received, the fingerprint card is sent to the Washington State Identification Section of the Washington State Patrol, the FBI in Washington DC, and any other jurisdiction deemed necessary to determine the qualification of each applicant.

Privacy act statement

Authority

The FBI’s acquisition, preservation, and exchange of fingerprints and associated information is generally authorized under 28 U.S.C. 534. Depending on the nature of your application, supplemental authorities include federal statutes, State statutes pursuant to Pub. L. 92-544, Presidential Executive Orders, and federal regulations. Providing your fingerprints and associated information is voluntary; however, failure to do so may affect completion or approval of your application.

Principal purpose

Certain determinations, such as employment, licensing, and security clearances, may be predicated on fingerprint-based background checks. Your fingerprints and associated information/biometrics may be provided to the employing, investigating, or otherwise responsible agency, and/or the FBI for the purpose of comparing your fingerprints to other fingerprints in the FBI’s Next Generation Identification (NGI) system or its successor systems (including civil, criminal, and latent repositories) or other available records of the employing, investigating, or otherwise responsible agency. The FBI may retain your fingerprints and associated information/biometrics in NGI after the completion of this application and, while retained, your fingerprints may continue to be compared against other fingerprints submitted to or retained by NGI.

Routine uses

During the processing of this application and for as long thereafter as your fingerprints and associated information/biometrics are retained in NGI, your information may be disclosed pursuant to your consent, and may be disclosed without your consent as permitted by the Privacy Act of 1974 and all applicable Routine Uses as may be published at any time in the Federal Register, including the Routine Uses for the NGI system and the FBI’s Blanket Routine Uses. Routine uses include, but are not limited to, disclosures to: employing, governmental or authorized non-governmental agencies responsible for employment, contracting, licensing, security clearances, and other suitability determinations; local, state, tribal, or federal law enforcement agencies; criminal justice agencies; and agencies responsible for national security or public safety.

Revised 3/23/2023.