Fingerprint Clearance Requirement

Since all professional programs involve fieldwork, applicants to all College of Education professional preparation programs must provide a front and back copy of their Arizona identity verified fingerprint (IVP) fingerprint clearance card at the time of professional admission. All students must also have IVP clearance in order to obtain certification to teach in Arizona. Students who do not submit verification of having a valid Arizona IVP fingerprint clearance card will not be enrolled for professional classes.

If you are currently in Arizona, you will need to complete the Online Application for your card at the Arizona Department of Public Safety website. Select “Apply for a Card” to begin. Then, you will need to take your receipt to an approved vendor and have your fingerprints taken electronically. You must complete both steps (online application and in-person fingerprinting) in order to obtain your card.

If you are not currently in Arizona, please contact Student Services at 520-621-7865 or by email to be mailed a paper fingerprint packet, which you will take to a local fingerprinting agency in your state for completion. The fingerprinting agency must then mail the completed packet to the Arizona Department of Public Safety using the envelope provided.

All applicants should select the following two items in their application in order to receive the proper IVP card for professional admission and certification:

• Reason: ARS 15-534 State Board of Education (Teacher or Other Certification)
• Payment/Fee Type: Paid Employee (for paper applications only). This is because your goal is to become a paid employee after completing your program; this is also required to obtain the proper type and level of card (IVP).
• Step-by-step guide and IVP Card example
• AZ DPS Video – How to apply for a clearance card

If you have additional or technical questions, please contact the AZ Department of Public Safety at (602) 223-2279.