Q. I am applying for a job that requires a criminal background check
on myself. How do I obtain one?
A: You should contact the Division of Criminal Investigation at (605)
773-3331 and ask for the Identification Section. A supply kit, along with an
explanatory letter, will be mailed to you at no cost. State law (SDCL 23-5-12) requires
that an authorization of release waiver be signed by the applicant and that the
background search be based on fingerprint identification. One exception is for those
applicants applying for a job with a South Dakota school district, contact that school
district for the procedures and necessary supplies since there are additional
requirements per SDCL: 13-10-12.
Q. How long does it take to get the results of a criminal
background check?
A: Currently, the Division requires five business days plus mail time in order to
process the background search and return the results.
Q. How much does it cost to get a background check done with the
state criminal repository?
A: There is a $20 fee when the applicant card and signed waiver is
returned to the Division for processing per SDCL 23-5-13. Checks or money orders should
be made payable to the Division of Criminal Investigation.
Q. What type of response is returned to the applicant?
A: Either a letter stating no record was found or a letter stating that
a computer print out of the criminal record is enclosed as a result of the technical
search. The response is mailed to whomever is specified on the signed authorization.
Q. Will juvenile delinquency incidents show up on the background
check results?
A. No. The Division does not maintain juvenile records, only arrests
when subjects under the age of eighteen were treated as adults in adult court. The
criminal history information maintained at the repository are 100%
fingerprint-supported arrests. If you have never been fingerprinted upon arrest, the
Division will have no record for you.
