Free Fingerprint Consent Form — Biometric Data Authorization
Fingerprint and biometric data authorization form for employment screening, live scan background checks, and access control. Compliant with BIPA (Illinois), CUBI (Texas), and other state biometric privacy laws. Lawyer-reviewed, instant PDF download.
BIPA & State Law CompliantLive Scan & Ink RollEmployment & Licensing UseLawyer-Reviewed
Biometric privacy alert: Illinois BIPA (740 ILCS 14), Texas CUBI, Washington, and other states require written informed consent before collecting fingerprints or any biometric identifier. BIPA violations carry $1,000–$5,000 per violation in statutory damages. Class action lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements against employers who skipped the consent step.
What Is a Fingerprint Consent Form?
A fingerprint consent form (also called a biometric authorization form or biometric data consent form) is a legal document that provides written permission for an organization to collect, store, and use an individual's fingerprints or other biometric identifiers for a specified purpose. It is required by multiple state biometric privacy laws and is best practice under federal law whenever fingerprints are collected for background checks or access control.
Fingerprint collection triggers consent requirements in two main contexts: (1) background check fingerprinting submitted to the FBI, DOJ, or state criminal history repositories via live scan or ink card; and (2) biometric time-and-attendance or access control systems that store fingerprint templates for ongoing use. The second category is subject to the strictest regulation under BIPA and similar state laws.
Common Fingerprint Collection Scenarios
Employment Background Checks
Pre-employment fingerprint-based criminal history checks submitted to the FBI or state DOJ. Required for teachers, healthcare workers, childcare workers, and licensed professionals in most states.
Live Scan Submissions
Digital fingerprint capture submitted electronically to the FBI NGI or state repositories. Increasingly replacing ink-roll cards. Requires signed Request for Live Scan Service or equivalent consent.
Biometric Timekeeping
Fingerprint or hand geometry scanners used for employee time-and-attendance tracking. Subject to BIPA in Illinois and similar laws. Requires consent before enrollment, plus a written retention policy.
Access Control Systems
Building entry, server room access, or equipment authorization using fingerprint readers. BIPA applies to all fingerprint template storage regardless of the purpose.
Professional Licensing
State licensing boards (real estate, nursing, teaching, financial services) require fingerprint-based background checks as a condition of licensure. State-specific consent forms typically required.
Volunteer & School Programs
Schools and nonprofits working with children must fingerprint volunteers in many states. Requires parental consent for minors and individual consent for adults.
Fingerprint & Biometric Data Consent Form
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Section 1 — Individual Information
Section 2 — Collecting Organization
Section 3 — Type of Biometric Collection
Section 4 — Data Handling & Retention
Biometric data will not be sold, leased, traded, or otherwise profited from. It will be protected using the same reasonable standard of care as other confidential employee information and destroyed on the schedule above.
Section 5 — Acknowledgments
Section 6 — Signature
✍ Print, sign by hand, and return to the collecting organization
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BIPA and State Biometric Privacy Laws
The Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA, 740 ILCS 14) is the most stringent biometric privacy law in the United States and has been the basis for thousands of class action lawsuits. Understanding its requirements is essential for any employer or organization collecting fingerprints in Illinois — or anywhere that Illinois residents may be employed.
BIPA Requirements Checklist
Provide a written policy establishing a retention schedule and guidelines for permanent destruction of biometric data
Inform the subject in writing of the specific purpose for collection and the length of term for which the data will be stored
Obtain a written release (this form) before collecting any biometric identifier or biometric information
Never sell, lease, trade, or profit from a person's biometric data
Protect biometric data using the same standard of care used for other confidential and sensitive information
Destroy biometric data when the purpose is fulfilled or within 3 years — whichever comes first
Texas (CUBI), Washington, and an increasing number of states have enacted similar requirements. New York City has a Biometric Identifier Information Law requiring disclosure signage at physical locations that collect biometric data. Always check your specific state and municipal requirements before implementing biometric collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in many jurisdictions. Illinois BIPA requires written informed consent before collecting any biometric identifier, including fingerprints. Texas CUBI, Washington, and other states have similar laws. Even where no specific biometric law exists, employers must obtain written consent before FBI or state DOJ fingerprint background checks in most industries.
A live scan consent form authorizes digital capture of fingerprints for electronic submission to the FBI NGI or state criminal history repositories. It replaces traditional ink-roll fingerprint cards. Live scan is required for background checks for teachers, healthcare workers, and licensed professionals in most states. Our form covers both live scan and ink roll collection methods.
BIPA (740 ILCS 14) is the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act. It requires written consent before collecting fingerprints or biometric data, prohibits selling biometric data, mandates a written retention and destruction policy, and requires the same standard of care for biometric data as for other sensitive information. Violations carry $1,000–$5,000 per violation in statutory damages. Courts have certified class action suits resulting in tens of millions in settlements against employers who collected fingerprints without proper consent.
Under BIPA, biometric data must be destroyed when the initial purpose is fulfilled or within 3 years — whichever comes first. Best practice for all employers (not just Illinois) is to define a specific retention schedule in the consent form and in a written biometric policy, and to destroy data within 3 years or upon termination of employment, whichever is earlier.
Yes. Schools and districts fingerprinting employees, volunteers, or contractors for background checks must obtain written consent. Most states require fingerprint-based background checks for all school employees. California DOJ requires a specific consent form (JUS 8752) for school employee fingerprinting. For minors being fingerprinted, parental consent is required.
Legal Disclaimer: This fingerprint consent form is provided for informational purposes only. Biometric privacy laws vary significantly by state and municipality. Illinois BIPA, Texas CUBI, and other state laws impose specific requirements beyond what this general template covers. Consult a privacy attorney before implementing any biometric data collection program.