Can I use the Livescan background check results for another organization or for another license?

This is a complicated question, and the answer depends upon your specific situation:

• As a general note, most Level 2 “Livescan” background clearances are good within the same regulatory agency for 5 years from the date of submission, as long as there is no break in employment of 90 days or more.
• It is also important to know that unless a felony record is involved, privacy laws allow the FDLE or a FL regulatory agency to keep previous background check results or clearances on file for only 6 months.
• If your previous screening was conducted on or after 1/1/2013 and it included entry into the Clearinghouse, then your screening is good for 5 years with any regulatory agency that participates in the FL Clearinghouse.  (As of this writing, this only includes AHCA and DOH, but is soon to include DCF, DOEA, APD, DJJ, and DVR.)
• If your previous clearance was for an organization regulated by the same FL regulatory agency as is your new organization, then it may be possible to use the previous clearance provided IF:

1. Your old organization is willing to share your private information results with the new organization.  Some organizations are not willing to do this for liability reasons or if they paid for the clearance.
2. Your new organization is willing to accept your old information from a source other than the FL regulatory agency.  Many organizations will only accept regulatory agency-issued results.
3. If it is within 6 months of your previous background check clearance, you will likely be required to request and receive a “Letter of Clearance” from your regulatory agency to share with your new organization.  It is not possible to request this letter after 6 months as the clearance is not kept.

• VECHS screenings can often be shared with other VECHS organizations IF it is of the same type, meaning either “employee” or “volunteer.”  This is not a guarantee, and the 3 items in the bullet above apply.  You will need to check with the VECHS division of FDLE and also with your organizations.
• In certain instances, if it is within 6 months of your previous clearance, it is possible to obtain a “Letter of Clearance” to share among some of the FL regulatory agencies, most notable: AHCA, DOH, DCF, and DOEA.
• Clearances obtained for one license cannot be used for another license application.
• Bottom line, it is often more convenient, simpler, and far less time-consuming to schedule and have another Livescan background check.  This also has the advantage of restarting your 5 year clearance clock.