In order to receive a Kentucky real estate license, you must submit to a criminal background check from the FBI. If you do have something on your record, you are not automatically disqualified but an investigation and hearing may be necessary to determine your eligibility. We send out everything you need to complete the check once you register, but click below for the fingerprinting instructions as provided by the Kentucky Real Estate Commission.
Click Here for Detailed FBI Fingerprint/Background Check Instructions
This FBI process can take a long time (up to 12-16 weeks) so please submit to the FBI as soon as you can. The instructions link above also covers a new "alternate" background process that allows you to receive a license with only a local background check and by signing an affidavit. The FBI check is still required, but you're no longer required to wait for it to start your real estate career. Once it's returned to you, it's good for six months so keep that in mind if you don't plan on finishing your class relatively quickly.
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Question: (Last edited: Friday, July 2, 2010, 08:51 AM)Are there any alternatives to waiting on the background check from the FBI? | ||
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| Answer: NO. The Kentucky Real Estate Commission has not approved any alternate providers so you must complete the background check through the FBI. You can however complete an alternate state background check that allows you to obtain your license temporarily until the "official" background check is returned by the FBI. | ||
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Question: (Last edited: Friday, July 2, 2010, 08:52 AM)Can I submit a background check I previously used for another organization? | ||
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| Answer: No. The original report must be sent to the real estate commission. In addition, the background check is only good for six months from the date on the report. | ||
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Question: (Last edited: Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 02:12 PM)How do I check the status of my background check? | ||
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| Answer: Call the FBI in West Virginia at: 304-625-2000 | ||
Question: (Last edited: Friday, July 2, 2010, 08:53 AM)How long does it take for my background check to come back? | ||
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| Answer: Upon submission of your fingerprint card to the FBI, it can take approximately 12-16 weeks. Therefore, you should most likely apply for the criminal background check when you register for classes. We suggest you send the information via UPS or next day air from the postal service. The report is only valid for six months from the date the FBI stamps on the back. | ||
Question: (Last edited: Friday, July 2, 2010, 08:54 AM)How much does it cost? | ||
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| Answer: The cost is $18.00. Money orders or certified checks payable to: Treasury of the United States, are the only acceptable forms of payment. | ||
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Question: (Last edited: Friday, July 2, 2010, 08:54 AM)If I have a conviction noted, how long will the Commission's investigation process take? | ||
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| Answer: Approximately 60-90 days depending upon how quickly all of the documents are returned to the Commission and the backlog of cases. | ||
Question: (Last edited: Friday, July 2, 2010, 08:54 AM)If I know I have a felony or misdemeanor on my record, can I go ahead and take the pre-license Class? | ||
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| Answer: The Kentucky Real Estate Commission recommends that you do not enroll in any classes and/or pay tuition of fees for courses or take the examination until the Commission has determined your eligibility for a license. If you don't wait and you start/continue with classes and/or taking the real estate exam before completing the background check, you do so at your own risk. | ||
Question: (Last edited: Friday, July 2, 2010, 08:56 AM)Is there any way I can get my background check back sooner? | ||
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| Answer: While we can't guarantee you will receive your background check any sooner you can try writing on the outside of the envelope, please return by ______. We recommend 3-4 weeks from the time you send your request in. This technique has worked in the past, but now only works sporatically more people have started using it. | ||
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Question: (Last edited: Friday, July 2, 2010, 08:56 AM)May I take the test after I have completed my coursework and submitted my request for the criminal background check? | ||
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| Answer: YES, as long as you have completed the fingerprint process and have mailed your request to the FBI for the background check to be completed. When you call to make a reservation for the examination, the testing service will ask you whether you have been fingerprinted and have applied for the FBI criminal background check. | ||
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Question: (Last edited: Friday, July 2, 2010, 08:58 AM)What do I do when I receive my background report? | ||
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| Answer: The report will be mailed directly to you. You must then attach the original report with the other documents that are required to obtain your license to your license application. If there's something listed on the report, you'll want to send the report into the KREC so they can start the investigation. | ||
Question: (Last edited: Friday, July 2, 2010, 08:58 AM)What do I need to include when sending payment? | ||
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| Answer: You must send 3 things: 1) Completed fingerprint card 2) Money order or Certified check for $18 payable to "Treasury of the United States" 3) A short letter advising the FBI that the report is desired for personal review. (Included with our instructions when you register) | ||
Question: (Last edited: Friday, July 2, 2010, 08:59 AM)What happens if I have a misdemeanor or a felony on my record? | ||
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| Answer: You must submit the criminal background report and the fingerprint card to the Commission within five days of receipt of the FBI identification record. The Commission will then require that you complete a Privacy Act Waiver and will begin an investigation. Following the completion of the investigation, you will either be allowed to continue with the education and testing process to apply for a license or directed to appear before the Commission for a hearing.
Note: The FBI report does not show the final disposition of the charges (what you were convicted of), whether it was a felony or misdemeanor, and the penalty. You may want to obtain this information from the court before sending your application. If the Commission does not have the final disposition, they will have to obtain it before your application can be processed for investigation or passed on to the Licensing Department. | ||
Question: (Last edited: Wednesday, July 28, 2010, 10:19 AM)What if I have more questions? | ||
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| Answer: You may contact the Commission office at: Kentucky Real Estate Commission 10200 Linn Station Rd. Ste., 201 Louisville, KY 40223 Phone: 502-429-7250 or 1-888-373-3300 Fax: 502-429-7246 Click For Website Link | ||
Question: (Last edited: Friday, July 2, 2010, 09:00 AM)What if my report comes back indicating that my prints are unreadable? | ||
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| Answer: You must contact the Commission to obtain an affidavit, which must be signed before a notary. The completed affidavit, original fingerprint card, and the FBI report which indicated the prints are unreadable must be attached to your individual application and other documents when they are submitted to obtain your license. | ||
Question: (Last edited: Friday, July 2, 2010, 09:00 AM)What payments are acceptable? | ||
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| Answer: Money Orders or Certified Checks made out to: Treasury of the United States | ||
Question: (Last edited: Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 02:12 PM)Where can I obtain the fingerprint cards? | ||
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| Answer: You can get the fingerprint cards from your local law enforcement agency, the Kentucky State Police (click here for nearest location), or call the West Virginia FBI office at 304-625-3878. If you contact the FBI, ask for the fingerprint card and for information to obtain an identification record for personal review. | ||
Question: (Last edited: Friday, July 2, 2010, 09:00 AM)Where do I send payment? | ||
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| Answer: Certified payment, completed fingerprint cards, and request letter must be mailed to: Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Justice Information Services Division SCU MOD D2 1000 Custer Hollow Rd. Clarksburg, WV 26306 | ||
Question: (Last edited: Friday, July 2, 2010, 09:01 AM)Who will take my fingerprints? | ||
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| Answer: Most local law enforcement agencies, county sheriff's departments, and some city and county police departments, or any state police post may be able to take your fingerprints. In Louisville, the Department of Corrections located at the county jail on Sixth Street handles fingerprinting services for Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. Some law enforcement agencies may charge a fee for fingerprinting services. The cost may vary and appointments are usually required. | ||
Question: (Last edited: Friday, July 2, 2010, 09:01 AM)Why do I need to submit a background check to the FBI? Why not a local one? | ||
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| Answer: It is required by the Commission that anyone applying for a Kentucky real estate license submit proof of a FBI Nationwide Criminal Background Check. | ||