NJ Real Estate License Fingerprinting and Background Check: A Step-by-Step Guide

The short answer: Every New Jersey real estate license candidate has to complete electronic Live Scan fingerprinting through the state's vendor, IDEMIA, for an FBI criminal history check. It costs $66.05, and you need to fill out the Universal Form before your appointment. NJREC tells candidates to do it as soon as possible after passing the state exam (NJREC fingerprinting).

It's a simple step, but it trips people up when they bring the wrong ID or wait too long. Here's how to do it right the first time. For the bigger picture, see our complete guide to getting a NJ real estate license.

Who has to be fingerprinted?

All new candidates for a New Jersey Real Estate Salesperson, Broker-Salesperson, Broker or Salesperson Referral license (NJREC fingerprinting). Your license application won't be accepted without evidence that you've completed fingerprinting.

Already fingerprinted for another job or license? You still have to do it again. Criminal history information can only be used for the purpose it was requested for, so it can't be shared (NJREC fingerprinting).

When should you get fingerprinted?

Right after you pass the PSI exam. NJREC recommends scheduling immediately after you pass. Appointments are usually within 7 to 10 days of scheduling (NJREC fingerprinting).

Why the rush? You have one year from completing your pre-licensing course to pass the exam and file a complete application, and the application needs your fingerprint receipt. NJREC stresses that the eligibility expiration date on your PSI score report is not one year from the exam date (NJREC fingerprinting). More in How long it takes to get a NJ real estate license.

How do you get fingerprinted, step by step?

All of these steps come from NJREC's fingerprinting page.

1. Fill out the Universal Form

Download the current Universal Form (IDG_NJAPP_051719_V1) from NJREC's fingerprinting page and complete it before you contact the vendor. Make sure the license type in field #4 is right. Don't throw the form away. You have to bring it to your appointment.

2. Schedule with IDEMIA

Book online, which is open 24/7 and recommended, or call 1-877-503-5981 (Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.–noon). Hearing-impaired scheduling is at 1-800-673-0353. English- and Spanish-speaking operators are available.

3. Pay the $66.05 fee

You pay IDEMIA when you schedule. They accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, prepaid debit cards, and electronic debit (ACH) from a checking account.

4. Bring the right ID

This is where people get turned away. Your ID must:

  • Show your photo, name, address (home or employer) and date of birth
  • Be issued by a federal, state, county or municipal government for identification. Examples are a valid photo driver's license or state photo ID, or a passport.
  • Meet all of those requirements on one document. Combinations aren't accepted.

No acceptable ID means no fingerprinting.

5. Keep your receipt

Your application has to include (1) a copy of your completed Universal Form and (2) a copy of the IDEMIA payment receipt from your appointment.

What if you need to cancel?

Cancel or reschedule by 5 p.m. Eastern on the business day before your appointment (Saturday noon for a Monday appointment). Otherwise IDEMIA charges an appointment fee of $12.80 ($12 plus tax). The same fee applies if you're turned away for bringing improper ID or the wrong or outdated form (NJREC fingerprinting).

Do you have to be fingerprinted in New Jersey?

If you live, work or go to school in New Jersey, you must be fingerprinted in person at an IDEMIA facility. If you don't, and you're not within 10 miles of a New Jersey border, contact the Licensing Services Bureau at 609-292-7272 or relic@dobi.nj.gov for instructions (NJREC fingerprinting).

What does the background check look at?

Your fingerprints are checked against FBI criminal history records. You have the right to complete or challenge the accuracy of your FBI record under 28 CFR 16.34 (NJREC fingerprinting). How a record affects eligibility is covered in our NJ real estate license requirements guide. In short, NJREC reviews the date and nature of convictions (NJREC screening notice).

What comes after fingerprinting?

Your sponsoring broker signs your PSI score report, and your complete application goes to the Licensing Services Bureau together with the $160 fee (PSI candidate bulletin). The full sequence is in You passed the NJ real estate exam: what happens next.

Fingerprinting checklist

  • Passed the PSI exam
  • Universal Form downloaded, filled out, license type set in field #4
  • Appointment booked with IDEMIA and $66.05 paid
  • One government-issued ID with photo, name, address and date of birth
  • Universal Form in hand at the appointment
  • IDEMIA receipt saved for your application

What are the most common fingerprinting mistakes?

Based on NJREC's own warnings (NJREC fingerprinting), these are the ones to avoid:

  • Using an old version of the Universal Form, or picking the wrong license type in field #4. You'll be turned away and charged $12.80.
  • Bringing two partial IDs instead of one complete one. Combinations aren't accepted.
  • Leaving the form at home. You have to present it at the appointment.
  • Cancelling late. Miss the 5 p.m. business-day-before cutoff and you pay the appointment fee.
  • Waiting weeks after the exam. Your application isn't accepted without fingerprint evidence, and the one-year clock keeps running.

If you're ready to start the 75-hour course, Business Elementary teaches it live on Zoom: see the 75-hour course.

Sources

Last reviewed: October 26, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does NJ real estate fingerprinting cost?

$66.05, paid to IDEMIA when you schedule (NJREC fingerprinting).

Should I get fingerprinted before or after the exam?

After. NJREC suggests scheduling immediately after you pass the licensing exam (NJREC fingerprinting).

Can I use two IDs together?

No. All the required details (photo, name, address and date of birth) must be on one government-issued ID (NJREC fingerprinting).

What if I miss my appointment?

If you didn't cancel by 5 p.m. the business day before, IDEMIA charges $12.80 (NJREC fingerprinting). Rebook quickly so you stay inside your eligibility window.

Who do I contact if I live out of state?

If you don't live, work or go to school in NJ and aren't within 10 miles of the border, contact the Licensing Services Bureau at 609-292-7272 or relic@dobi.nj.gov (NJREC fingerprinting).