Do substitute teachers need a background check and fingerprints?
Yes, in every state and district we checked. The Colorado Department of Education treats a sub application without fingerprints as incomplete; prints go to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Missouri's education department requires a background check for a new sub certificate and for any new hire at a district, and a fingerprint clearance older than twelve months must be redone.
Checked October 30, 2026 against the sources below.
Fingerprints are usually taken at an approved site and checked against state and federal records. You often pay the fee yourself. Colorado gives you 30 days from when it receives your background check to apply. California's 30-day permit asks for fingerprints if you have not already submitted them to the Commission.
Districts can add their own checks on top of the state's. Fairfax County Public Schools schedules fingerprinting after onboarding and asks for two forms of ID, I-9 documents, and a TB test or screener dated within the last 12 months, which the district does not pay for.
Working in two districts can mean two sets of paperwork, even in one state. Ask each district's sub office whether it can use a clearance you already have, how old it can be, and who pays.
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Sources
- Colorado Department of Education: substitute authorization checklist (opened October 30, 2026)
- Missouri DESE: Substitute Teachers (certification) (opened October 30, 2026)
- Fairfax County Public Schools (VA): Substitute Teaching Employment FAQs (opened October 30, 2026)
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This answers a common question in general. Your district, school and state may differ, and their word wins. Up: All questions · Substitute teachers
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