Congratulations! If you’re looking to get a Level 2 Background check, chances are you’ve made it pretty far in your application process. Level 2 background checks are a necessary screening tool for several professions in south Florida. In order to complete a Level 2 Background check, the state of Florida requires you to get fingerprinted with an approved livescan vendor like Denson Protective Services, Corp.

What is a Level 2 Background Check? Is there also a Level 1 Background Check?

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement defines the following checks as followed:

                         Level 1—Generally refers to a state only name-based check and an employment history check.

                         Level 2—Generally refers to a state and national fingerprint-based check and consideration of disqualifying offenses and applies to those employees

.                                        designated by low as holding positions of responsibility or trust.

Simply put, a Level II Background check is a deep criminal background check that uses fingerprints. “Level 1” and “Level 2” are terms only really used in Florida. This in-depth background check is used to make sure the screened applications are trustworthy and qualified to work in their desired fields. These investigations are state-run background checks that include the screening of your public records and criminal history using the information you provide including your fingerprints. For example, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) often oversees positions where applicants work closely with children. Because of its comprehensive nature, many companies use this as their only employment background check. We’re a family-owned security agency. And as such, we agree with taking extra measures to ensure the safety of everyone, including our children.

Are Live Scan Fingerprinting and Level 2 Background checks the same?

Yes and no. While both are necessary, live scan fingerprinting and the actual background check are separate processes you complete in one step. At Denson Protective Services, when you come in for your live scan fingerprint, we automatically send them along with your identifying information to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Your fingerprinting fee is all-inclusive and already has the fee for your background check.

For your convenience that means you come in, get fingerprinted and wait for your background check results! There’s nothing else you need to do after getting fingerprinted.

Can I just walk in? Do you do fingerprint cards?

Of course! We accept both appointments and walk-ins for both electronic fingerprinting and hardcopy fingerprint cards. Our office is located at:

20451 NW 2nd Avenue
Suite 208
Miami, FL 33169

Call (305) 651-1727 for more information

Who Needs a Level 2 Background Check?

Usually, jobs that work with vulnerable individuals like children, the sick or the elderly or jobs that handle sensitive information require high clearance. You can obtain this clearance by maintaining a clean record and coming into Denson Protective Services for your fingerprints. The following occupations require livescan fingerprinting for level 2 background checks. You can view the full list of our services by clicking HERE

• Daycare workers
• HHAs
• CNAs
• LPNs
• Realtors
• Nursing Students who need to take their NCLEX (nursing exam)
• And much, much more.
• People who want a name change in Broward or Miami-Dade counties
• Restaurant owners who want their beer and wine license
• Click here for our Full List of Services

Have more questions?

Visit our FAQ page for even more details or give us a call at (305) 651-1727.

There are a number of specific professions that require you to gain special clearance before you can begin working. Among those are doctors, nurses, daycare workers and caretakers of the elderly. Other occupations like real estate agents, car dealers, restauranteurs and security officers also need Level 2 Background checks to start or continue their new jobs. Regardless of which special field you’ve entered, you’ll need a VECHS, ORI and/or OCA number to be able to send your background checks to the right agency. Denson Protective Services, Corp. provides a complete range of fingerprinting services for level 2 background checks. Learn more about Level 2 Background Checks Here.

What is Livescan Fingerprinting? Is it the same as Electronic Fingerprinting?

Yes! They are the same process by different names. Denson Protective Services, Corp. is an FDLE approved livescan vendor for this type of fingerprinting. Regular fingerprint cards are also available.

What is an ORI number?

ORI stands for Originating Agency Identifier Number. These numbers tell the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) why you need the background check and to whom to send your results. Your ORI number ensures your fingerprints are sent to the right state department. Typically, an ORI number starts with 2-5 letters followed by numbers to make a 9-digit code.

Typically, the abbreviation of the agency (AHCA, DCF, DOH for the Department of Health) is embedded in the code. For example, the ORI number for a level 2 background check for the Agency of Health Care Administration (AHCA Background checks) is EAHCA020Z. The ORI number for Department of Children and Families, General (DCF General) is EDCFGN10Z. Notice the letter-number format both ORI numbers.

Other ORI numbers will simply start with “FL” followed by 7 numbers, the last of which may be the letter “z.”

Depending on your profession, you may also have to provide an OCA number to your livescan provider in addition to your ORI number.

What is an OCA number?

OCA stands for Originating Agency Case Number. This number is typically used in conjunction with your ORI number to tell FDLE not only why you need the background check and which overseeing state department to send it to, but which specific company or agency should receive access to the final results. Not every company or agency will have an OCA number but every agency/company that requires Level 2 Background checks will have an ORI number. OCA numbers typically start with “111” or “100” and are completely composed of numbers.

What is a VECHS number?

VECHS numbers are specifically for the VECHS program. Typically used by schools and daycares, VECHS numbers send the results directly to the company from FDLE. These numbers always start with an “E” or a “V.” VECHS numbers starting with a “V” are for applicants who will be a volunteer at the company while numbers starting with a “E” are used for employees.

Where Can I Find My ORI, OCA, or VECHS number?

You can usually find your ORI, OCA or VECHS number on the documentation provided by your employer. They may be in your e-mail or on your appointment sheet. When in doubt, the easiest way is to contact your human resources desk to obtain it. They will have it.

If your background check is for AHCA, DCF, the Dept. of Health (DOH), Department of Elderly Affairs (EDOEA), etc. it will go through a system called Clearinghouse. Your employer will likely give you a form like the one to the left. Your ORI number is listed at the top left of this form and your OCA number, if applicable, will be towards the bottom of the page (see image). This document has all the information your fingerprint tech needs to complete your application. Bring this along with your photo ID to your fingerprint appointment.

Don’t worry if you don’t have your ORI number. Denson Protective Services, Corp. has a complete list of ORI numbers. OCA and VECHS numbers, on the other hand, are company specific and so you’ll need to bring those in.

Always Double Check Your ORI Number

There are dozens of ORI numbers and hundreds of OCA and VECHS numbers. Often, the state agencies will not share their results if they are sent to the wrong place. To ensure your background checks go to your desired department and company, double-check your VECHS, OCA, or ORI number before giving it to your live scan provider.

Have more questions? Check our F.A.Q.page here or give us a call at (305) 651-1727.

What does that have to do with my fingerprint requirement?

Well, if you haven’t been fingerprinted within the last 3 months and wish to travel outside of Florida to practice, you’ll need a new set of live scan fingerprints. The Florida Board of Nursing’s Compact FAQ gives detailed answers about the new FAQ partnership. The details regarding the livescan fingerprint requirement are as follows:

“The Board of Nursing will accept Livescan fingerprints completed within the previous 90 days of applying for the upgrade. If you have not had your fingerprints done and sent to the Board in the last 90 days, you will need to be fingerprinted.”

Multi-State Licenses

Thanks to the new agreement, Florida nurses are able to apply for a multistate nursing license to travel to more than half the country to practice. If you live in South Florida, you can get your livescan fingerprints for the multistate license at Denson Protective Services, Corp located at

20451 NW 2ND AVENUE
SUITE 208
MIAMI, FL 33169

Which States are Compact States?

The following states all participate in the Compact Agreement. At the time of this article, Florida, Mississippi, and Montana are new additions:

Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Iowa
Kentucky
Maine
Maryland
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Oklahoma
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconson
Wyoming

How do I know if I’m eligible?

Individuals who meet the following criteria are eligible for mutlistate nursing:

Applicants must have graduated from a board-approved education program OR from an international education program. If you’ve graduated from an international institution, their program must be approved by that country’s authorized accrediting body and verified through independent credentials review
Applicants must have previously passed the following exams: NCLEX-RN, NCLEX-PN, or a predecessor exam
Applicants must the licensure requirements for their home state
Applicants must Legally reside in an Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) state (see above)

If you meet the criteria above and live in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area call (305) 651-1727 to book your livescan appointment! Walk-ins are also welcome.