ALL MASSAGE THERAPISTS PRACTICING IN THE STATE OF COLORADO MUST BE REGISTERED BY APRIL 1, 2009.

In order to qualify for state registration, applicants will have to have a criminal history record (background) check completed. Please note that even if you have previously done this for municipal licensing, licensing in another state, or for another reason, you still have to complete this process. This process includes being fingerprinted. Please be aware that it can take up to 12 weeks, so it is critical to get fingerprinted and start the background check immediately.

Fingerprinting

You can have your fingerprints processed electronically or manually. The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) recommends electronic fingerprinting because it is the most accurate method and can be transmitted directly to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for the background check.

In order to be used for a background check, your fingerprints MUST be submitted on Fingerprint Card Form FD258. If the agency you use for your fingerprinting does not have the card, call Colorado Corrections Industries at 303-370-2165, and select the "State Forms" options. They will then fax you an order form to you for the FD258 cards. They do not accept orders over the phone or online. You will then mail the form in with your payment. You could also pick them up in person at Colorado Corrections Industries.

Whether you use electronic or manual processing, you will need the complete the following information on the FD258 Form:

*NOTE: The address you MUST provide is 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350. This is the address for DORA. Do NOT list your own business address.

Electronically

Some local law enforcement agencies may be able to process fingerprints electronically. Contact your local law enforcement office for availability, fees and requirements. They will electronically gather your fingerprints and print out the fingerprints onto the FD258, which you will mail or hand deliver to the CBI office.

Electronic fingerprinting can also be processed at the Arapahoe Community College. The address is:

5900 South Santa Fe Drive, 2nd Floor
Room M-2600
Littleton, Colorado
Phone: 303-797-5800

Appointments are not necessary, but call first to make sure they are processing prints when you want to have them taken. The hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The fee is $62.00, which includes the background check fee of $39.50, as they will electronically submit your FD258 to the CBI. Cash, checks and credits cards are accepted.

Manually

You can process your fingerprints manually at the Colorado Correctional Industries. The address is:

4999 Oakland Street (Two blocks west of Peoria)
Denver, Colorado
Phone: 303-370-2165

Appointments are not required and their hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The fee is $10 and only cash is accepted for payment.

Your local law enforcement agency can also process fingerprints manually. Contact them directly for the process.

Background Check

Once you have your completed fingerprint card (Form FD258), you will submit it to the CBI, along with a $39.50 fee to:

Colorado Bureau of Investigation
690 Kipling
Lakewood, CO 80215
Phone: 303-239-4208

You may hand-deliver or mail this information. CBI accepts cash, money order, cashiers check, company check or credit cards (Visa or Master Card only). NO personal checks are accepted. Re-submittal, with an additional fee, will be required if:

1. Fingerprints are not readable, due to low quality of print characteristics; or
2. Payment is not made in the exact amount of $39.50; or
3. The wrong fingerprint card was used.

CBI will complete the background check and submit it directly to DORA.This may take up to 12 weeks. Once received, DORA will keep this information on file until they receive the rest of your application, for up to one year. Please do not call DORA to see if they have received your information from the CBI.