Background Check Instructions for Music Therapist Licensing

Licensed music therapists anywhere in the United States must pass a background check.

Note: If applying for a music therapist license by endorsement (you currently hold an active music therapist license in good standing in another state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia) please skip to the “Music Therapist License by Endorsement Background Check Procedures” section at the end of this page.

Step 1

All applicants must complete one fingerprint card by going to a law enforcement agency or by a private fingerprinting service. Manual prints may be completed by a law enforcement agency in any state. Fingerprints submitted electronically are only available if you live in Nevada. A list of Nevada fingerprint locations is available at this link on the Nevada Department of Public Safety’s website.

Note: You are strongly encouraged to have your fingerprints submitted via electronic transmission (LiveScan), but this is only available if you live in Nevada.

    Step 2

    Complete these information blocks on both cards, and make sure they are legible:

    • last, first, and middle names
    • signatures of applicant and official
    • residence (complete address)
    • date of birth
    • place of birth
    • sex
    • race
    • height
    • weight
    • eye and hair color

    Important – In addition to the above information, make sure the following information is included on the fingerprint cards in the sections noted below (failure to do so may result in additional processing charges):

    Please ensure the fingerprint card used is an Applicant, FD-258 card.

    Cards without these information blocks completed are considered “incomplete” and will be returned to the applicant. Illegible cards will not be processed.

      Step 3

      Be sure:

      • You have your prints captured at an in-state (NV) LiveScan location (recommended);
      • or
      • One fingerprint card is completed and the card is not folded, torn or damaged in any way.
      • Information blocks are complete and legible; the card is signed by the appropriate persons (applicant and official).

      Step 4

      If you completed one fingerprint card (not via electronic transmission):

      • Payment of $40.25 made payable to the Department of Public Safety
      • Your completed fingerprint card (FD-258)

      You may pay by a business check, cashier’s check, or money order, payable to the Department of Public Safety (U.S. funds only). Note: Personal checks will not be accepted.

      • Mail the required items to the following address:
        • Department of Public Safety
        • Records, Communications and Compliance Division
        • 333 West Nye Lane, Suite 100
        • Carson City, Nevada 89706

      Instructions for Electronic Transmission of Fingerprints

      Go to a Department of Public Safety approved Livescan Fingerprinting Site (visit this link for a list of sites).

      Look for an approved non-law enforcement site which will collect a scanning fee and the $40.25 fingerprint processing fee. If you go to a site that does not collect the processing fee your fingerprints will be rejected.

      Note: If you plan on submitting your prints electronically do not use a law enforcement agency.

        Step 5

        Log back into the licensing system and upload into the system proof that your fingerprints have been completed, such as receipts and or/proof of electronic submission. If you are unable to upload the proof into the system you can fax it to: 775-684-1073, email it to individuallicensing@health.nv.gov or mail to:

        • Division of Public and Behavioral Health
        • Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance
        • Dietitian/Music Therapist Licensing Unit
        • 727 Fairview Drive, Suite E
        • Carson City, NV 89701

        All music therapist licensure applications (including by endorsement) must be submitted online. Any paper applications submitted to our office will be returned.

          License by Endorsement Background Check Procedures

          If you currently hold an active music therapist license in good standing in another state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia and you had a fingerprint-based background check to obtain that license, you do not have to undergo a background check. As part of Nevada’s online music therapist licensure application you will still be required to check off on the Civil Applicant Waiver section.

          If you did not obtain a fingerprint-based background check when you obtained your out-of-state music therapist license, you must get background checked by following the steps outlined in the steps above order to obtain a Nevada music therapist’s license.