Release of Background Check Information
Summary of Requirements
The Release of Background Check Information Form (Form 7) allows the West Virginia Department of Education to access your background check information.
You will need this form if you are:
- A first-time applicant who has never held a certification or license from the West Virginia Department of Education.
- A student teacher applying for a full-time position.
- An applicant transferring between counties in West Virginia.
- An applicant licensed prior to 2002 with an expired certificate.
Form 7 must be notarized and submitted with all other application materials. By signing the form, you allow your results to be released to the West Virginia Department of Education for our official use.
Full Requirements
Instructions For First-Time Applicants
If you have never had a background check done by WVDE, you will need to complete Form 7 as part of your initial application. Follow the instructions for first-time applicants.
- Download the application form.
- Fill in the applicant information. If you have a job offer, work with your potential employer to get the necessary signatures.
- Sign the form in front of a Notary Public. You must sign in ink.
- Submit all supporting documentation to the Office of Certification. Please mail to the following address:
West Virginia Department of Education
Office of Certification Services
Building 6, Suite 550
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Charleston, WV 25305-0330 - You will receive an email with a code to make your background check appointment.
Instructions for Student Teachers
If you are a student teacher applying to become a full teacher, you will need to complete Form 7 as part of your application.
If you are a student teacher applying to renew your permit, you may also need to be refingerprinted. See [link: title of document] for more information.
- Download the application form.
- Fill in the required applicant fields and check the appropriate boxes. If you choose to disclose your results to the county, you will need the signature of the Superintendent in the county where you will be working.
- Sign the form in front of a Notary Public. You must sign in ink.
- Submit all supporting documentation to the Office of Certification. You can upload it as part of your application, have the county you will be working in submit it for you, or mail to the following address:
West Virginia Department of Education
Office of Certification Services
Building 6, Suite 550
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Charleston, WV 25305-0330
Instructions For Applicants Transferring Between Counties
If you are transferring between counties and have already had a background check, you will need to have your results released to your new employers. You will need to re-submit this form, even if you previously submitted it as part of your background check.
- Download the application form.
- Fill in the required applicant fields and check the appropriate boxes. If you choose to disclose your results to the county, you will need the signature of the Superintendent in the county you are transferring to.
- Sign the form in front of a Notary Public. You must sign in ink.
- Work with your new employer to have your application uploaded to the human resource office.
For more detailed instructions, see our Form 7 How-To video
Application Fee
$0