Release of Background Check Information
Summary of Requirements
The Release of Background Check Information (Form 7) is required as part of the licensure or employment process when a background check is necessary. Completing this form allows us to receive and use criminal history and background check information for official certification and licensure purposes.
- Submission of Form 7 authorizes the WVDE to receive and use background check information for official purposes.
- Release of results to a county board of education or institution of higher education occurs only when authorized by the applicant.
- Failure to submit Form 7 may delay or prevent application processing.
Full Requirements
The Release of Background Check Information Form (Form 7) authorizes the release of criminal history and background check results to us for official use and, when applicable, to an employing county board of education or college/university
You will need this form if you are:
- A first-time applicant who has never held a certification or license issued by us
- A student teacher applying for a full-time position
- An applicant transferring between West Virginia counties
- An applicant licensed prior to 2002 with an expired certificate
Form 7 must be completed, notarized, and submitted with all other required application materials.
Before you Apply
If you have never completed a background check for licensure by the Department, you will need to complete Form 7 as part of your initial application. Follow the instructions for first-time applicants.
General Requirements
The applicant must complete the Form 7. The form must be signed and notarized and is required for the processing of applications that require a background check.
Submission
For instructions on how to apply for a license to work in West Virginia public schools or to submit supplemental documentation, follow the steps detailed on the certification application process page. You may also email your Form 7 supplemental document to certification.wvde@k12.wv.us.
If this is your first time using our Certification Portal, you will need to register. Follow the instructions for first-time applicants.
For more detailed instructions, see our Form 7 how-to video:
Application Fee
$0