Fingerprinting and 1033 Felony Waiver Requirements

​​​​​​​​​Last Updated: January 19, 2024​

Digital Fingerprints/Criminal Background Check for Resident License Applicants

Who is required to be fingerprinted?
Section Ins 6.59 (4) (a), Wis. Adm. Code  ​​, requires that any individual resident applying for a resident license or adding additional lines of authority and who has completed and passed an exam must submit fingerprints/criminal background check as a part of the application process. Residents applying for a legal expense license are also required to submit fingerprints ​in order to obtain a resident license.

How long are fingerprints valid?
Fingerprints are valid for 180 days (6 months). The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) will not accept fingerprints that were submitted to another entity or to an employer. The applicant will need to complete the fingerprints again for OCI.

Where to make a reservation?
Applicants can make a reservation online on Fieldprint at fieldprintwisconsin.com  ​​. At the time of reservation, applicants must enter the Fieldprint code: FPWIOCIInsurance. Applicants can use upper or lower case to enter the field code.

What information will be requested at the time of the fingerprinting reservation?

1. Full legal name
2. Full current address
3. Date of birth
4. Gender
5. Social Security number
6. Height
7. Weight
8. Hair color
9. Eye color
10. Ethnicity
11. Place of birth
    
12. Citizenship

What is the cost for digital fingerprinting?
The cost is $36.00 for digital fingerprinting.

When can applicants be fingerprinted?
Fingerprints can be submitted at any time; however, it is recommended they be completed before the submission of the licensing application. If fingerprinting is not completed at the time of submitting the application, it will not be processed until the fingerprinting requirement is met and will delay the application process.

Where can applicants be fingerprinted?
A list of locations can be found on the Fieldprint website at fieldprintwisconsin.com  ​​.

What is required at the fingerprinting appointment?
Applicants must present two (2) forms of current signature identification. The primary identification must be government issued, photo-bearing with a signature and the secondary identification must contain a valid signature. Identification must be in English.

When will OCI receive my fingerprints?

Typical fingerprint processing takes 24-72 hours for OCI to receive depending on when they are completed.

1033 Felony Waiver Information and  Requirements

Individuals having a felony criminal conviction involving dishonesty or breach of trust must apply for and obtain a federal crime waiver before becoming eligible for licensure as an insurance agent. The crime waiver application is a separate application from the licensing application and requires the submission of different attachment documents.

Federal law 18 U.S.C. section 1033, is commonly referred to as the "1033 felony waiver" law, and it prohibits certain activities by or affecting persons engaged, or proposing to become engaged, in the business of insurance:

• (e)(1)(A) Any individual who has been convicted of any criminal felony involving dishonesty or a breach of trust, or who has been convicted of an offense under this section, and who willfully engages in the business of insurance whose activities affect interstate commerce or participates in such business, shall be fined as provided in this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.

• (B) Any individual who is engaged in the business of insurance whose activities affect interstate commerce and who willfully permits the participation described in subparagraph (A) shall be fined as provided in this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.

• (e)(2) A person described in paragraph (1)(A) may engage in the business of insurance or participate in such business if such person has the written consent of any regulatory official authorized to regulate the insurer, which consent specifically refers to this section.

Application

The 1033 Short Form Application should be completed and submitted to OCI before applying for insurance licensure. Please be sure to follow the instructions on the form and attach all documentation listed below and on page four of the application. Note that these are federal requirements and that documents submitted in support of a licensing application are submitted and reviewed separately from that of the crime waiver application.

1. Two recent identical photos (e.g., passport photos).
2. Certified copy of the criminal history.

3. Certified copies of the indictment, criminal complaint, or other initiating documents that show the basis for each felony charge. Certified copies of documents may be obtained from the courthouse where the complaint was initially filed.

4. Certified copies of the order of judgment and sentence of the court (felony conviction), including certification and performance of all conditions imposed by the court. Certified copies of the documents may be obtained from the courthouse where the case was adjudicated.

5. An affidavit (statement sworn before a notary public) from the employer that states in detail the duties and responsibilities to be performed, as well as a statement from the employer indicating that the performance of these responsibilities does not constitute a threat to the public.

6. The applicant's notarized signature swearing that the answers and the supporting documents contained in the application are true, correct, and complete.

7. There is NO fee for this application.

Send the 1033 Short Form Application​​ and supporting documentation to OCI to the following address:

        Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
        Agent Licensing Department: Crime Waiver Application
        PO Box 7873
        Madison WI 53707-7873

The application will be reviewed by OCI's legal unit to determine if the applicant should be given written consent to engage or participate in the business of insurance pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1033 (e) (2).

You will receive written notice of the granting or denial of the waiver application, and it will become a permanent part of your agent licensing record.