Becoming a participant in the VECHS Program

How can my organization become a qualified entity?

If you believe your business or organization meets the criteria of a "qualified entity," you may download a copy of the VECHS Application and email to FDLEVECHS@fdle.state.fl.us.

FDLE will review your application for eligibility. The review time for this process is ten business days. If approved, you will receive an information packet containing required documents to be completed in order to participate in the program.

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What happens once I submit my Qualified Entity Application?

Once a determination has been made regarding your request to be a VECHS participant, you will be advised regarding the approval or denial.

1. The entity head will electronically sign the VECHS User Agreement, the VECHS Handbook Acknowledgement, and the VECHS Agency Contact Form.
2. The assignment of required online training will be sent to the person your entity designates as the Local Agency Security Officer (LASO).   The LASO will in turn ensure that all employees with access to criminal justice information complete the required level of online training.
3. Once the training and all required documents have been completed, your account will be constructed and you will receive a “Welcome to VECHS” email that contains user credentials, as well as user guides for the systems you will be using.
4. Links to the VECHS Process and Forms page, where you will find our commonly used documents.
5. The entity will have each applicant being fingerprinted complete and sign a VECHS Waiver Agreement and Statement Form.  
6. You can then send your applicants to a livescan provider (with your newly created ORI number) who can electronically transmit the fingerprints to FDLE.

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If my organization is approved to participate in the VECHS program, will my organization be required to obtain criminal history record checks on my current or prospective employees and volunteers?

Participation in the VECHS program is strictly voluntary for those organizations that are not otherwise required to obtain criminal history record checks on their employees and volunteers. If your organization is presently required to obtain criminal history checks on employees and/or volunteers, you must continue to do so under the applicable Florida law.

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