MAY 18, 2005

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that federally approved fingerprinting sites have been added in three more Michigan communities for commercial drivers who need to obtain or renew a hazardous materials endorsement.

"Michigan's commercial drivers share the goal of a stronger, safer America," Land said. "But requiring them to report to one location, regardless of where they live, was a tremendous burden. These additional options provide a greater geographic balance that will help to make the lives of Michigan's hazmat haulers easier. While this is a good start, I will continue working with the federal government to secure more fingerprinting sites."

The USA PATRIOT Act requires ‘hazmat' drivers to undergo a background check as part of the nation's homeland security efforts. Until now, the only federally approved company that conducts fingerprinting in Michigan has been in Farmington Hills. Effective immediately, locations in Benton Harbor, Bridgeport, which is southeast of Saginaw, and Grand Ledge, just west of Lansing, also are available for the convenience of applicants.

The contractor serving these new locations is Comnetix. It is working with the Flying J Travel plazas in Benton Harbor, Bridgeport and Grand Ledge to have a mobile unit available to collect drivers' fingerprints.

Further information about USA PATRIOT Act requirements is available at the Secretary of State Frequently Asked Questions.

(Editor's note: Locations of the fingerprint offices have changed since this news release was posted in 2005. Where can I go to get a fingerprint check completed? )

Comnetix' mobile unit is available at the following sites:

• Flying J Travel Plaza, 1860 E. Napier Ave., Benton Harbor. Hours of operation are Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Drivers on Interstate 94 should take exit 30.
• Flying J Travel Plaza, 3475 E. Washington St., Bridgeport. Hours of operation are Mondays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Drivers on I-75 should take exit 151.
• Flying J Travel Plaza, 7800 W. Grand River Highway, Grand Ledge. Hours of operation are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Drivers on I-69 should take exit 81, while those on I-96 should take exit 90.

Fingerprinting at all Flying J Travel Plaza locations is conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are not accepted. All applicants must preregister at www.hazprints.com or call Integrated Biometric Technology (IBT) toll-free at 1-877-429-7746. IBT assists states in identifying local companies to process fingerprint and background checks.

Fingerprint collection already is provided at Examination Management Services Incorporated (EMSI), 27260 Haggerty Road, Suite A21, Farmington Hills. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Additional sites are under consideration and will be announced once approved.

The law took effect Jan. 31 for first-time applicants. Drivers seeking endorsement renewals must comply with the regulations beginning May 31.

The background checks usually take 30 days but some could take up to 60 days. Drivers renewing their endorsements on or after May 31 who have not yet received federal approval must submit proof at a Secretary of State's office that the background check has been initiated. They will then be issued a temporary operator's permit allowing them to continue driving until federal approval is received.

A hazardous materials endorsement allows drivers to haul explosives, poisons, radioactive materials or flammable products that pose health and safety risks during transportation.

For more information on fingerprinting locations and requirements, contact IBT at 1-877-429-7746.

Further information about USA PATRIOT Act requirements is available at the Secretary of State Frequently Asked Questions.

(Editor's note: Locations of the fingerprint offices have changed since this news release was posted in 2005. Where can I go to get a fingerprint check completed? )