Free Illinois Perc Card PDF Template

1. What is a PERC in Illinois?

   A PERC, or Permanent Employee Registration Card, in Illinois, is a card required for individuals working in certain positions, such as unarmed security guards and private detectives. This card certifies that the individual has passed a background check and is authorized to work in specific security positions within the state.

2. Who is exempt from needing a PERC?

   Individuals who are peace officers as per the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of Illinois do not require a PERC. Similarly, those employed as unarmed security guards at certain nuclear facilities, regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and who have undergone the mandated background screenings and trainings, are also exempt.

3. What happens if I already have a PERC and it has expired or has been lost?

   If your PERC has expired, you should contact the Division's Call Center at 1-800-560-6420 for renewal instructions. In case your PERC has been lost, you can reprint your PERC online through the IDFPR website by selecting the e-License Search link. Ensure any change of address is indicated on your renewal.

4. Can I apply for a new PERC if I have not completed the application process for a previous attempt within the last three years?

   No, if you have previously applied for a PERC and did not complete the application process, you should not submit a new application. Instead, you are advised to contact the Division's Call Center at 1-800-560-6420 to inquire about the status of your initial application.

5. What are the age requirements for applying for a PERC?

   An applicant must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a PERC in an unarmed capacity within the state of Illinois.

6. What is the application fee for a PERC?

   The application fee for a PERC is $55.00. This fee is non-refundable and should be made payable to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

7. What documents are required for security clearance?

   Applicants need to submit appropriate security clearance documents, which typically include fingerprint processing evidence from a fingerprint vendor licensed by the Department. For individuals who are retired peace officers applying within one year of retirement, the VE-PEC form can waive the security clearance requirement.

8. How long is the PERC valid, and what is the renewal process?

   The PERC expires on May 31 of every third year following issuance. Approximately 90 days before the PERC's expiration, holders will be notified via email with instructions on how to renew their PERC.

9. What should out-of-state applicants do to fulfill fingerprint requirements?

   Out-of-state applicants unable to use a licensed fingerprint vendor in Illinois should obtain an Illinois State Police Fee Applicant Card, get classifiable prints taken at a local police department, and then find a licensed fingerprint vendor with "Card Scan" capability to process these prints. Additionally, they must complete the Identity Verification Certifying Statement form and send it alongside their application and licensing fee.

When applying for a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) in Illinois, attention to detail is crucial. Avoiding common mistakes can streamline the process, ensuring your application is processed without unnecessary delays. Here are five common mistakes to be aware of:

1. Incomplete applications: A frequent mistake is not fully completing the application. Each field requires attention; missing information can lead to the return of your application.
2. Illegible handwriting: If your application is hard to read, it may be returned to you. Taking care to print clearly or filling out the application online, if possible, avoids this issue.
3. Incorrect fee payment: The required fee for the PERC application is $55.00. It's important to ensure that the fee is paid in the correct amount and in the form accepted by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
4. Failure to submit security clearance documents: Security clearance is a vital step in the PERC issuance process. Not including the necessary documents, such as the fingerprint receipt, can halt your application.
5. Not addressing past criminal convictions appropriately: If you've had any criminal offenses, excluding minor traffic violations, it's required to attach a personal statement and certified court records. Failing to do so can result in application delays or denials.

Additionally, here are some supporting points to avoid further confusion:

• Always double-check that your application is current and valid for submission within three years from the date of receipt.
• Regularly update your contact information, specifically your email address, to ensure you receive notifications related to your PERC, including renewal reminders.
• For individuals who were previously issued a PERC, remember you cannot apply for a new one. Instead, if your PERC has expired or been lost, contact the Division's Call Center for guidance on renewal or replacement.

By steering clear of these common errors and armed with the right information, the process of obtaining or renewing your PERC should be straightforward and hassle-free.

When applying for a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) in Illinois, several additional forms and documents typically accompany the application to ensure compliance with state requirements and thorough background checks. Understanding these additional documents helps streamline the application process and prevents any unnecessary delays.

• Identity Verification Certifying Statement: Used for out-of-state applicants who cannot get fingerprinted by an Illinois licensed vendor. It includes sections for personal information and certification by a police department that fingerprints were taken.
• Fingerprint Consent Form: This document grants permission to capture fingerprints digitally for background checks. It must be filled out and brought to the fingerprinting appointment.
• Electronic Fingerprint Receipt: Issued by the fingerprint vendor after taking fingerprints, this receipt is required to prove that the applicant has completed the fingerprinting process as part of the security clearance.
• Child Support Certification: Applicants must certify whether they are more than 30 days delinquent in complying with a child support order. This certification is crucial for the application’s integrity.
• Fee Applicant Card: Necessary for out-of-state applicants who need to get their fingerprints taken outside Illinois. It facilitates the process of sending fingerprints to the Illinois State Police for background checking.
• Personal Statement of Criminal Record: Applicants who answer affirmatively to having been convicted of a criminal offense must provide a personal statement detailing the circumstances and nature of the conviction, along with certified court documents.
• Proof of Completed Training: Although not universally required for the PERC, specific positions may need evidence of completed training relevant to the job, such as a licensed security training certificate.

These documents play a vital role in ensuring that all PERC applicants meet the state regulations and eligibility criteria, promoting a safe and compliant working environment in Illinois. Applicants should prepare these documents carefully and adhere to the instructions provided by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to facilitate a smooth application process.

• The application for a Driver's License is similar because it also requires personal information like name, address, and social security number. Moreover, both involve a background check, although for different purposes.

• An application for a Firearms Owner Identification (FOID) card is similar, as both involve an evaluation of criminal history and potentially deny the application based on certain criteria related to criminal activity.

• A job application form for certain sensitive positions (e.g., in schools or hospitals) also mirrors the PERC in its request for detailed personal information, past employment history, and background checks to ensure the safety and integrity of its applicants.

• The application for a State Professional License (e.g., for medical or legal professionals) is similar since it requires disclosure of personal information, past criminal history, and compliance with state-specific regulations and statutes.

• The U.S. Passport Application process is akin to the PERC form in that it requires a comprehensive disclosure of personal information, proof of identity, and undergoes a background check to verify the applicant’s eligibility.

• Security Clearance forms for government positions share similarities with the PERC form through their detailed background checks, requirement for personal and professional history, and stringent qualification criteria related to past conduct and legal standing.

• A Volunteer Application form for roles requiring high trust, such as those involving children or vulnerable populations, often asks for similar detailed personal information, references, and sometimes a background check, reflecting aspects of the PERC form process.

• The application process for rental housing, which typically requires the applicant to provide personal information, employment history, and sometimes consent to a background check, echoes elements of the PERC form’s requirements.

• College Application forms resemble the PERC in that they ask for detailed personal information and an account of the applicant's background, emphasizing the candidate's history and qualifications.

• Loan Application forms from financial institutions are similarly detailed, requiring extensive personal information, financial history, and often checks against databases to ensure the applicant's reliability and compliance with regulations.

When filling out the Illinois Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) form, it's crucial to understand the dos and don'ts to ensure a smooth application process. Below are five key points each for what you should and should not do.

• Fully complete the application: Ensure every section is filled out in its entirety. Missing information can delay the process.
• Provide accurate personal information: Double-check details like your social security number and address for accuracy.
• Submit the non-refundable registration fee: Ensure a check or money order for $55.00 is made payable to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
• Include the appropriate security clearance documents: Your application must include evidence of your fingerprint processing or the appropriate exemption documentation.
• Check your email for the renewal notice: Since PERC renewal notifications are sent via email, make sure your email address is correct and check your inbox regularly.

• Apply if you are under 18: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for a PERC in an unarmed capacity.
• Apply if you have a valid related license: If you currently hold a valid Illinois detective, security contractor, alarm contractor, or locksmith license, a PERC is not required.
• Submit another application if within three years: If you've applied for a PERC within the last three years and didn't complete the process, do not submit a new application. Instead, contact the Division's Call Center.
• Forget to report a change of address on your renewal: Your current address is necessary for receiving your PERC renewal and other important information.
• Ignore the importance of the non-refundable fee: Understand that the registration fee is non-refundable, even if your application is not approved.

Being mindful of these guidelines will help ensure your Illinois PERC form is correctly filled out and submitted, leading to a more efficient and successful application process.

Understanding the Illinois Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) application process is crucial for those looking to work in security and related fields within the state. However, misconceptions about the PERC application can complicate the process. Addressing these misconceptions directly can help streamline applications and set accurate expectations for applicants.

• One common misunderstanding is that a PERC is necessary for all positions within security, detective, or locksmith fields. In reality, individuals holding a valid Illinois detective, security contractor, alarm contractor, or locksmith license do not require a PERC to work for a licensed agency.

• Another misconception is about the expiration and renewal of a PERC. The PERC does not have a one-size-fits-all expiration date; it expires on May 31, every three years, based on the issuance date. Renewal notifications are sent via email around 90 days before the current PERC's expiration date.

• There's also confusion about the eligibility for reapplying for a PERC after the initial one has expired. If your original PERC has expired, you should not reapply for a new one. Instead, you should contact the Division's Call Center for renewal information.

• Some applicants believe that if they've lost their PERC, they have to go through the entire application process again. However, they can reprint their existing PERC online through the IDFPR website, mitigating the need for a new application.

• The assumption that a PERC will be issued immediately upon application is incorrect. A security clearance, which includes a fingerprint-based background check, must be completed before the PERC is issued.

• A pervasive myth is that the PERC application process is convoluted and requires numerous forms. In truth, following the provided steps and submitting the necessary documents—like the security clearance information and application fee—can lead to a straightforward process.

• There's also a misconception about the age requirement for application. Applicants must only be at least 18 years of age to apply in an unarmed capacity, making it accessible to a broader audience than some might think.

• Finally, many are unaware that providing a Social Security number (if one has been issued) on the application is mandatory, not optional. This requirement facilitates the background check process and complies with Illinois statutes for child support and state tax compliance verification.

Dispelling these myths not only clarifies the application process but also emphasizes the streamlined and secure approach Illinois takes to regulate employment in sensitive positions. Proper understanding ensures that qualified individuals can acquire their PERC efficiently, contributing to the safety and security of the state's residents and assets.

Filling out the Illinois PERC (Permanent Employee Registration Card) form accurately and completely is crucial for a smooth application process. Here are 10 key takeaways to guide you:

• The PERC expires on May 31 of every third year, and renewal notices are sent via email approximately 90 days before expiration.
• If you already hold a valid Illinois license as a detective, security contractor, alarm contractor, or locksmith, you do not need a PERC to work for a licensed agency.
• Before applying for a PERC, ensure you're not exempt due to certain employment situations, such as being a peace officer or working unarmed at specific nuclear facilities.
• Should your PERC get lost, you can reprint it online by visiting the IDFPR website and selecting the e-License Search link.
• To apply, you must be at least 18 years old and provide your social security number (if you have one) as part of mandatory disclosure requirements.
• A non-refundable registration fee of $55.00 is required, payable to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
• Security clearance, signified by a criminal background check, is mandatory before a PERC is issued, with specific steps for out-of-state applicants.
• Applicants must answer questions regarding past criminal offenses, dishonorable discharge from the armed services, health conditions affecting professional performance, and previous license denials or revocations.
• Being delinquent in child support or state taxes can affect your application, as laid out by the Illinois Compiled Statutes.
• The application, along with the registration fee, security clearance documents, and any necessary personal statements or explanations, should be forwarded to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in Springfield, Illinois.

Understanding and adhering to these guidelines can ease the process of obtaining or renewing your PERC, ensuring compliance with Illinois state regulations. Always check for the most current requirements and procedures, as these can be subject to change.