CJSI - VA disclaims responsibility for actions taken by third parties or the decisions made by students. As a service provider, our commitment is to keep students informed with the information available to us.

Lotus Is Here!

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is excited to announce its new credential management system, Lotus! The new system launched on December 13, 2024, and replaced the previous system used by the Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services (LRS). Please check back here regularly for more information, including updated FAQs and helpful resources like our Lotus Self-Service Guide. To access Lotus, please go to https://lotus.dcjs.virginia.gov/ and follow the instructions at the top of the page.

 Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services

** The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, specifically the Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services, oversees and enforces five essential regulatory programs: Private Security Services, Bail Bondsmen, Bail Enforcement Agents, Special Conservators of the Peace, and Tow Truck Drivers. The Division is committed to delivering exemplary customer service to our stakeholders and professionals within the private sector of public safety. 

Notice: Fingerprint Submission Reminder

** Please be advised that both an application and applicable fees must be submitted online prior to scheduling a fingerprint appointment. Any fingerprints received before the submission of an application and fees will be deemed unacceptable, necessitating the need for new fingerprints to be submitted once the application has been finalized. Furthermore, all criminal history records submitted without an accompanying application and fees will be destroyed. 

Notice: Criminal History Background Checks

** The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is currently experiencing extended processing times for criminal history background checks due to a surge in demand placed on the Virginia State Police. The timeframe from fingerprint submission (via Fieldprint) to the receipt of results by DCJS may take up to 45 business days. It is important to note that business days are defined as Monday through Friday, with holidays excluded. DCJS will only engage with the Virginia State Police when the background check submission has reached 45 business days. 

Implications for Applicants:

** Initial applicants are kindly requested to allow 45 business days before reaching out to DCJS regarding the status of their background checks. Existing regulants should initiate the renewal process as closely as possible to 90 days before their expiration date to facilitate timely processing of their criminal history. Please be aware that DCJS is unable to expedite background check processes as they are contingent on external agencies, nor can extensions be granted to applicants due to delays in processing.