Cogent Tennessee Applicant Background Check Procedures.
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Term	Definition
Applicant	The individual who is required to submit to a fingerprint based background check.
Agency	The entity that is responsible for licensing Applicants. Agencies must be registered with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and have a valid ORI number.
Registration	Applicants or Agencies may register for fingerprinting at www.tennessee.cogentid.com. Registration may also be completed by phoning 1-877-862-2425. Make sure that your Social Security number is collected correctly. Prior to registration you must have a valid ORI Number.
Payment	If the Agency allows, your fingerprinting may be paid for already. In this case, no payment is necessary. Otherwise, Applicants must pre-pay their fingerprint services at www.tnprints.com or by calling 1-800-964-7690. Money orders made out to Cogent Systems are also accepted at the fingerprint service sites. Cash is NOT accepted.
ORI Number	The Originating Agency Identifier (ORI) is a nine-character identifier assigned by the State and designates each Agency that is allowed to submit data to TBI. You must know your ORI Number before attempting to register online or by phone. Contact your originating Agency, NOT TBI or COGENT, for your ORI Number.
Web Sites	www.tnprints.com (Applicant Payment using Credit and Debit Cards) www.tennessee.cogentid.com (Information, Locations, Registration, Receipts, Reports)
Email	TNPrintsInfo@cogentsystems.com
Applicants requiring fingerprint background checks MUST follow the steps identified below.
1. Contact your Agency to receive your ORI Number. Handgun carry permits and HAZMAT license Applicants must contact a license bureau to be issued the appropriate ORI Number. Questions regarding issuance of ORI numbers must be directed to the appropriate Agency, not TBI or Cogent. Handgun carry permits pay the license bureau in advance for their fingerprinting. 2. For faster service, register online at www.tennessee.cogentid.com or call 877-862-2425. Once registered you will receive a registration confirmation number. 3. Prepay your fingerprint service. Pre-payment can be completed at www.tnprints.com or by calling 1-800-964-7690. You may also pay with a Money Order, made payable to Cogent Systems, on-site the day of your fingerprinting. 4. Proceed to the fingerprint location of your choice. No appointment is necessary. You must be registered and have made arrangements for payment. 5. At the fingerprint service site the Applicant must provide valid State or Federal government issued identification, and submit a set of fingerprints. 6. Fingerprints will be electronically forwarded to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and all results of the fingerprint background check will be provided to the Agency.
Background checks take time.  Cogent Systems does not have access, nor does it involve itself with the summary execution of an applicant background check.  To this extent Cogent cannot provide you information regarding the background check process, or when it will be completed.