Can any agency take your fingerprints? Here's how to check their license

Check this before booking your fingerprinting appointment!

If you need to provide fingerprints for a police clearance or background check abroad, you want everything to be handled correctly. However, many people don’t know that in the Netherlands, only agencies with a valid Wpbr license (Private Security Organizations and Detective Agencies Act) are allowed to offer these services.
In this blog, I’ll explain what this license means, why it matters, how you can check if an agency is officially recognized, and what questions you should ask yourself before making an appointment.

1. What is a Wpbr license and why is it important?

A Wpbr license is an official permit issued by the Dutch government that allows an organization to operate as a private detective agency.
Without this license, a company is not allowed to take fingerprints, store personal information, or conduct investigative services in the Netherlands.

The license is issued and monitored by Justis, part of the Ministry of Justice and Security. It must be renewed every five years.
In addition, the police (Department of Chief of Police Tasks) conduct an additional screening every three years. Once approved, the agency receives new police-issued identification.

2. How can you verify if an agency is officially licensed?

The good news: it’s very easy. You can check for yourself whether a fingerprinting agency holds a valid Wpbr license.

Go to the official Justis register:
https://www.justis.nl/registers/wpbr-register

There you can search by:
1. License number (ours is: POB 7442);
2. or Company name (Fingerprints & Screening)

Are you working with a different agency?
You can still use the register to check if their license is valid and active.
We recommend doing this every time — even if you’ve used the same provider before.

Important: A license is not the same as a Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration. A KvK number does not prove legal authorization.

3. Frequently asked questions about licenses and trustworthiness

Do you have a license to take fingerprints?
Yes. We hold a valid license under the Dutch Private Security and Detective Agencies Act (Wpbr).
Our license number is POB 7442. We are also officially authorized by the police.

What is a WPBR license?
It’s an official government-issued permit for private detective agencies. Without this license, an agency is not allowed to take fingerprints or handle personal data.

How can I verify if your license is still valid?
You can check this directly via the official Justis register. Just search by our license number or company name.

Why is this license important?
Without a valid license, your fingerprints may not be accepted, your personal data could be processed unlawfully, or your application might be declared invalid.

What makes your service different from other providers?
Not all providers are licensed or recognized — even if they claim to be.
With us, you are assured of professional service, secure data handling, and documents that meet international standards.

Are you supervised by the government?
Yes. Justis reviews our compliance every five years. In addition, the police carry out a separate screening every three years.
Note: as an agency, you are responsible for initiating these checks yourself — Justis does not automatically follow up if a license or police ID expires.

Is a Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration enough?
No. Only a Wpbr license proves that an agency is officially authorized to take fingerprints.

What happens if I go to an agency without a valid license?
You risk having your application rejected, and your personal data may be processed unlawfully.
That’s why it’s essential to choose an officially registered and licensed provider.

4. What does this mean for you as a client?

If you need fingerprints for an international application, you want it done right the first time. Looking for a reliable provider?
Start by checking whether the agency holds a valid Wpbr license.

At Fingerprints & Screening, you can be sure that you:
1. are working with an officially licensed and verified agency (check the register);
2. receive professional support throughout the process;
3. get documents that are accepted by authorities worldwide.

Do you have any questions, or are you unsure about your application?
Feel free to contact us — we’re happy to help.