Cogent Systems Pennsylvania Applicant Background Check Payment Instructions
Term	Definition
Applicant	The individual who is required to submit to a fingerprint based background check.
Agency	The entity (business or organization) that is requesting an Applicant to complete a background check. Agencies may complete the Agency Billing Agreement if they choose to allow their applicants to bill their background checks directly to the Agency.
Registration	Applicants may register for fingerprinting at www.pa.cogentid.com/dpw. Please insure that your Social Security number is collected correctly. Those without internet access may register by calling 1-888-439-2486. It is your responsibility to insure that all personal information pertinent to your background check is collected accurately. To insure accuracy, please register online.
Payment	Applicants must pre-pay their fingerprint services by clicking here. Those without internet access may pay using their credit card by calling 1-888-439-2486. It is your responsibility to insure that all personal information pertinent to your background check payment is collected accurately. To insure accuracy, please pay online. Money orders and cashiers checks made out to Cogent Systems are also accepted at the fingerprint service sites. No cash is accepted at fingerprint sites.
Web Sites	www.pa.cogentid.com/dpw (Information, Locations, Registration)
Applicants are required to make payment arrangements prior to be fingerprinted.
1. Applicants must register for background check services before being fingerprinted. 2. Applicants that are required to pay for themselves (APPLICANT PAY) must make payment arrangements prior to fingerprinting. Online payment may be made at here. Those without internet access may register by calling 1-888-439-2486. Online payments are processed immediately. Refunds for online payments are available here. A $15.00 service charge does apply for refunds. It is your responsibility to insure that all personal information pertinent to your background check is collected accurately. To insure accuracy, please register online 3. Money orders and cashiers checks made out to Cogent Systems are also accepted at the fingerprint service sites. No cash is accepted at fingerprint sites 4. In some cases, Agencies may choose to pay for the applicant’s background check. These applicants are designated AGENCY PAY. Agencies may complete the Agency Billing Agreement if they choose to allow their applicants to bill their background checks directly to the Agency. If you are required to pay for yourself, you are designated APPLICANT PAY. 5. Proceed to the fingerprint location of your choice. No appointment is necessary. You must be registered and have made arrangements for payment.
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 can not provide you information regarding the background check process, or when it will be completed.