DCJS I-D Photos
Photographs for the DCJS registration are taken during entry-level training classes. In order for CTA to send the photo to the state, we must have your DCJS registration number. To get a number, you must submit an application to DCJS.
The fastest way to establish a file and be assigned a number with DCJS is to submit an Initial Registration Application via their website (see the Internet Links page for the link). Following the prompts for ROCS, the applicant can submit the application with credit card payment and obtain the registration number immediately.
The other option is to submit the Fingerprint Processing Application and one Virginia DCJS Fingerprint Card through the mail in order to establish a file with DCJS. Once DCJS receives your application, they have 30 days to enter it into their system. Once the transaction has been entered into ROCS by DCJS, the applicant can obtain the number by calling DCJS (804-786-4700) or going online in ROCS.
If the student attends class and does not provide the number to the instructor, then CTA cannot complete its responsibility in the registration process. This has been the DCJS policy since September 2005. We will, however, photograph the student and hold the photo until the student or company provides CTA with the registration number.
If you have held a registration with the department in the past, you may inherit your old registration number. Whether or not that happens is based on how long you have been expired. In 2008, DCJS did a purge of its system to make their software operate more efficiently by reducing the amount of data in the working files of Watson. Files were deleted based on how long it had been since the applicant held an active registration with the department. In 2011 when the state converted to its current system, ROCS, some data was lost (but ultimately recoverable).
At this writing, DCJS does not have a policy as to how long a registrant can use the photo from their initial training session. If you are due to renew your registration and have had a significant change in appearance, visit one of our classes when we are in your area and discuss it with the director. We are willing to take the photo and submit it to DCJS if you have completed your in-service training with CTA; however, it is up to DCJS whether they update your card with the new photo or use the image they have on file.