Fingerprinting
- Authority
California law authorizes the Board to conduct criminal record background checks to help determine the eligibility of a person applying for a license or registration. Fingerprints are submitted by applicants through the Department of Justice (DOJ), who then provides the Board’s authorized personnel with access to information contained in the DOJ's Criminal Offender Record Information database (CORI).
- Information Handling
Fingerprint information is confidential and may not be shared with third parties, including any other employing or licensing agency. Upon determination of eligibility for licensure, the applicant’s records are required to be destroyed, in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 11, Section 708
- Who Must use Live Scan
Live Scan is a system for the electronic submission of fingerprints through the DOJ. The Live Scan process is currently only available in California. Individuals currently in California must use the Live Scan method to submit fingerprints.
- When to Submit Live Scan
The Board recommends completing Live Scan no more than thirty days prior to submitting an application. Live Scan results without corresponding applications on file are destroyed after six months. If Live Scan results have been destroyed, the applicant will be required to re-print.
- Live Scan Locations
Most local Police and Sheriff Departments offer the Live Scan fingerprinting service. Some large school districts, passport services, and stores with generalized fingerprinting expertise may also offer Live Scan.
A complete list of the Live Scan sites may be obtained by visiting the DOJ Applicant Live Scan website.
- Check Live Scan Submission Status
The Department of Justice has established an Applicant Background Check Status database which allows applicants to check the status of their Live Scan submission, located at: https://applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov/. The ATI number and date of birth are required to perform a search.
- Fingerprint Processing Fee
The fingerprint processing fee is $49.00. The Live Scan site will collect the fee at the time you are fingerprinted. The Live Scan site may also charge a fingerprint rolling fee. The fingerprint rolling fee varies from location to location.
- Fingerprint Processing Time
In most cases, the DOJ transmits the fingerprint results to the Board within 1 to 3 days. If the applicant has a conviction history, or if the prints are rejected, it can take longer. It is important that you submit a copy of the Request for Live Scan Service form with your application so that the Board can locate your fingerprint results using the ATI number located in Section 4 of the Request for Live Scan Service form.
- Additional Live Scan Questions
Additional questions may be emailed to BBS.Fingerprint@dca.ca.gov. Please allow 2-3 business days for response.
Fingerprint Hard Cards are manual submission of fingerprints through the DOJ, for applicants outside of California
- Who Must Use Hard Cards
Individuals outside of California must use the "hard card" fingerprint method to submit fingerprints.
- How to Obtain Hard Cards
Requests for fingerprint hard cards may be emailed to BBS.Fingerprint@dca.ca.gov with "Fingerprint Hard Cards" in the subject line and include your name and mailing address in your email. Hard cards will be mailed to you within one week.
- Fingerprint Processing Fee
The fingerprint processing fee is $49.00. The required fee must be submitted with the hard cards. Checks or money orders must be made payable to “Board of Behavioral Sciences.” Failure to include the required fee will cause significant delays in the Board submitting hard cards to the DOJ.
- Where to Submit Hard Cards
Completed hard cards should be submitted with your application, along with the required $49.00 fingerprint processing fee. Please mail your application and hard cards to: Board of Behavioral Sciences, 1625 N. Market Blvd., Suite S-200, Sacramento, CA 95834.
- Hard Card Processing Time
The processing time for hard card fingerprints is approximately 6-8 weeks.
- Additional Fingerprint Questions
Additional questions may be emailed to BBS.Fingerprint@dca.ca.gov. Please allow 2-3 business days for response.