FAQs
Check Casher Permit Program
- How much is the permit?
Permits are $50 per store, payable to the "Department of Justice" by check or money order.
- I cannot down load the application, may I call for an application?
Yes, you may call the Check Casher Program at (916) 227-3250 or email to chkcashpermit@doj.ca.gov. You may also mail your request to:
Department of Justice Check Casher Permit Program P.O. Box 903387 Sacramento, CA 94203-3870
- How long does it take to process my application?
The Department of Justice has 120 days to process the application.
- If I do not charge a customer to cash his/her check, do I need to have a check cashers permit?
No, per California Civil Code section 1789.31(a).
- Does the permit get renewed?
Yes, annually from the date your permit was issued at a fee of $50.00 per store. A renewal notification will be mailed to you prior to your expiration date. It is your responsibility to notify the DOJ if your mailing address has changed.
- I have a permit with the Check Casher Permit Program and want to sell my store, is this permit transferable?
No, the permit is not transferable or assignable. The new owner must apply for their own permit.
- I have been told that I need to register as a Money Services Business (MSB). How do I do this?
(If you are a money service business as defined by federal guidelines than you must register with the Department of Treasury as a money service business.) Contact the Department of Treasury-IRS at www.msb.gov or call the help line at (800) 949-2732.
- What is a Request for Live Scan Service form, BCII 8016?
This is the form that you need to complete in order to have your background check done. You need to down load 3 forms and fill them out. One is given to the operator who processes your fingerprints. One is sent back to the Department of Justice along with your application, and you keep one for your records. Leave the last three boxes on the form blank.
Please note: As of July 1, 2005 the Department of Justice will no longer except fingerprints submitted on a hard card. For an exemption please refer to the AG's website at: http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/index.php.
- Where do I go to have the Request for Live Scan Service form processed?
To find out where to have this process done, access the website at: http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/publications/contact.php, or call your local law enforcement agency. Send a completed form back to DOJ with your application. Keep a form for your records. The fee for this process is charged to you up front and can vary, depending on where you go.
- Who should be listed on the application and who needs to have their background check done?
Please read the Information and Instructions in Part A. to determine who should be listed on the application and who needs to have their background check done
- I have a limited liability corporation (LLC) or a corporation, what type of documentation do I need to send with my application?
If you have a General Partnership with three or more partners you must submit a copy of the written partnership agreement. In addition, if the written partnership agreement is vague, a notarized letter from the partners, under penalty of perjury listing the officers will be required.
If you are an LLC you must submit a copy of your statement of information, endorsed and stamped with the state seal (filed with Secretary of State).
If you are a Corporation you must submit a copy of your statement of information, endorsed and stamped with the state seal (filed with Secretary of State).
*If there is any question about the identity of applicants as owners or employees, additional documentation may be requested to verify the owners and/or officers listed on the application, such as minutes of a meeting.
The Secretary of State phone number is (916) 653-3448, their website address is www.sos.ca.gov under California Business Portal.
- I want to have a check cashing business at my residence, is this allowed?
No, the DOJ does not issue check casher permits at a residence. However you may have a mobile permit. You need to download the mobile permit "Supplemental Application for Mobile Check Cashing Unit form BCIA 4000," along with your check casher application BCIA 4130 and submit both applications.
- I am located outside California and need to have a background check done, how do I do this?
To request the appropriate forms, contact the Check Casher Permit Program by email at chkcashpermit@doj.ca.gov or call (916) 227-3250.
- I have already had a background check for other permits such as my ABC license or my Lottery license, do I still have to have a background check done for a Check Casher Permit?
Yes, you still need to have a background check done for the Check Casher Permit.
- I have an existing Check Casher Permit. I want to add another store to my business, what do I need to do?
Submit a new application and $50.00 with a letter explaining that you want to add a new store to your business. All partners or officers must remain the same as your original application.
- What are deferred deposit agreements?
This is a payday loan business. This portion of the Check Casher Permit will be taken over by the Department of Corporations beginning January 1, 2005. The Department of Corporation phone number is (866) 275-2677 and the web address is www.corp.ca.gov.
- How do I obtain a list of all active check cashers in California?
For a $50 fee, you can obtain a listing by county or statewide. You must also provide an email address since this is the only way the list can be sent back to you. Make your check payable to: California Department of Justice. Mail your request specifying the type of list you want with your payment to:
Attorney General's Office California Department of Justice Check Casher Permit Program P.O. Box 903387 Sacramento, CA 94203-3870