Fingerprint Submissions

Fingerprint Submissions Applicant Agencies

For Use by Applicant Agencies

California law allows certain government and private organizations that qualify as an "Applicant Agency" to conduct criminal record background checks to help determine the suitability of a person applying for a license, employment or as a volunteer working with children, the elderly and disabled. These include law enforcement agencies, public and private schools, non-profit organizations and in-home supportive care agencies.

Applying To Become An Applicant Agency.

Unless already designated by statute, an organization must apply with the state Department of Justice to become an Applicant Agency. Authorization request forms are available on this web page for youth organizations, human resources agencies, contract employers and in-home supportive care providers.

State and federal fingerprint clearances are processed for a fee. Applicant Agencies must submit a transmittal form to arrange pre-payment or billing for the processing fee.

Privacy of Criminal Record Information Protected and Penalties for Disclosure.

Applicant Agencies must not divulge or share criminal record history information, including responses that no criminal record history exists. Information received must be kept in a secure and confidential file with access restricted to a designated Records Custodian and/or person responsible for confirming the character and fitness of an applicant.

Release of information to unauthorized individuals can result in civil fines and misdemeanor penalties under California Penal Code sections 11142 and 11143. Applicant Agencies should consider minimizing risks of illegal access or disclosures by destroying criminal history record information once the organization's business need is fulfilled.

Subsequent Arrest Notifications.

Applicant Agencies may apply to receive subsequent arrest notification information for individuals for whom criminal background checks were requested. The follow-up notification must be requested in writing.

Checking on Status of Fingerprint Submission.

While most Applicant Agencies receive results of background checks electronically from the state Department of Justice, some must receive reports by U.S. mail in a process that can take a minimum of seven days. To quickly check on the status of Live Scan fingerprint submissions, call the Department of Justice's 24-hour automated system at (916) 227-4557. There is no automated system for checking on paper fingerprint card submissions.

To use the automated telephone system, you will need to have key information before making the call: (1) the applicant's date of birth; and (2) the 10-digit Automated Transaction Identifier (ATI) number that appears at the bottom of the Department of Justice form requesting Live Scan fingerprint background checks. (The ATI number always appears in the following sequence: 1 LETTER; 3 NUMBERS; 3 LETTERS and 3 NUMBERS.)

If you have submission problems or want to check the status of hard card fingerprint submissions, contact the state Department of Justice's Applicant Processing Program at (916) 227-3823. Because of the volume of calls received and time needed to research each request, there may be delays in responding to your inquiry.

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