Finger Printing

The Contractors State License Board requires fingerprints from all new exam applicants as of January 1, 2005. The fingerprints will be used to conduct a criminal background check with the Department of Justice and the FBI.

To reflect this change be sure your application is not outdated. Applications received after January 1, 2005 cannot be accepted for processing in not current and will be returned to the applicant. We enclose a copy of the current Application for Original Contractor's License for your convenience in our Contactors Kits. All outdated applications should be destroyed and replaced with the newly revised application which is also available on the CSLB website at www.cslb.ca.gov .

Upon receipt of an examination application by the CSLB, a fingerprint packet will be sent to all personnel listed on the application along with the letter of acknowledgement that contains the Application Fee Number. Each individual will receive his/her own Request for Live Scan Service Form which must be taken to a Live Scan facility where the applicants fingerprints will be digitally scanned. Each applicant must use the original Live Scan form sent to them directly from the CSLB, copies of this form will not be accepted.

The background checks will run concurrent with the licensing process. The CSLB will assign test dates even if the fingerprints have not been submitted although the applicant should submit his/her fingerprints as soon as possible since the license will not be issued if the background check is not complete.

It is important to note that having a criminal conviction will not automatically prevent an applicant from obtaining a license. The CSLB will review each applicant's history and make a determination on a case-by-case basis. If an applicant does have a conviction, the license will be denied only if the crime is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of the license. When considering the applicant's history the CSLB will also consider any evidence of rehabilitation.

New Fingerprinting Requirements

Pursuant to Business and Professions Code Sections 144 and 7069, all applicants for licensure are required to submit a full set of fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a criminal background check by the Board. With limited exceptions, all applicants are required to submit their prints via Live Scan. Hard copy fingerprint cards will be accepted only in those cases where the applicant is located outside of California, or demonstrates a hardship approved by the Registrar.

What is Live Scan?

Live Scan is a system for the electronic submission of fingerprints and the subsequent automated background checks and responses. Use of a Live Scan machine involves placing individuals' fingers on a glass scanning surface so a digital image can be scanned. The fingerprints are then stored into the machine's electronic memory and are immediately transmitted to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for completion of the criminal conviction record review. Live Scan is much faster and more efficient than fingerprint cards, decreasing the response time by several weeks or months.

How do I obtain Live Scan services?

Enclosed with this notice is the Request for Live Scan Service Form (BCll 8016) for each person listed on the application. The person submitting the form must complete the third section (applicant information) in its entirety and take two copies of the completed form to the nearest Live Scan station to have his or her fingerprints submitted to the DOJ and FBI. The Live Scan operator will return one copy of the Live Scan form to you. You must retain this copy for the duration of the application process should additional follow-up be required.~

Live Scan services are available at most local police departments, sheriffs' offices, or any public applicant Live Scan site. A listing of Live Scan locations is also available on the Internet at:

You will be required to pay the Live Scan operator the $32 DOJ fingerprint processing fee arid the $24 FBI fingerprint processing fee, as well as the Live Scan site fee. NOTE: The fee set by each Live Scan site varies. The Board does not set the price.

What if Live Scan is not available to me?

Live Scan is available at most local police/sheriff departments within California. However, if you are located out of state and do not plan to come to California during the application process, you may contact the Board's automated system at (800) 321-CSLB (2752) to request that fingerprint cards be sent to you. When the system answers, press 2 - 1 -4. You must take the cards to a law enforcement agency* to have your prints 'rolled.' Return the cards with the required processing fee of $56 to the Board for submission to DOJ and the FBI. You may also be charged a 'rolling' fee by agency providing the service. The processing time required for fingerprint cards is substantially longer, taking 3 - 6 months or more.

 * The Department of Justice (DOJ) will no longer accept applicant fingerprint impressions unless they are rolled by an individual certified under the California Department of Justice Fingerprint Rolling Certification Program. State law makes an exception to the mandatory certification requirement for law enforcement personnel.