Fingerprinting, Disclosure, and Background Review

    Pursuant to California law*, all Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license applicants are required to submit a full set of fingerprints for criminal background check. Fingerprints are compared to the records of the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to determine if the applicant has a criminal history. The questions and answers below will guide you through the fingerprinting process and prevent unnecessary delays in processing your application.

    *Business and Professions Code sections 144 and 7069, and California Code of Regulations sections 869.1, 869.2, 869.3, 869.4, and 869.5.

    Fingerprinting

    Who must be fingerprinted?

    All applicants for license and each officer, partner, owner, and responsible managing employee, as well as home improvement salesperson applicants, must be fingerprinted. Individuals currently licensed by CSLB who do not apply for any changes to their license and applicants for a joint venture license are not required to be fingerprinted.

    How do I get fingerprinted?

    After an application has been accepted by CSLB as complete (also known as "posted"), each individual listed on the application is sent instructions on the process for obtaining and submitting fingerprints and a "Request for Live Scan Service" (form BCII 8016). You must complete the third section (applicant information) in its entirety and take three copies of the completed form to a Live Scan station to have your fingerprints processed and submitted to DOJ and FBI. Live Scan fingerprinting services are available at most local police and sheriff departments, and any public Live Scan site. A listing of Live Scan locations is available at: https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations.

    Please see information below for out-of-state applicants who must submit hard copy fingerprints.

    What do I do with the three copies of the Request for Live Scan Service forms after being fingerprinted?

    The first copy of the form will be retained by the Live Scan operator. You should retain the second copy of the form for your records. You must submit the third copy of the form to CSLB within 90 days after you receive the packet that contained the Request for Live Scan Service form. Failure to do so may result in your application being voided.

    Is there a cost for fingerprinting?

    Yes, you are required to pay the Live Scan operator the $32 DOJ fingerprint processing fee and the $17 FBI fingerprint processing fee, as well as the Live Scan "rolling" fee. NOTE: The rolling fees vary because each Live Scan location sets its own fee—CSLB does not set the price. The listing of Live Scan locations includes information about the rolling fee.

    What if I'm located outside of California or do not have access to a Live Scan facility?

    A. If you do not live in California and do not plan to come to California during the application process, or if you do not have access to a Live Scan site, you will be fingerprinted using hard copy fingerprint cards. For out-of-state residents, the hard copy cards automatically will be generated and sent after your application has been posted. For California residents who do not have access to a Live Scan site, you may contact CSLB's automated telephone system at (800) 321-CSLB (2752) to request hard copy fingerprint cards. When the system answers, press 2-1-4 and provide the requested information. Hard copy fingerprint cards will be sent to you. You must take the cards to a law enforcement agency within the United States to have your rolled fingerprints. Return the cards with the required processing fee of $49 to CSLB for submission to DOJ and FBI. You also may be charged a "rolling" fee by the agency providing the service. Please note that the processing time required for hard copy fingerprint cards is substantially longer than Live Scan fingerprinting, taking three to six months or longer.

    I have heard about applicants who had their fingerprints rejected or who had "delays" through DOJ or FBI— what does this mean?

    Fingerprint submissions may be rejected if there is a problem with quality of the fingerprint image— whether Live Scan or hard copy cards. Applicants who have had their fingerprints rejected will be asked to make a second attempt at fingerprinting. If there is a second rejection, CSLB will request that DOJ and/or FBI do a name check, which can be a lengthy process.

    Delays may occur if DOJ and/or FBI are researching an issue, which also can be a lengthy process. The outcome of a delay may be a clear record or a conviction record.

    What can I do to prevent any unnecessary delays with my application?

    The number one reason that an application may be denied is the applicant's failure to accurately disclose his/her conviction record. Therefore, checking the application's "Yes" boxes, when appropriate, and providing the required information regarding each conviction are the most important things that an applicant can do to avoid unnecessary delays. In addition, please respond promptly if contacted by CSLB's Criminal Background Unit staff.

    CRIMINAL BACKGROUND REVIEW - PROCESS AND TIMELINES

    What happens if I have a criminal record?

    Just because you have been convicted of a crime does not automatically mean your application will be denied. CSLB's Criminal Background Unit (CBU) reviews all criminal convictions to determine if the crime is substantially related to the duties, qualifications, and/or functions of a contractor. Since no two conviction records are the same, they are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The criteria used by CSLB include whether the crime shows the present or potential unfitness of an applicant or licensee to perform the functions authorized by the license in a manner consistent with the public health, safety, or welfare. In addition, CSLB reviews and considers any evidence of rehabilitation submitted by the applicant or licensee. Please see the above link to the California Code of Regulations sections 868 and 869 for more specific information on the criteria for determining substantial relationship and rehabilitation.

    Depending on the conviction record, CBU may either clear an applicant for further processing toward licensure or request additional documentation or statements from the applicant that may be necessary for a thorough evaluation of the applicant's criminal record. Upon completion of the CBU review, there will be one of three outcomes:

    • 1) the record is cleared for further processing toward licensure, or
    • 2) the applicant is offered a probationary license for a specified term in lieu of denial, pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 7073 (see below), or
    • 3) the application is denied based on the applicant's criminal conviction history.

    What kinds of convictions might cause the denial of an application for licensure?

    As stated above, since no two conviction records are the same, CBU reviews conviction records on a case-by-case basis. A single conviction of one type may be cleared on one application, while that same type of conviction may be cause for denial on another application when there are multiple occurrences of the same conviction or when combined with other convictions. The primary factors in the evaluation of conviction records are the nature and severity of the crimes, the amount of time that has elapsed since the conviction, and any rehabilitation that has been demonstrated by the applicant.

    Convictions may be deemed substantially related to the contracting business for numerous reasons—substantial relationship does not mean solely that the crime must have occurred on a job site or involve financial matters. While those types of convictions may be substantially related, many other convictions may be considered substantially related to the contracting business because they may indicate the present or potential unfitness (in relation to the public health, safety, or welfare) of an applicant to hold a license.

    What is a probationary license that may be issued pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 7073?

    In some cases, based on the applicant's criminal record, CBU may offer an applicant the opportunity to be issued a probationary license in lieu of denying the license because of a criminal conviction. The issuance of this probationary license is authorized by subsection (e) of Business and Professions Code section 7073, which states, in part, that in lieu of denying a license, a probationary license may be issued with terms and conditions. It is a fully functioning license that will remain on probationary status for a set period of time—typically two to four years.

    What are my rights if CSLB denies my application for licensure because of a criminal conviction?

    If CSLB determines that an applicant is not qualified to receive a license at the present time due to prior criminal conviction(s), he/she has the right to request a hearing on the decision. This request must be submitted to CSLB in writing no later than 60 days after the date of the decision to deny. These rights are stated in Chapter 5 (commencing with section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. Failure to request a hearing in a timely manner results in the applicant losing the right to a hearing. Please note that there can be lengthy delays before a hearing is scheduled.