Quick Reference: LiveScan Fingerprinting for California Notaries
Key Facts:
- When: After passing the exam (within 1 year of exam date)
- Required Form: Request for Live Scan Service (BCIA 8016) - mailed by Secretary of State after passing exam
- Cost: $70-$90 total ($32 DOJ fee + $17 FBI fee + $20-$40 rolling fee)
- Processing Time: 3-5 days for clean records, weeks/months if review required
- Tracking: ATI Number (Automated Transaction Identifier) on receipt - keep this safe
- Deadline: Must complete within 1 year of exam date or exam results expire
Key Terms Defined:
- LiveScan: Electronic fingerprinting process used by California to check criminal history against DOJ and FBI databases
- BCIA 8016: Official Request for Live Scan Service form required for notary applications (contains unique ORI and Mail codes)
- ATI Number: Automated Transaction Identifier - unique tracking number on LiveScan receipt, required to check status
- DOJ Check: California Department of Justice criminal history check (state-level)
- FBI Check: Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history check (federal-level)
Every single person applying to become a California Notary Public must pass a background check. It doesn't matter if you are a teacher, a police officer, or a renewed notary with a break in service—you must submit your fingerprints via LiveScan. This is an electronic fingerprinting process that checks your criminal history against the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) databases.
This guide breaks down exactly when to go, what to bring, and how much it will cost.
1. When Do I Get Fingerprinted?
The timing is critical. You generally cannot (and should not) submit your fingerprints until after you pass the exam.
LiveScan Timing Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| When to Go | After passing the exam (you receive the form in your exam results packet) |
| Deadline | Must complete within 1 year of your exam date |
| What Happens if You Wait Too Long | Exam results expire, and you must retake the exam |
The Official Rule: Information regarding the fingerprinting requirements, including the specific Request for Live Scan Service form, will be mailed to you by the California Secretary of State only after you pass the written examination.
The One-Year Deadline: You must have your fingerprints taken within one year of your exam date. If you wait longer than one year, your exam results expire, and you must retest.
Coach's Tip: Do not rush to a LiveScan site before you receive your exam results. If you fail the exam, you have wasted your money on fingerprints that cannot be used for a future application. Wait for the "Pass" notification from CPS HR Consulting.
2. The 3-Step LiveScan Process
Step 1: Get the Correct Form
You need the Request for Live Scan Service (BCIA 8016) form.
- The California Secretary of State will mail this to you in your exam results packet.
- Pro Tip: This form contains specific codes (ORI Code, Mail Code) unique to the Notary Public application. Do not use a generic form or a form for a different job (like a nursing license); the Secretary of State will never receive your results.
Common Trap: Using the wrong form means your background check results will go to the wrong agency. Always use the BCIA 8016 form specifically for Notary Public applications, which contains unique codes that route your results to the California Secretary of State.
Step 2: Find a LiveScan Location
You can go to any authorized LiveScan provider in California. Common locations include:
- UPS Stores
- Police/Sheriff Departments
- Private Mailbox Stores
- Dedicated LiveScan Centers
Search for locations: Use the California Attorney General's website to find authorized LiveScan providers near you.
Step 3: Bring the "Big Three"
When you walk into the shop, you must have:
- The Form: Three copies of the completed Request for Live Scan Service (BCIA 8016) form.
- Valid ID: A current photo ID (Driver's License, Passport, etc.).
- Payment: Cash, credit, or check (depending on the vendor).
Critical: KEEP YOUR RECEIPT. The LiveScan operator will give you a copy of the form with an ATI Number (Automated Transaction Identifier) on it. This number is your only tracking ticket. If your results get lost, you cannot trace them without the ATI number. Put this receipt in a safe place immediately!
3. How Much Does It Cost?
The total cost is a combination of government fees (fixed) and the vendor's rolling fee (variable).
LiveScan Cost Breakdown 2025
| Fee Type | Estimated Cost | Who Gets It? |
|---|---|---|
| DOJ Fee | ~$32.00 | CA Department of Justice (State check) |
| FBI Fee | ~$17.00 | FBI (Federal check) |
| Rolling Fee | $20.00 - $40.00+ | The shop taking your prints (Varies by location) |
| TOTAL | ~$70.00 - $90.00 | Total out-of-pocket cost |
Note: Fees are subject to change by the DOJ/FBI. Always ask the vendor for the "Total" price before sitting down.
4. The Background Check: What Are They Looking For?
The state checks for crimes that are incompatible with the honest duties of a notary public.
Disqualifying Convictions (The "Red List")
The California Secretary of State typically denies applications for:
- Felonies: Almost always disqualifying.
- Crimes of Moral Turpitude: Crimes involving dishonesty, fraud, or deceit (e.g., burglary, embezzlement, fraud, theft, perjury).
- Disqualifying Misdemeanors: Convictions where not less than 5 years (sometimes 10) have passed since probation ended.
The "Failure to Disclose" Trap
This is the #1 reason otherwise eligible people get denied.
You are required to disclose ALL arrests and convictions on your application, including:
- DUI convictions.
- Convictions dismissed under Penal Code § 1203.4.
- Arrests pending trial.
If the LiveScan report shows a conviction you didn't write down, your application will be denied for "substantial and material misstatement" under Government Code § 8214.1—basically, lying on the application.
5. How Long Does the Background Check Take?
The processing time varies widely depending on your record.
Background Check Processing Times
| Scenario | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Clean Record | 3-5 business days |
| Arrests (Even Old Ones) | Weeks to months (manual review required) |
| Common Name Match | Weeks to months (if similar to someone with a record) |
| Low-Quality Fingerprints | Delayed (may need to reprint) |
How to Check Your Status:
You can check the status of your background check on the DOJ Applicant Status website using your ATI number and date of birth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I was fingerprinted for my job (teacher/nurse/real estate). Do I need to do it again?
Yes. You cannot "transfer" background checks between agencies. The California Secretary of State needs a fresh report specifically authorized for the Notary Public commission. Each agency requires its own LiveScan submission with unique form codes.
How long does the background check take?
It varies. Some clear in 3-5 business days; others take weeks or months if manual review is required. You can check the status on the DOJ Applicant Status website using your ATI number and date of birth.
Does a DUI disqualify me?
Not automatically. A single misdemeanor DUI is generally not considered a crime of moral turpitude. However, you MUST disclose it on your application. Hiding it will get you denied for "substantial and material misstatement" under Government Code § 8214.1.
What if I lose my LiveScan form?
If you haven't done the prints yet, you can print a new one (Form BCIA 8016) from the California Secretary of State's website. If you already did the prints and lost the receipt with the ATI number, you have no way to track your status. Put that paper in a safe place immediately!
Can I use a LiveScan form from a previous application?
No. Each application requires a fresh BCIA 8016 form with current codes. The form is only valid for the specific application it was issued for.
What if my fingerprints are rejected due to poor quality?
If the DOJ or FBI rejects your fingerprints due to poor quality, you will need to return to a LiveScan provider and have them taken again. There may be an additional rolling fee, but the government fees typically do not need to be paid again.
Can I check my background check status online?
Yes. Use the DOJ Applicant Status website with your ATI number (from your LiveScan receipt) and date of birth. This will show you if your background check is still pending, cleared, or if there are any issues.
Do I need to get fingerprinted again if I'm renewing my commission?
Yes. You must submit fingerprints via LiveScan each time you apply, even for renewals. The California Secretary of State requires a fresh background check for every application.
Next Steps: After Your Background Check
Once your background check clears:
- Wait for Commission Packet: The California Secretary of State will mail your commission packet to the address on your application.
- File Your Oath & Bond: You have exactly 30 calendar days from the commission date to file your oath and $15,000 bond with the County Clerk.
- Start Notarizing: Once your oath and bond are filed, you can begin notarizing documents.
Learn more about the complete notary application process
Last updated: January 2025. Based on the Official 2025 California Notary Public Handbook and California Department of Justice LiveScan requirements.