Moral Character Determinations
The State Bar is continuing to accept and process Applications for Determination of Moral Character (moral character application) and Applications for Extension of Determination of Moral Character. However, during this unprecedented period of office and business closures and stay at home orders across the country, the State Bar recognizes that applicants may experience difficulties obtaining fingerprints and documentation necessary for a moral character determination. In an effort to continue rendering moral character determinations while remaining sensitive to the current situation, the following modifications are being made temporarily to the moral character determination process:
Fingerprinting: Applicants must submit required fingerprints* with a moral character application. Due to the current, limited availability of fingerprinting services, applicants have 90 days from the date of submission of a moral character application to provide completed fingerprints. If fingerprints cannot be obtained within 90 days, the applicant must post a statement to their moral character case feed in the Applicant Community detailing their efforts to locate a provider. For good cause, the Program Manager for Moral Character Determinations may extend the deadline. At this time, moral character applications will not be approved without sufficient fingerprints.
Incomplete Notice: If a moral character application is deemed incomplete, the applicant will be notified of the deficiencies via email. Applicants have 90 days from the date of the incomplete notice to provide the necessary information and documentation. If the missing information or documentation cannot be obtained within 90 days, the applicant must post a statement to their moral character case feed in the Applicant Community detailing their efforts to obtain the information or documentation. For good cause, the Program Manager for Moral Character Determinations may extend the deadline.
Request for Information from an Investigator: A moral character investigator will contact the applicant if additional information or documentation is necessary to render a moral character determination. Applicants have 90 days from the date of the incomplete notice to provide the necessary information and documentation. If the information or documentation cannot be obtained within 90 days, the applicant must post a statement to their moral character case feed in the Applicant Community detailing their efforts to obtain the information or documentation. For good cause, the Program Manager for Moral Character Determinations may extend the deadline.
Informal Conferences: Until further notice, informal conferences will be conducted via videoconference. Applicants have the option of postponing their informal conference until an in-person meeting is available.
*Live Scan Service is required for applicants present in California. For applicants outside of California, two FD-258 cards must be completed.