Frequently Asked Questions: Fingerprinting Rule Requirement

Why do I need to be re-fingerprinted? I was already fingerprinted when I applied for admission to the State Bar, so the State Bar should have my fingerprints. Why can't the State Bar just use those fingerprints to obtain my criminal record information? I was already fingerprinted for another reason (i.e., as a notary, as an employee in the public sector). This means the DOJ already has my fingerprints. Do I still need to be fingerprinted?Will the State Bar retain my fingerprints?What information will the State Bar receive back from the DOJ and/or FBI?I am not required to report arrests, so why is the State Bar able to receive arrest information?Will the State Bar share my information with my employer and/or other agencies?Will the State Bar receive subsequent arrest and conviction information from the federal government?How do I know if I need to be re-fingerprinted?What happens if I choose not to get fingerprinted?What do I need to do to be compliant with California Rule of Court 9.9.5?How often do I need to be fingerprinted?I completed Live Scan fingerprints and my prints were rejected. Can I submit a fingerprint card in lieu of resubmitting my fingerprints to the Live Scan vendor?I don’t live in California. Will I have to travel back to California to be fingerprinted?I am an active attorney and currently serving in the military outside of the country. Do I need to satisfy the fingerprinting rule requirements?I am a judicial officer. Do I need to satisfy the fingerprinting rule requirements?I am no longer eligible to practice in California. Do I need to satisfy the fingerprinting rule requirements?I am an inactive attorney. Do I need to satisfy the fingerprinting rule requirements?I am unable to be fingerprinted due to a disability. What should I do?How much does fingerprinting cost?Is the State Bar covering the costs of fingerprinting? How will I know if I qualify for a reduction in processing fees due to financial hardship?Will the State Bar require me to re-submit criminal information previously reported? If I live outside of California, can I travel to California to submit my fingerprints through a Live Scan vendor?My employer provides Live Scan services. Can I use their services or do I have to use an outside vendor?If my employer is offering to provide Live Scan services and cover the cost, will my employer be receiving my criminal offender record information as a result of the fingerprinting?Would it be permissible to amend the Live Scan form, assuming we have authorization from our agency, to include an agency billing number that will allow my employer to cover the cost for submitting fingerprints to the DOJ and FBI?I live outside of the U.S., will the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in my country complete the fingerprint impressions on the two fingerprint cards?I submitted my fingerprints through a Live Scan vendor and entered in the ATI number on the My State Bar Profile. Do I need to mail my Live Scan form to the State Bar?Can I use a non-California Live Scan vendor, if I live out of state?I had a bad experience with a Live Scan vendor, can I report them to the State Bar?The Live Scan form has the State Bar of California listed as my employer. Is this an error?How do I ensure my fingerprints are successfully processed by the Live Scan vendor?What security training and certification do Live Scan vendors complete in order to submit fingerprints to the DOJ?Can we use our own fingerprint cards?The Live Scan vendor is requesting a rejection notice that was issued by the DOJ or FBI. How do I obtain a copy of this rejection notice? How is this information different from the State Bar-issued rejection emails?Can I obtain a copy of the DOJ/FBI criminal offender record information sent to the State Bar?I went on My State Bar Profile (MSBP) and cannot download the Live Scan form, what should I do?I reside out-of-state but decided to travel to California to be fingerprinted using a California Live Scan service. However, I was sent a rejection notice regarding my Live Scan fingerprints. What should I do? Can the State Bar recommend a Live Scan vendor?I reside overseas and the fingerprint vendor refused to sign the card, what do I do?What does a “compliance pending” status mean?My fingerprints were rejected and the State Bar rejection letter is requiring that the Live Scan reference the Original Applicant Tracking Identifier (ATI) for re-submittal. What does that mean?Do I have to enter my home address on the Live Scan form?Do I have to provide my social security number on the California DOJ Live Scan form?When completing the Live Scan form, are you required to provide the same name that you have on record to the State Bar?When completing the Live Scan form, do I have to enter an alias? I practice under my birth/maiden name but my identification is in my legal/married name.Will I be notified after the California DOJ has conducted my background check?

If you have additional questions, please contact the Division of Regulation at 888-800-3400 or  fill out the Licensee Records and Compliance Inquiry form.