Many license applications require fingerprints from officers, directors, natural person owners, and other individuals named in the application for purposes of running FBI and/or state criminal history background checks. Fingerprinting requirements and processes vary by state, but because so many of the players in the financial services industry are subject to licensing in California, it is worth examining the state’s fingerprinting requirements.
Residents must submit e-prints
California residents are required to complete electronic fingerprinting through one of the thousands of Live Scan service providers located throughout the state. And many providers offer mobile services (a great option for busy executives). Individuals must bring valid photo identification and the applicable Request for Live Scan Service form (in triplicate) with them to their appointments. They must also be prepared to pay applicable government and fingerprint fees at the time of their appointments. For companies and individuals applying for a license issued by the California Department of Business Oversight (such as the California Financing Law license), a copy of the completed Request for Live Scan Service form and a check for $20 payable to the California Department of Business Oversight must be submitted with the license application.
Ink fingerprints will be accepted from California residents only in limited instances — namely, if there are no Live Scan locations within the individual’s region or when the California Department of Justice’s processing procedures show a need. Some fingerprinting technicians can convert ink fingerprints into electronic fingerprints that can be used to satisfy California’s requirement.
Out-of-state residents can submit hard copy fingerprint cards
Out-of-state residents are not required to complete electronic fingerprinting with a Live Scan service provider, but have the option to submit a hard copy fingerprint card for processing. Fingerprint cards can be requested from the applicable state agency and can be completed at a local police station or by an authorized fingerprinting technician. Office supply companies and online retailers sell the same cards (they’re just generic FBI ones), but if you buy them from a third-party, you will need to type the originating agency identification number in the “ORI” field.
For companies and individuals applying for a license issued by the California Department of Business Oversight, the fingerprint card must be submitted with a Request for Exemption from Mandatory Electronic Fingerprint Submission Requirement form and a check in the applicable amount (it varies by license type) payable to the California Department of Business Oversight. “Out-of-state resident” should be written in the “other” section of the Request for Exemption form.
Choose electronic fingerprinting whenever possible
In our experience, electronic fingerprints submitted via Live Scan are typically processed within a week or two while hard copy fingerprint cards sometimes take up to six weeks to be processed. Also, hard copy cards are more likely to be rejected for illegible fingerprints. For these reasons, we encourage Live Scan fingerprinting whenever possible — especially if a company or individual is looking for a license application to be approved quickly.
APPROVED can help
Need help understanding or coordinating fingerprinting for your license application, including navigating out-of-state submission requirements to ensure accuracy and avoid processing delays? Check in with APPROVED.