Fingerprint Rolling Certification

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California law requires any individual who rolls fingerprints manually or electronically for licensure, certification and/or employment purposes to be certified by the state Department of Justice (Penal Code section 11102.1). A certified fingerprint roller must enter his/her certification number into the Live Scan device when rolling fingerprint impressions.

Penal Code section 11102.1(a)(2) exempts the mandatory certification requirement for law enforcement personnel, state employees and employees of tribal gaming agencies.

Here is basic information for individuals interested in becoming a Certified Fingerprint Roller in California.

Step One (1) – Review the Handbook

This handbook provides you with basic steps, and responsibilities for obtaining a Certification including background check information and disqualifying offenses.
Fingerprint Rolling Certification Program Reference Handbook, pdf.

Step Two (2) – Complete the Application for Certification

Complete the Application for Certification (Form BCIA 8372).
Application for Certification - Form BCIA 8372, pdf

PLEASE NOTE: You will need to provide your Social Security Number for identification and verification purposes. By law, applicants must furnish this standard data element or the Application for Certification will not be processed. Your Social Security Number will not be made available for public inspection.
Social Security Privacy Information, pdf

Mail the Application for Certification to:

Department of Justice
Fingerprint Rolling Certification Program
P.O. Box 903387
Sacramento, CA 94203-3870

Step Three (3) – Get fingerprinted

Once you have completed the Application for Certification, you will need to be fingerprinted.

To find the Live Scan site nearest you, their hours of operation, and fees for fingerprinting services, please click on this link for a list of Public Live Scan Sites.

Once you have decided on a Live Scan site, please complete and provide the following Request for Live Scan Service (BCIA 8016FP) form to the Live Scan site for electronic processing of your fingerprints.
Request for Live Scan Service - Form BCIA 8016FP, pdf.

Please note: You must present valid photo identification when being fingerprinted. Expired identification information will not be accepted.

A fingerprint-rolling fee will be collected when you get your fingerprints taken. Since this fee varies widely among locations, you will want to review the cost before going to a fingerprinting site. Be sure to check for any restrictions on method of payment, such as cash or money order only.

All fees for fingerprinting and certification will be collected at the Live Scan site. PLEASE NOTE: The DOJ does not accept manual hard card fingerprint impressions for Fingerprint Rolling Certification submissions.

  • Department of Justice Fee: $32.00
    Federal Bureau of Investigation Fee: $17.00
    Certification Fee: $25.00

Total $74.00. While often paid by the agency you will be employed with, some applicants may be required to pay this fee themselves, please check with your requesting agency. Fees are not refundable.

If you have any questions, contact the Fingerprint Rolling Certification Program at fpcert@doj.ca.gov.

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