Non-Resident Applicants to File Fingerprint Impressions

What is Required?

If you have an active resident license issued by one of the following states, you are not required to submit fingerprints when applying for a non-resident license in California:

If you have an active resident license issued on or after the date your resident state began their fingerprint requirement, you are not required to submit fingerprints when applying for a non-resident license in California. Please review the effective date of the fingerprint requirement for the following states:

Who Must Submit Fingerprints?

If you do not meet either exemption above, you must submit fingerprint impressions before applying to the California Department of Insurance (CDI). Fingerprints will be processed by:

• California Department of Justice (DOJ)

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Criminal background checks help protect consumers from unscrupulous insurance producers.

What Steps Do I Need to Take to Secure a Producer License in the State of California?

• Fingerprint Requirements
• What to do if your fingerprint results are delayed
• Application Requirements

Fingerprint Requirements

Please complete the following steps to submit fingerprint impressions*:

Step 1– Get Fingerprinted

Visit a law enforcement agency or authorized vendor to complete paper fingerprinting using a standard FBI fingerprint card. If you need a card, request one by e-mail from the Producer Licensing Bureau. 

Step 2– Complete Fingerprint Forms

Ensure your fingerprint impressions are properly recorded.

• Complete form BCIA 8016 (Live Scan Service Request, form BCIA 8016).

• On the fingerprint card Enter ORI Number: A0042

• In the space designated for OCA Enter OCA Number: 1000

Step 3 – Submit Payment

Include a total fingerprint processing fee of $75, payable to Accurate Biometrics. This covers:

• FBI fee: $17

• DOJ fee: $32

• Vendor fee: $26

Payment options:

• Check payable to Accurate Biometrics

• OR complete the credit card form from LIC 442-39A.

Step 4– Mail Your Packet

• Send the fingerprint card, BCIA 8016 and check or completed credit card form to: Accurate Biometrics 6080 Center Drive, Suite 600 Los Angeles, CA 90045

*Note: Your application will not be processed until fingerprint results are received by CDI.

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What to Do if Your Fingerprint Results Are Delayed?

Please allow a minimum of seven days from the date fingerprint impressions were taken before making a status inquiry. If you need to check the status of your fingerprints, below are the steps to follow:

Step 1 – Contact CDI

• Call (800) 967-9331. Results are sent directly to CDI.

The DOJ or FBI may need to manually process the fingerprint impressions. This process may delay the reporting of results.

Step 2 – Check Online with DOJ

If the California Department of Insurance (CDI) does not have your fingerprint results, you must check the status through the  Applicant Background Check Status tool.

To access your results, you must have both:

• Your ATI Number (found at the bottom of your ATI form)

• Your Date of Birth

The ATI Number includes a unique DOJ tracking number in the following format: 1 letter, 3 numbers, 3 letters, and 3 numbers (e.g., A123BCD456).

Step 3– After 45 Days

• If your DOJ status still says “Pending” after 45 days, contact CDI for follow-up. Call (800) 967-9331.

When your fingerprint impressions are processed the DOJ online Applicant Background Check Status service will show the following, "Completed” and provide the date California level of services and/or FBI level of services were complete.

Application Requirements

Non-Resident Application: Apply for an insurance license online 

• Apply online at Sircon’s Apply for a License

• View License Fee

• Check Renewal Fee Schedule

Mail documents to: California Department of Insurance P.O. Box 1139 Sacramento, CA 95812-1139

History

The California Department of Insurance (CDI) first implemented a fingerprinting requirement for all producer applicants in 1980. However, because fingerprint checks at the time could only be run against the California Department of Justice (DOJ) database—which includes convictions reported solely within California—the process rarely identified convictions for non-resident applicants. As a result, CDI discontinued fingerprinting for non-residents in 1988.

In October 2000, CDI expanded its fingerprinting process to include checks against the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) database, which provides nationwide conviction data. This broader access enabled CDI to conduct more comprehensive background checks on non-resident applicants, enhancing consumer protection.

A Change Notice was issued outlining updates to California’s non-resident fingerprint requirements. You can find additional details in the notice titled  Changes to California's Non-Resident Fingerprint Requirement.

If you have any questions about this form or the license information provided, please consult CDI's License Questions and Answers section. You may also e-mail the Producer Licensing Bureau. Be sure to include your name, license number, telephone number, and e-mail address in all correspondence with CDI.

For further assistance, contact the CDI Licensing Hotline at (800) 967-9331. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., excluding state holidays.

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