California Bar Exam Fingerprinting: The Complete Live Scan Guide for Law Students (2026)

If you are preparing to take the California bar exam, Live Scan fingerprinting is one of the most time-sensitive administrative steps in your bar admission process — and one of the most commonly mishandled. Miss the 90-day window, use the wrong form, or forget to upload your signed copy to the Applicant Portal, and your Moral Character application may be deemed abandoned with no refund of fees.

This guide covers everything law students and bar exam candidates need to know about the California State Bar fingerprinting process — when to get fingerprinted, how the process works, the specific details most people get wrong, upcoming exam dates through 2027, and the current exam format.

 

California Bar Exam Dates — 2026 and 2027

The California bar exam is administered twice per year in February and July. Here are the current and upcoming exam dates:

 

Exam	Dates	Application Status	Results
February 2026 Bar Exam	February 25–26, 2026	Completed	Results released May 1, 2026
July 2026 Bar Exam	July 28–29, 2026	Applications open — Final deadline June 1, 2026	Results released November 6, 2026
February 2027 Bar Exam	February 2027 (TBD)	First filing deadline November 1, 2026	Confirm dates at calbar.ca.gov
June 2026 First-Year Law Students’ Exam (FYLSE)	June 2026	Separate exam — 1L only	Confirm dates at calbar.ca.gov

 

Dates sourced from the State Bar of California website as of March 2026. Always confirm current dates and deadlines directly at calbar.ca.gov/Admissions/Examinations/Dates-and-Deadlines before filing — deadlines are strictly enforced.

📋  July 2026 Bar Exam — Key Deadlines Exam dates: July 28–29, 2026 Final filing deadline: June 1, 2026 ExamSoft laptop registration opens: June 30, 2026 Results released: November 6, 2026 via the Applicant Portal Fee waiver: Applicants still eligible for a February 2025 waiver will not be charged if application submitted by final filing deadline Source: State Bar of California — calbar.ca.gov

 

Current California Bar Exam Format

Understanding the current exam format is essential for study planning. Here is the current structure as of 2026:

 

Session	Content	Time	Notes
Day 1 — Morning	3 California Essay Questions	60 min each	Essays submitted via ExamSoft (laptop) or handwritten
Day 1 — Afternoon	2 Essays + 1 California Performance Test (CPT)	60 min essays / 90 min CPT	Performance Test requires applied legal analysis
Day 2 — Morning & Afternoon	200 Multiple-Choice Questions (MBE)	Full day	Scantron sheet — #2 pencil required. No ExamSoft for MBE.
Passing Score	1390 out of 2000	—	California has one of the highest passing score thresholds in the US
Attorney’s Exam	Written sessions only — Day 1	One day	For out-of-state attorneys applying for CA admission

 

The California bar exam passing score is 1390 out of 2000 — one of the highest thresholds in the United States. The exam is administered entirely in person at designated testing sites. Remote administration is no longer available.

 

Why Live Scan Fingerprinting Is Required for Bar Admission

The California State Bar requires all applicants for admission to the California bar to be fingerprinted as part of the Moral Character determination process. Under California Business and Professions Code Section 6060, no person may be admitted to practice law in California without a positive determination of moral character — and fingerprinting is a mandatory component of that determination.

Your fingerprints are submitted to the California DOJ and FBI for a criminal history background check. The State Bar uses the results to verify your identity and assess your criminal record as part of the moral character investigation, which typically takes 8–10 months to complete.

⚠️  Timing Is Everything — File Moral Character Early The moral character investigation typically takes 8–10 months — sometimes longer for complex cases. A positive moral character determination is valid for 36 months from the date of issuance. The State Bar strongly recommends filing your Moral Character application during your 2nd year of law school. You must file at least 8–10 months before the date you expect to be sworn in. You cannot be admitted to the California bar — even after passing the exam — until your moral character determination is complete. Do not wait until after you pass the bar to start this process.

 

Step-by-Step: How to Complete Live Scan for the California Bar

 

Step	Detail
1	The State Bar emails you the Live Scan Form AFTER your application is submitted — not before. You cannot get your Live Scan form before submitting the application.
2	The form contains your pre-populated ORI number, applicant information, and level of service (DOJ, FBI, or both). Do not substitute a generic form — use only the State Bar-issued form.
3	Book at a California-approved Live Scan provider such as MR Fingerprints in downtown Los Angeles. Bring your State Bar Live Scan Form and a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID.
4	The technician captures your ten fingerprints digitally and submits them electronically to the California DOJ and FBI per your form’s instructions. The process takes 10–15 minutes.
5	The Live Scan operator retains the first copy of the signed form. You keep the second copy — it contains your ATI (Automated Transaction Identifier) number. This is your proof of submission. Keep it.
6	You must upload the second copy of your completed, signed Live Scan Form through the Applicant Portal. Submission is not complete until you upload this copy.
7	The Live Scan Form must be completed within 90 days of submitting your Moral Character application. If the 90-day window lapses, your application may be deemed abandoned with no fee refund.

 

💡  The ATI Number — Do Not Lose It The ATI (Automated Transaction Identifier) number is printed on your second copy of the signed Live Scan Form. It is your only proof that your fingerprint submission was electronically transmitted. If the State Bar does not receive your results, the ATI number is the reference you provide to investigate the submission. Keep your signed second copy and the ATI number in a safe place until your bar admission is complete. Without the ATI number, tracking a lost or misdirected submission is significantly more difficult.

 

The 90-Day Rule — The Most Commonly Missed Deadline

The State Bar’s fingerprinting requirement has a strict 90-day rule that catches many applicants off guard:

• You must complete your Live Scan fingerprinting within 90 days of submitting your Application for Determination of Moral Character
• If you do not complete Live Scan within 90 days, your moral character application may be deemed abandoned
• An abandoned application means no refund of your filing fees
• If your application is abandoned, you must refile — paying the fees again from scratch

The most common mistake is submitting the Moral Character application early and then delaying the fingerprinting step. Do not treat fingerprinting as a low-priority administrative task — schedule your Live Scan appointment within the first two weeks of submitting your application to preserve the maximum buffer.

 

I Am Outside California — What Are My Options?

If you are applying for California bar admission from outside California and cannot complete Live Scan in person, the State Bar provides an alternative:

• Out-of-state applicants must submit two completed FBI FD-258 ink fingerprint cards instead of a Live Scan submission
• FD-258 cards can be obtained from a local law enforcement agency, your law school, or through the State Bar by submitting a General Request in the Applicant Portal
• Completed cards must include all required identifying information — leave the ORI, Employer, Reason Fingerprinted, and Class-Ref fields blank
• Cards must be mailed to the State Bar along with your Moral Character application — track your mailing and keep the tracking number
• Important: You will not receive automatic confirmation of receipt for mailed FD-258 cards — post your tracking information to your moral character case in the Applicant Portal

If you are visiting California before your application deadline, completing Live Scan in person is strongly recommended over mailed FD-258 cards — electronic transmission is faster and eliminates mail delays and loss risk.

 

What Happens at the Bar Exam Itself

In addition to the fingerprinting required for your Moral Character application, be aware that the State Bar may require fingerprints on exam day itself for identity verification purposes. Per the State Bar’s Admittance Ticket Bulletin:

📌  On-Site Fingerprinting at the Bar Exam Applicants may be required to provide fingerprints during the exam administration. Refusing to provide the required fingerprints will result in the issuance of a Chapter 6 Notice. A Chapter 6 Notice is a conduct violation that can prevent you from taking remaining exam sessions. This on-site fingerprinting is separate from the Live Scan submitted with your Moral Character application. Source: State Bar of California July 2025 Bar Exam Admittance Ticket Bulletin

 

How MR Fingerprints Serves California Bar Exam Candidates

MR Fingerprints provides California-approved Live Scan fingerprinting for bar exam candidates in the Los Angeles area, with same-day and same-week appointments available.

• ✅ California DOJ-approved Live Scan provider — accepted by the State Bar
• ✅ Same-day appointments — no weeks-long wait
• ✅ Correct State Bar ORI number and form processing — results routed to the right place
• ✅ ATI number confirmation provided at every appointment
• ✅ Re-print services if your submission is rejected or lost
• ✅ FD-258 ink fingerprint card services for out-of-state applicants visiting Los Angeles
• ✅ Bilingual staff — Spanish-speaking technicians available

 

📍  Book your bar exam Live Scan appointment → Book Now

📞  Questions? Contact us → 213.761.5883  |  info@mrfingerprints.com

 

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I get fingerprinted for the California bar exam?

Fingerprinting is required for the Moral Character application — not the bar exam application itself. The State Bar strongly recommends filing your Moral Character application during your second year of law school, at least 8–10 months before you expect to be sworn in. Once you submit your Moral Character application, you have 90 days to complete Live Scan fingerprinting. Schedule your appointment within the first two weeks of filing to preserve maximum buffer.

Do I get my Live Scan form before or after submitting my Moral Character application?

After. The State Bar emails you the Live Scan Form only after your Moral Character application has been submitted in the Applicant Portal. You cannot obtain the form before submitting the application. Once you receive the form, schedule your Live Scan appointment immediately — the 90-day window starts from your application submission date, not from when you receive the form.

What is the ATI number and why does it matter?

The ATI (Automated Transaction Identifier) number is printed on the second copy of your signed Live Scan Form, which you keep after your appointment. It is your proof that the fingerprint submission was electronically transmitted to the DOJ and FBI. If the State Bar does not receive your results, the ATI number is the reference used to investigate the submission. Keep your second copy and ATI number in a safe place until your bar admission is fully complete.

Can I use a different Live Scan form or a generic form for the bar exam?

No. You must use the Live Scan Form issued by the State Bar through the Applicant Portal after you submit your Moral Character application. The form contains your pre-populated ORI number and routing information specific to the State Bar. Using a generic form, a different agency’s form, or a form with an incorrect ORI number will result in your fingerprints being routed to the wrong agency, which means the State Bar will not receive your results.

What happens if my fingerprints are rejected?

If the California DOJ or FBI cannot process your fingerprints due to poor print quality, your submission will need to be resubmitted. This does not affect your application status, but it does consume days from your 90-day window. Contact the State Bar through the Applicant Portal if you receive a rejection notice. MR Fingerprints provides re-print services — we can capture a new Live Scan submission at no additional charge if your original submission is rejected due to a quality issue at our location.

I passed the bar exam. Why haven’t I been sworn in yet?

A positive moral character determination is a prerequisite for admission to the California bar — even after passing the exam. If your Moral Character determination is still pending when your bar results are released, you cannot be sworn in until it is approved. This is the most common reason otherwise-qualified bar passers experience delays to admission. The investigation takes 8–10 months — sometimes longer. File as early in law school as possible to avoid this situation.

Live Scan Fingerprinting for Healthcare Workers in California: Board Requirements & 2026 Guide

If you are applying for a healthcare license in California — or renewing one — Live Scan fingerprinting is not optional. The California Department of Justice and the FBI both require fingerprint-based criminal history checks for virtually every licensed healthcare profession in the state, and California licensing boards will not issue or renew your license until both sets of results are on file.

This guide covers the Live Scan fingerprinting requirements for healthcare workers in California board by board — RNs, physicians, LVNs, pharmacists, CNAs, dental professionals, physical therapists, and more — plus a step-by-step walkthrough of the process and answers to the most common questions healthcare workers have before their appointment.

 

Why California Requires Live Scan for Healthcare Licensing

California law requires all licensed healthcare professionals to submit fingerprints to the California DOJ and FBI as part of the licensing process. The fingerprints are used to run a criminal history background check before a license is issued — and they remain on file permanently.

The ongoing monitoring component — known as Rap Back — means that once you are fingerprinted for your California healthcare license, the California DOJ will automatically notify your licensing board if you have any future arrests or convictions added to your record. This is not a one-time check. It is continuous, lifelong monitoring tied to your professional license.

💡  What Rap Back Means for Healthcare Professionals When you complete Live Scan for your California healthcare license, you are enrolled in the DOJ’s Rap Back program. Rap Back monitors your criminal record on an ongoing basis — not just at the time of your application. If you are arrested or convicted of any crime after licensure, your licensing board (BRN, Medical Board, BVNPT, etc.) will be automatically notified. This monitoring continues for the life of your license. There is no re-enrollment required — it is automatic from the moment your initial Live Scan submission is processed.

 

California Healthcare Live Scan Requirements — Board by Board

Different California healthcare licensing boards have slightly different Live Scan procedures, forms, and ORI numbers. Here is a reference table for the most common healthcare professions:

 

Profession	Licensing Board	Live Scan Requirement
Registered Nurses (RN)	Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)	Required at initial licensure AND renewal if not previously on file since Jan 1, 2014. BreEZe system holds renewal until fingerprint results received.
Vocational Nurses (LVN)	Board of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT)	Required at initial licensure and renewal — same ongoing Rap Back enrollment as BRN
Psychiatric Technicians	Board of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT)	Required at initial licensure — BVNPT mandates Live Scan for all applicants
Physicians & Surgeons (MD/DO)	Medical Board of California	Required before PTAL or full license issuance. Both DOJ and FBI results must be received prior to license issuance.
Pharmacists	California State Board of Pharmacy	Required at initial licensure — Live Scan submitted to DOJ and FBI
Physical Therapists	Physical Therapy Board of California	Required at initial licensure
Respiratory Therapists	Respiratory Care Board of California	Required at initial licensure
Dental Professionals	Dental Board of California	Required at initial licensure for dentists, dental hygienists, and assistants
Home Health Aides / CNAs	California Department of Public Health (CDPH)	Required — CDPH Aide and Technician Certification Section (ATCS) mandates Live Scan
Healthcare Facility Staff (non-licensed)	Facility policy / CDPH	Many California hospitals and healthcare facilities require Live Scan for all staff as employer policy even where not mandated by licensing board

 

Requirements accurate as of early 2026. Always verify current requirements directly with your specific licensing board before submitting your Live Scan. Board requirements and processing procedures can change.

 

The BRN Fingerprinting Rule Most Nurses Miss — Renewal Requirements

The Board of Registered Nursing has a fingerprinting requirement that catches many nurses off guard at renewal time. Under 16 CCR Section 1419:

• If you were fingerprinted for the BRN prior to January 1, 2014, you are required to submit a new fingerprint submission when you next renew your license
• If the BRN does not have fingerprint results on file for you from both the DOJ and FBI, your renewal will be held in the BreEZe system until results are received
• If you renew to an active status without valid fingerprint results on file, your license will not renew and your status will change to delinquent upon expiration

Your renewal notice — sent 90 days before your license expiration date — will indicate whether fingerprinting is required. Do not ignore this notice. A delinquent license means you cannot legally practice until it is renewed, and renewal while delinquent requires additional steps and fees.

⚠️  If You Are Unsure Whether Your BRN Fingerprints Are on File Log in to your BreEZe account and check your Application Status and Details Page. If your fingerprint status shows as missing or deficient, schedule Live Scan immediately — do not wait for your renewal window. You do not need to wait for your renewal window to open to complete a fingerprint submission. Pre-2014 fingerprint submissions are no longer accepted by the BreEZe system — a new submission is required.

 

The Medical Board ORI Requirement — Why Your Form Matters

For physicians and surgeons applying to the Medical Board of California, the Live Scan process has a specific requirement that differs from other boards: the Medical Board requires two digital submissions — one for the California DOJ and one for the FBI. This means your Live Scan provider must submit prints to both agencies separately.

Before your appointment, download the correct Live Scan Request Form directly from the Medical Board’s website. The form contains the ORI number — the unique identifier that directs your fingerprint results to the Medical Board specifically. If you use a generic form or the wrong ORI number, your results will not be transmitted to the correct board and your application will be delayed.

Criminal Record Check results from both the California DOJ and the FBI must be received by the Medical Board before a Postgraduate Training Authorization Letter (PTAL) or a Physician’s and Surgeon’s medical license will be issued.

 

The Worn Fingerprints Problem in Healthcare

Healthcare professionals have a higher-than-average rate of fingerprint rejection — and there is a specific reason for it. Frequent handwashing, surgical scrubbing, and the use of sanitizers and gloves gradually wear down the ridge detail of fingerprints over time. This is well documented by both the California Medical Board and the DOJ.

When fingerprint impressions are of insufficient quality for DOJ database searching, the submission is rejected and must be resubmitted. This resets your processing timeline and can delay licensing by weeks.

MR Fingerprints handles this proactively. If you are a healthcare professional concerned about print quality, inform our technician at the start of your appointment. We use moisturizing protocols, take extra care with pressure and positioning, and retake any prints in real time that do not meet quality standards before you leave. Our near-zero rejection rate is particularly important for healthcare applicants who cannot afford licensing delays.

 

Step-by-Step: How to Complete Live Scan for Your California Healthcare License

 

Step	What Happens
1	Download from your licensing board’s website (BRN, Medical Board, BVNPT, etc.) or pick up at the board’s office. The form specifies the ORI number — the unique code that directs your results to the correct licensing board. Do not use a generic form.
2	Only California-based Live Scan providers are accepted — results from out-of-state providers cannot be transmitted to California licensing boards. MR Fingerprints is a California DOJ-approved Live Scan provider in downtown Los Angeles.
3	Your ten fingerprints are captured digitally. Real-time quality verification means any unclear print is retaken immediately before you leave. The process takes 10–15 minutes.
4	Your prints are transmitted electronically to the California DOJ and FBI on the same day. The Medical Board requires two digital submissions — one for DOJ, one for FBI — ensure your provider confirms both are submitted.
5	California DOJ results: typically within 3–5 business days for healthcare applicants. FBI results: typically within 2–4 weeks. Processing times can vary — your licensing board’s BreEZe account will update when results are received.
6	Once both DOJ and FBI results are received and clear, your board issues your license. For RN applicants, the BRN will not issue a license until both results are on file in your BreEZe account.

 

Out-of-state healthcare professionals who cannot travel to California before licensure may use the FD-258 ink fingerprint card method instead. Contact your specific licensing board for instructions on the hard card process and associated fees.

 

Healthcare Employers and Facility-Level Requirements

Beyond individual licensing board requirements, many California healthcare employers and facilities have their own fingerprinting policies that go beyond what the state mandates. These commonly include:

• Live Scan for all new hires — including non-licensed administrative, housekeeping, and facilities staff — as a condition of employment
• Periodic re-fingerprinting for staff hired before the employer implemented Live Scan
• Live Scan for agency, registry, and temporary staff before they begin an assignment
• Live Scan for medical students, residents, and observers before clinical rotations

MR Fingerprints works with healthcare employers across the Los Angeles area to process group Live Scan appointments for new hire cohorts, agency staff, and clinical rotation programs. Mobile fingerprinting services are available for facilities that need on-site processing.

 

How MR Fingerprints Serves Healthcare Professionals

• ✅ California DOJ-approved Live Scan provider — results transmitted directly to BRN, Medical Board, BVNPT, and all other California boards
• ✅ Same-day appointments — no weeks-long wait for scheduling
• ✅ Correct board-specific ORI numbers — we ensure your results go to the right board
• ✅ Worn fingerprint protocol — extra care for healthcare professionals with worn ridge detail
• ✅ Group appointments for healthcare employers and facilities
• ✅ Mobile fingerprinting — we come to your facility for group sessions
• ✅ Bilingual staff — Spanish-speaking technicians available
• ✅ Re-print services — fast turnaround if your submission is rejected

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I complete my Live Scan outside of California?

No — for California licensing board submissions, Live Scan must be completed at a California-based provider. The BRN explicitly states it cannot receive results from Live Scan locations outside of California. If you are out of state and cannot travel to California before licensure, your board may allow the FD-258 ink fingerprint card method as an alternative. Check with your specific board for out-of-state fingerprinting options.

How long does it take to get Live Scan results for a healthcare license?

California DOJ results for healthcare applicants are typically received within 3–5 business days of electronic submission. FBI results typically take 2–4 weeks. Your licensing board will not issue your license until both sets of results are on file. Total processing time from Live Scan appointment to license issuance depends on your board’s workload — the BRN currently processes initial applications within approximately 6–10 weeks when all documents are complete.

What if my fingerprints are rejected due to poor quality?

If the California DOJ or FBI cannot process your fingerprints due to poor image quality, your submission will be returned as unclassifiable and you will need to resubmit. This resets your processing timeline. Healthcare professionals with worn fingerprints from frequent handwashing or scrubbing should inform our technician before the appointment so we can take extra care during capture. MR Fingerprints provides re-print services at no additional charge if your submission is rejected.

I was fingerprinted for the BRN years ago. Do I need to redo it at renewal?

If your original BRN fingerprint submission was completed before January 1, 2014, yes — you are required to submit a new set of fingerprints when you next renew your license. The BRN’s BreEZe system will not accept pre-2014 submissions and will hold your renewal until new results are received. Check your BreEZe account to confirm your fingerprint status before your renewal window opens.

Does my employer require Live Scan even if my licensing board already has my fingerprints?

Potentially yes. Many California healthcare facilities require a separate employer-level Live Scan background check as a condition of employment, regardless of your licensing board’s fingerprint status. The California DOJ does not share results between organizations — your board’s fingerprint record and your employer’s fingerprint record are separate. If your employer requires Live Scan, you will need to complete a new submission with your employer’s ORI number.

📍  Book your healthcare Live Scan appointment → Book Now

📞  Group and facility inquiries → 213.761.5883  | info@mrfingerprints.com