Frequently Asked Questions
Can a DOJ background check be done online?
No, a DOJ (Department of Justice) background check cannot be done entirely online.
🔹 Why Not?
The DOJ requires Live Scan fingerprinting to verify identity.
Fingerprints must be captured in person using an approved Live Scan provider like MR Fingerprints.
Once fingerprinting is completed, the DOJ processes the background check electronically and sends the results to the requesting agency.
🔹 How to Get a DOJ Background Check?
1️⃣ Obtain a "Request for Live Scan" form from the agency requesting your background check.
2️⃣ Visit a certified Live Scan provider (like MR Fingerprints) to get fingerprinted.
3️⃣ Fingerprints are submitted electronically to the DOJ for processing.
4️⃣ Results are sent directly to the requesting agency (not the applicant).
💡 Need a DOJ background check in Rancho Cucamonga? Walk into MR Fingerprints today or book an appointment online! 🚀
Who requires a Department of Justice background check?
A DOJ background check is required for:
✔️ Government Jobs – State, county, local positions
✔️ Law Enforcement & Security – Police, security guards, firearm permits
✔️ Healthcare & Caregivers – Nurses, doctors, IHSS providers
✔️ Education & Childcare – Teachers, school staff, daycare workers
✔️ Financial & Legal Fields – Real estate agents, attorneys, notaries
✔️ Volunteers & Nonprofits – Working with children or vulnerable groups
✔️ Adoption & Foster Care – Background clearance for guardians
✔️ Immigration & Citizenship – Certain visa and residency applications
What shows up on a DOJ background check?
A DOJ background check reveals:
✔️ Criminal Records – Arrests, convictions, felonies, misdemeanors
✔️ Warrants – Active warrants in California
✔️ Sex Offender Registry – If applicable
✔️ Probation & Parole Status – Current supervision details
✔️ Federal & State Charges – If reported in California
How far back does a DOJ background check go?
A DOJ background check typically goes back 7 years, but it can show a lifetime record depending on the requesting agency.
✔️ Most Employment Checks: 7 years (per California law)
✔️ Law Enforcement & Government Jobs: Full criminal history
✔️ Licensing & Certification Checks: Varies by industry, may go beyond 7 years
What is checked in a DOJ background check?
A DOJ background check includes:
✔️ Criminal History – Arrests, charges, convictions (felonies & misdemeanors)
✔️ Sex Offender Registry – If applicable
✔️ Warrants – Active warrants in California
✔️ Probation & Parole Status – If currently supervised
✔️ Federal & State Charges – If reported in California
How long does a DOJ background check take?
A DOJ background check typically takes 24 to 72 hours, but delays can occur if:
✔️ Manual Review is Required – If records need further verification
✔️ High Volume of Requests – Processing times may vary
✔️ Fingerprint Quality Issues – Smudged or unclear prints may require redoing
What is the Department of Justice background check process?
Department of Justice (DOJ) Background Check Process
1️⃣ Get a Live Scan Request Form – Provided by your employer or agency.
2️⃣ Visit a Certified Live Scan Provider – Like MR Fingerprints – Rancho Cucamonga.
3️⃣ Get Fingerprinted – Digital prints are
What information is included in a DOJ background check?
✔️ Criminal Records – Arrests, charges, convictions (felonies & misdemeanors)
✔️ Sex Offender Registry – If applicable
✔️ Warrants – Active California
What criminal records does a DOJ background check reveal?
✔️ Felonies & Misdemeanors – Convictions and pending charges
✔️ Arrests – If followed by charges or convictions
✔️ Warrants – Active California warrants
✔️ Probation & Parole Status – If currently supervised
✔️ Sex Offender Registry – If applicable
✔️ Federal & State Charges – If reported in California
What is the purpose of a DOJ background check?
A DOJ background check is used to verify an individual’s criminal history for:
✔️ Employment – Schools, healthcare, security, government jobs
✔️ Licensing & Certifications – Real estate, legal, medical fields
✔️ Volunteering – Working with children or vulnerable groups
✔️ Adoption & Foster Care – Background clearance for guardians
✔️ Immigration & Visa Applications – Certain legal processes
Can I request a DOJ background check online?
❌ No, you cannot request a DOJ background check entirely online.
✔️ Fingerprints must be taken in person at a certified Live Scan provider.
✔️ The DOJ only accepts digital submissions from approved fingerprinting locations.
✔️ You can check the status of your background check online after submission.
What agencies require a DOJ background check?
A DOJ background check is required by:
✔️ Government Agencies – State, county, and federal positions
✔️ Law Enforcement – Police officers, security guards, firearm permits
✔️ Healthcare & Caregivers – Nurses, doctors, IHSS providers
✔️ Education & Childcare – Teachers, school staff, daycare workers
✔️ Legal & Financial Fields – Attorneys, notaries, real estate agents
✔️ Nonprofits & Volunteers – Working with children or vulnerable groups
✔️ Adoption & Foster Care – Guardianship and family placement approvals
What details are revealed in a DOJ background check?
✔️ Criminal Records – Felonies, misdemeanors, pending charges
✔️ Arrests – If followed by charges or convictions
✔️ Warrants – Active California warrants
✔️ Probation & Parole Status – If currently supervised
✔️ Sex Offender Registry – If applicable
✔️ Federal & State Charges – If reported in California
How extensive is a DOJ background checks history?
✔️ 7 years for most employment checks (per California law)
✔️ Lifetime records for law enforcement, government, and licensing agencies
✔️ Full criminal history, including felonies, misdemeanors, and warrants
✔️ Federal & state charges if reported in California
What factors affect DOJ background check duration?
A DOJ background check usually takes 24–72 hours, but delays can occur due to:
✔️ Manual Review – If records need further verification
✔️ High Volume of Requests – Processing delays during peak times
✔️ Fingerprint Quality – Smudged or unclear prints may require resubmission
✔️ Criminal Record Matches – Additional checks if records are found
✔️ Agency Processing Time – Some agencies take longer to review results
What procedures are involved in DOJ background checks?
1️⃣ Obtain a Live Scan Request Form – Provided by your employer or agency.
2️⃣ Visit a Certified Live Scan Provider – Like MR Fingerprints – Rancho Cucamonga.
3️⃣ Fingerprint Submission – Digital fingerprints are sent to the DOJ & FBI.
4️⃣ Criminal Record Check – The DOJ scans for arrests, convictions, and warrants.
5️⃣ Results Sent to the Requesting Agency – Typically within 24–72 hours.
What personal information is found in a DOJ check?
✔️ Full Name & Identifying Details – Name, date of birth, aliases
✔️ Criminal History – Arrests, charges, convictions, felonies, misdemeanors
✔️ Warrants – Active California warrants
✔️ Probation & Parole Status – If currently supervised
✔️ Sex Offender Registry Status – If applicable
✔️ Federal & State Charges – If reported in California
Do DUI convictions appear on DOJ background checks?
✔️ Yes, DUI convictions appear on a DOJ background check as part of your criminal record.
✔️ Felony & Misdemeanor DUIs – Both will be reported.
✔️ Pending DUI Charges – May appear if formal charges are filed.
✔️ DUI Expungements – A cleared record may not show, depending on agency requirements.
What types of records are excluded from a DOJ check?
❌ Juvenile Records – Usually sealed unless required by law
❌ Expunged or Sealed Convictions – May not appear if legally cleared
❌ Out-of-State & Federal Records – Unless reported in California
❌ Civil Cases & Credit Reports – Not included in DOJ checks
❌ Traffic Violations – Minor infractions typically excluded
Can employers access a DOJ background check?
✔️ Yes, but only if authorized. Employers must have legal permission to request a DOJ background check.
✔️ Restricted Access – Only certain industries (healthcare, education, law enforcement) can request DOJ reports.
✔️ Results Sent to the Employer’s Agency – Applicants do not receive a copy.
What is the typical cost of a DOJ background check?
✔️ DOJ Fee: Usually $32–$75, depending on the agency requesting the check.
✔️ Rolling Fee (Fingerprinting Service): Typically $20–$40, varies by provider.
✔️ FBI Background Check (if required): Additional $17 fee.
✔️ Total Cost: Usually $50–$100, depending on agency and service provider.
Are juvenile offenses included in a DOJ check?
✔️ Usually No – Most juvenile records are sealed and do not appear.
✔️ Exceptions: If required by law enforcement, government agencies, or court orders.
✔️ Serious Offenses: Some felony convictions may be accessible if tried as an adult.
What identifiers are used in a DOJ background check?
✔️ Full Name & Aliases – Legal name and any known name variations
✔️ Date of Birth (DOB) – Used to verify identity
✔️ Social Security Number (SSN) – If required by the requesting agency
✔️ Fingerprints – Unique biometric identifier for accuracy
✔️ Driver’s License or ID Number – Matches state records
How can I dispute a DOJ background check result?
1️⃣ Request a Copy – Submit a Record Review Request to the California DOJ.
2️⃣ Identify Errors – Check for incorrect or outdated information.
3️⃣ Submit a Dispute – Contact the DOJ Record Review Unit with supporting documents.
4️⃣ Request Expungement (if applicable) – File for record clearance if eligible.
5️⃣ Follow Up – DOJ will review and update records if corrections are needed.
What is the average processing time for a DOJ check?
✔️ Standard Processing: 24–72 hours for most background checks
✔️ Delays May Occur If:
-Manual review is needed
-Fingerprint quality issues arise
High volume of requests slow processing
✔️ Certain Cases: May take up to 30 days if further investigation is required
What are the common uses of a DOJ background check?
✔️ Employment – Government jobs, healthcare, security, education
✔️ Professional Licensing – Real estate, legal, medical, financial fields
✔️ Volunteering – Schools, nonprofits, youth programs
✔️ Adoption & Foster Care – Background clearance for guardians
✔️ Immigration & Visa Applications – Certain legal processes
✔️ Firearm Permits – Required for gun ownership and concealed carry licenses
Do background checks show pending legal issues?
✔️ Yes, pending charges may appear on a DOJ background check.
✔️ Felony & Misdemeanor Charges – If formally filed, they are included.
✔️ Arrests Without Charges – May not appear unless charges are pending.
✔️ Dismissed Cases – Typically do not show but may appear if recent.
Are there different types of DOJ background checks?
✔️ Criminal Background Check – Shows arrests, convictions, warrants, and probation status.
✔️ Employment & Licensing Check – Required for jobs in healthcare, education, law enforcement, etc.
✔️ Personal Record Review – Individuals can request their own DOJ background check.
✔️ Firearm Background Check – Required for gun purchases and concealed carry permits.
✔️ Immigration & Visa Check – Used for residency and citizenship applications.
How do I prepare for a DOJ background check?
✔️ Obtain a Live Scan Request Form – Provided by your employer or agency.
✔️ Bring a Valid Photo ID – Driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
✔️ Know the Required Fees – Rolling fees + DOJ processing fees.
✔️ Ensure Fingerprints Are Clear – Avoid lotions or cuts on fingers.
✔️ Confirm Processing Time – Most results take 24–72 hours.
What is the scope of a DOJ background check?
✔️ Criminal History – Felonies, misdemeanors, pending charges
✔️ Warrants – Active California warrants
✔️ Sex Offender Registry – If applicable
✔️ Probation & Parole Status – If currently supervised
✔️ Federal & State Charges – If reported in California
✔️ Employment & Licensing Verification – For regulated industries
