California DOJ Reports: What They Show and How Long Processing Takes

A California Department of Justice report—often called a DOJ criminal history record or RAP sheet—is a fingerprint-based summary of information maintained by the California DOJ. People usually request it to review their own record for accuracy, prepare for licensing or employment-related background check questions, or understand what California agencies may see when a lawful background check is processed.

 

What Is on a California DOJ Report?

The California DOJ maintains the statewide criminal record repository for California. Law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, probation departments, and courts submit arrest and disposition information, which the DOJ uses to compile records of arrests and prosecutions. Because the report is based on fingerprints, it is tied to biometric identification rather than a simple name search.

A DOJ report may include arrests, detentions, citations, charges, court dispositions, convictions, dismissed charges, diversion information, probation violations, and other fingerprint-related entries. It may also show fingerprint submissions connected to jobs, licenses, certifications, or other authorized background check purposes. Importantly, the report may list charges that did not result in convictions, so readers should review the disposition information carefully before concluding.

 

How Do You Request Your Own California DOJ Report?

Individuals have the right to request a copy of their own California criminal history record to check it for accuracy and completeness. California residents generally submit fingerprints through Live Scan using the DOJ’s record review request form. At the same time, people outside California or the United States may need to submit a manual fingerprint card with the required application form. The DOJ charges a processing fee, and fingerprint rolling fees may vary by provider.

For personal record review, the report is intended for the individual—not for an employer or unauthorized third party. If an employer, licensing board, or agency needs a background check, that organization must be legally authorized and should provide the correct Live Scan form and instructions.

 

California DOJ Processing Times

For personal record review requests, the California DOJ states that the typical processing time is 2–3 days. However, some requests may take up to 2 weeks, depending on the information contained in the record. The DOJ also states that it does not offer expedited processing for an additional fee.

Live Scan background check results for employment or licensing are often completed quickly, but timelines can vary. Some submissions are processed within a few days, while others take longer if the fingerprints require additional review, the form has errors, the record contains information that needs manual handling, or the requesting agency has its own review process after receiving the DOJ response.

 

Why a DOJ Report or Live Scan Result May Be Delayed

·        Incomplete or incorrect forms: Missing applicant information, an incorrect agency code, or the wrong application type can slow processing.

·        Fingerprint quality issues: Smudged, faint, or unreadable fingerprints may require resubmission.

·        Record complexity: Records with multiple entries, older information, or missing court dispositions may take longer to review.

·        Agency-side review: Even after the DOJ sends results, the employer, licensing board, or agency may need extra time to evaluate them.

·        High submission volume or holidays: Busy periods, weekends, and holidays can add time to the overall process.

 

How to Check Status or Fix Problems

If you completed Live Scan, keep your Applicant Tracking Identifier, commonly called an ATI number. The ATI number and your date of birth are typically needed to check the status of a fingerprint transaction. If you requested your own record and believe the information is wrong or incomplete, the DOJ provides a process to submit a challenge after you receive the record.

When a delay happens, start by confirming that the correct form was used, the fingerprints were submitted successfully, and the requesting agency has not already received the results. If the issue involves a personal record review, contact the appropriate DOJ unit using the contact information provided by the California DOJ.

 

Bottom Line

A California DOJ report is a fingerprint-based record that may include arrests, charges, dispositions, convictions, dismissals, diversion entries, and other fingerprint-linked activity. Most personal record review requests are processed quickly, but some can take up to 2 weeks. The best way to avoid delays is to use the correct form, submit clear fingerprints, keep your ATI number, and follow up with the requesting agency or DOJ only when appropriate.