“I was fingerprinted (or background checked) at another organization (such as SFUSD), do I need to complete the process again for SFCI/SFCA?”

• Yes you do, completed applications and alerts from other organizations cannot be viewed by SFCI.

“What does it mean to get fingerprinted?”

• "Fingerprinting" is the process of undergoing a Livescan, where images of your fingerprints are taken, submitted for a background check, and SFCI will also be alerted of any subsequent crimes that are committed after the background check

What is the process?

• Completing the physical application with pen and ink.

• Physically appearing at a fingerprinting location to submit the Livescan form.

• At the fingerprinting office, you will place your fingertips on scanning machines in various patterns.

• Your information will be saved and securely sent to DOJ. SFCI will not receive any of the information processed, but only the results of the criminal history query.

“What does the cost of the fingerprinting service cover?”

• It covers the services offered by the fingerprinting agency: the time afforded by the fingerprinting clerk, administrative costs to processing your data, etc.

“How long does this process take?”

• After completing your application and fingerprinting, we should receive results within 7 business days.