• Decisions Pending & Opportunities for Public Participation
• Model Guidelines for Issuing Citations and Imposing Discipline
• California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA)

Fingerprinting Information

Before the PTBC issues a license, a clearance must be received from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to document that the applicant has no criminal history.

Do not process your fingerprints via Live Scan until you are ready to submit your application. The PTBC will only maintain a person's DOJ and FBI fingerprint clearance without an application on file for up to 60 days as mandated by law. After 60 days, the PTBC will confidentially destroy the fingerprint clearances. You will then be required to process your DOJ and FBI fingerprint clearances again.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIVE SCAN FINGERPRINTING

If you are in California you are required to have your fingerprints processed via Live Scan at a local office of DOJ, law enforcement agency, or Department of Motor Vehicles Field Office.

Live Scan Instructions & Form

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE FINGERPRINT CARD

If you are not in California you will be required to have your fingerprints processed on a fingerprint card provided by the PTBC.

To request the fingerprint card e-mail the PTBC at Application_Material@dca.ca.gov, or submit your request in writing to the Physical Therapy Board of California at 2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1350, Sacramento, CA 95815. A fingerprint card not issued by the PTBC will not be accepted.

Fingerprint Card Instructions

DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING FINGERPRINT CLEARANCE

Contact DOJ directly if the PTBC has notified you that your fingerprints have been rejected and you are experiencing difficulty in obtaining a fingerprint clearance.

DOJ Contact Information
Website: http://caag.state.ca.us/ On the Home Page, Select Fingerprint Submissions
Telephone Number: 916-227-4557

 

Live Scan Instructions

What is Live Scan fingerprinting?

Live Scan is inkless electronic fingerprinting. The digitized fingerprints are electronically transmitted to computers at the DOJ for completion of criminal record checks.

Where are Live Scan Sites located?

There are more than 130 Live Scan sites throughout the state. A complete listing of Live Scan sites is available on the DOJ's website at ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/publications/contact.htm. Business hours are noted for each location; however, you are encouraged to call the site first to determine if an appointment is necessary.

What is the fee for Live Scan fingerprinting?

You will be required to pay the following processing and preparation fees at the Live Scan site:

• $51 processing fee ($32 DOJ and $19 FBI) Prior to October 1, 2007 the FBI fingerprint processing fee is $24.
  Effective October 1, 2007 the FBI fingerprint processing fee is $19.
• A rolling fee (as determined by the Live Scan agency)

Live Scan Form Instructions

1. Complete the PTBC's "Request for Live Scan Service Form" in triplicate.
2. Take the completed form (in triplicate) to the Live Scan site.
3. Pay the processing and preparation fees at the Live Scan site.
4. Submit part 2 of the form with your PTBC application

IMPORTANT! - To ensure your fingerprints are processed by DOJ and FBI, please confirm with the Live Scan Operator that they selected both the DOJ and FBI boxes on their computer screen. The PTBC has been experiencing problems with the Live Scan Operators not checking both boxes which will result in a delay in processing your application.

 

Fingerprint Card Instructions

Effective October 1, 2007 the fingerprint card-processing fee is $51 ($32 DOJ and $19 FBI). The fingerprint card processing fee must be submitted at the time of application. The average processing time for DOJ and FBI background check is 6-8 weeks. If you are a resident of California you are required to have your fingerprints processed via Live Scan.

Do not send the fingerprint card to DOJ or FBI. The fingerprint card must accompany the application. DOJ and FBI will reject smudged prints. It is critical that your fingerprints are transferred to the card properly. Fingerprints can be taken at a local DOJ office or law enforcement agency.

DOJ and FBI require that the fingerprint card be submitted unfolded.
FRONT OF CARD: Please complete all areas marked with a red "X". Personal information MUST be typed or printed clearly by the applicant. State your complete name, any aliases (maiden name, if applicable), driver's license number, social security number, complete physical description, and date and place of birth. Sign the card and have the official who took your fingerprints sign and date the card. Please leave the boxes marked OCA, FBI and SID blank, as well as the line that states "date fingerprints submitted". Incomplete fingerprint cards will be returned.
BACK OF CARD: Enter your residence address and mark the type of license you are applying for.