California Out-of-State
Fingerprinting (FD-258)

Get fingerprinted locally—we’ll mail you an FD-258 card with completed California DOJ forms, ready to submit by mail.

California Out-of-State Fingerprinting (FD-258)

If you live outside California and need to complete a fingerprint-based background check for the California Department of Justice (DOJ), this service allows you to complete the process without traveling to California.

We will capture your fingerprints at one of our nationwide locations, print them onto a standard FD-258 fingerprint card, and mail the completed card to you along with all required pre-filled California DOJ forms. You will then submit the fingerprint card, forms, and payment directly to the California DOJ by mail.

This service is ideal for applicants who are not currently in California but must complete a DOJ background check for employment, licensing, certification, or other state requirements.

How It Works

Enroll Online

Submit your information through our secure form to receive a QR code for your fingerprinting appointment and to provide the details needed for your FD-258 card and paperwork.

Visit a Nationwide Location

Choose a location near you to have your fingerprints captured electronically. Bring your QR code and a valid photo ID.

Card Printing & Mailing

We print your fingerprints onto an FD-258 fingerprint card and mail it to your preferred U.S. address along with the pre-filled California DOJ paperwork required for submission.

Submit to the California DOJ

Mail your fingerprint card, the pre-filled forms, and your check or money order for the required DOJ fee to the California Department of Justice. Complete instructions will be included in your packet.

Enroll Now

Who This Is For

  • Individuals living outside California who must complete a DOJ background check
  • Out-of-state professionals applying for California licensure or certification
  • Remote applicants for California employers, agencies, or volunteer organizations
  • Educators, caregivers, healthcare workers, and contractors requiring California DOJ clearance
  • Anyone unable to complete Live Scan in California and required to submit fingerprint cards by mail

Important Notes

  • You will receive your FD-258 fingerprint card and all required California DOJ paperwork by mail. Certifix does not submit these documents for you.
  • You are responsible for mailing the fingerprint card, paperwork, and payment (unless your agency provides a billing number) to the California DOJ.
  • If you are located in California, Live Scan is required and is the preferred and faster submission method.
  • Always confirm with your requesting agency whether your packet should be mailed directly to the California DOJ or to the agency itself.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • What is the California Out-of-State fingerprinting process?

    If you live outside California, you must complete your California background check by having your fingerprints printed on an FD-258 fingerprint card and mailing it to the California DOJ along with the required documents and payment.

  • What does this service include?

    We capture your fingerprints electronically, print them onto an FD-258 fingerprint card, and mail the card to you along with all pre-filled documentation required for California DOJ processing. You simply mail the card, the provided forms, and the required payment to the DOJ.

  • What do I need to mail to the California DOJ?

    You will mail: - Your completed FD-258 fingerprint card - The pre-filled documents provided by Certifix - A check or money order for the exact DOJ fee amount (we will provide the amount) Some requesting agencies may prefer that the fingerprint card and paperwork be mailed to them instead of directly to the DOJ. If so, follow their instructions.

  • Do I need a Request for Live Scan Service form?

    Yes, but only as a reference. Use the form provided by your requesting agency to complete your online enrollment accurately. You do not mail this form to the DOJ. Certifix will prepare and mail you the correct documents required for submission.

  • Can I complete Live Scan outside California?

    No. California only accepts Live Scan submissions from certified California Live Scan providers. Out-of-state applicants must use the fingerprint card process.

  • How long does it take to receive my fingerprint card?

    Cards are typically printed and mailed within 1–3 business days. Delivery times vary based on USPS First Class Mail.

  • Can you mail my fingerprint card directly to the California DOJ?

    No. The fingerprint card and payment must be mailed by the applicant unless your requesting agency instructs otherwise. Some agencies prefer the card be mailed to them, and they submit it to DOJ.

  • Can I upload supporting documents with this service?

    No. For California out-of-state processing, Certifix provides all required documentation. Supporting document uploads are not part of this service.

  • Who receives the background check results?

    The California DOJ sends all results directly to the requesting agency. Applicants cannot request results, except for Personal Record Review, where results are mailed to the applicant.

  • How do I check the status of my background check?

    You cannot check the status online and will not receive an ATI number. If your fingerprints are rejected, you will receive a rejection letter containing an OATI number, which allows Certifix to process a resubmission. We will reprint your card free of charge and send updated paperwork for you to re-mail to the DOJ.

  • What if my fingerprint card is rejected?

    If rejected, Certifix will reprint a new card at no charge and mail you updated documentation. If needed, you may also visit a different participating location to recapture your fingerprints.

  • Can I use this service for any California agency?

    Yes. This service works for any California-based agency or employer. If you’re unsure whether to mail your packet to the agency or the DOJ, mail it to the DOJ — the requesting agency will always receive the results.

  • Can I request additional fingerprint card copies?

    Yes. You may request additional FD-258 cards during the online enrollment process.

  • Do you fill out the fields on the fingerprint card?

    Yes. We complete all required fields on the FD-258 card, including the ORI and any other details needed by the DOJ.

  • Can I bring my own fingerprint card?

    No. Certifix will provide the FD-258 fingerprint card for this service. California agencies and the California DOJ always accept the standard FD-258 card, so there is no need to bring or request a different card type.

  • Do I need to include payment to the California DOJ?

    Yes — unless your requesting agency provides a billing number, in which case no check or money order is required. Payment should be made payable to the California Department of Justice. Certifix will inform you of the exact amount.

  • How long does the California DOJ take to process fingerprint cards?

    After mailing your fingerprint card, use tracking to confirm that the DOJ has received it. Processing usually takes 2 to 3 weeks, and results are sent directly to your requesting agency. No ATI number is issued for out-of-state submissions, so status checks are not available. If a resubmission is required, the DOJ will notify the requesting agency and provide an OATI number for you to give to Certifix for a free reprint. If there are issues with your card or paperwork, the DOJ may also contact you directly for clarification or mail you a notice.

  • Do you mail fingerprint cards outside the United States?

    No. We only mail to U.S. addresses. You may provide a U.S. address where someone can forward the card to you if needed.

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