How to Start a Fingerprinting Business in California

1. State Regulation Knowledge:

The fingerprinting regulations in California are as follows.

• Accepts live scan vendors for the state
• Accepts Fingerprint Cards
• Requires a DOJ Rolling Certification
• Electronic fingerprinting can be done commercially without connecting to the California DOJ if chosen.
• Allows Outside Training Courses

Now if those bullet points do not make complete sense that's fine. See the explanations below.

Accepting a live scan vendor means that California does allow individuals to purchase live scan machines and perform live scan services in the state.

The live scan connection process typically includes the need for fingerprinting scanning hardware, software, and a company to assist in facilitating the connection.

"Accepting fingerprint cards" means that if the state is requiring a fingerprint card to be done, then that card can be done by you. Fingerprint cards can also be for federal reasons or "commercial" reasons which anyone can do regardless of what state you are in.

A license is required to conduct ink fingerprinting services and live scan in the state of California. This is referred to a "rolling certificate" in California.

The California Roller Certification application can be found here.

It is strongly suggested to take a professional training course as well as obtain the roller certification to ensure you are setup for success.

Commercial electronic fingerprinting or "live scan" can be done along with a direct connection to the California DOJ.

NOTE: Connecting to California DOJ for liv scan purposes is a process that requires multiple steps and a 6-9 month wait period.

2. Fingerprinting Skills

We always suggest to seek professional training to be confident in rolling fingerprints for the state of California. You can inquire about training by taking the official fingerprinting.org training course by clicking the link here.

3. Marketing Strategy

For marketing we suggest creating the following to get started.

• Google Business Profile
• Website
• Listing on a referral site

Summary:

California is a great state to do fingerprinting in. As long as you have a solid plan, the right materials, and take action!