Fingerprinting Information

Fingerprints can be obtained by either the Ink on Cards method or by using Live Scan. A dental license will not be issued until clearance has been received from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Board regulation requires two (2) "classifiable" sets of fingerprints on forms provided by the Board to complete the application. Classifiable means that the prints can be "read" by the California DOJ and the FBI. Fingerprints are more likely to be classifiable if they are taken by a large local law enforcement agency such as a police or sheriff department.

Live Scan Method

Note: If you use Live Scan, you are not required to submit a $49.00 fee to the Board.

Live Scan is available only in California, for either residents or visitors, and is more efficient than the Ink on Cards method. To use the Live Scan method, you will complete a Request for Live Scan Service form provided by the Board and take it to a Live Scan service location which you can search by county Live Scan Service Locations by county.

Note: You will be sent the Request for Live Scan Service form once your application has been submitted, reviewed, and the application fees have been paid.

The Live Scan service location will require you to pay an additional and separate fee that is not part of your application fee but part of their services. Your fingerprints will be taken electronically, without ink, and transmitted to the California DOJ. Finally, the DOJ will send their report to the Board. Usually, the report is received within seven days. There is a low rate of rejections with this method.

Ink on Cards Method: Hard Cards

Note: Requires a $49 fingerprint fee that is non-refundable.

If you cannot be fingerprinted in California, you may go to a law enforcement agency to have fingerprints made. The two (2) cards will be provided by the Board and are required. Be sure to type, or print legibly in black ink, all the areas on both cards asking for personal information. Ensure that the hard cards are dated and signed by the official taking the fingerprints which includes your signature.

  • Applying Online (BreEZe)
    • If you pay the $49 fingerprint fee through BreEZe, do not pay it again when the hard cards are mailed to you from the Board. The instruction letter will confirm your payment status.
  • Applying by Paper Application
    • You may include the $49 fingerprint fee with your paper application payment.
    • However, if you already paid the fee, do not pay it again when you receive the hard cards from the Board. The instruction letter will confirm your payment status.
  • If You Did NOT Pay the $49 Fee with Your Application (Paper or BreEZe)
    • The Board will notify you that the $49 fingerprint fee is due in the instruction letter when they send your hard cards.
    • You must submit the $49 fee along with your completed hard cards.

When sending back your completed hard cards, please remember to include the two (2) cards with your deficiency letter. Reports on some cards are received within a month after submission. Others may take many months depending on other factors beyond the control of the Board.

To receive a set of fingerprint cards, contact the Dental Board by sending a message, or call (916) 263–2300.