Fingerprint Requirement for License Renewal

Regulations (Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations Amended §§ 1007, 1008 and 1017.2) were approved requiring the submission of fingerprints upon license renewal if the Department of Justice (DOJ) has no record that the licensee was previously fingerprinted by the Board. This requirement applies to all licensees not previously fingerprinted by the Board (or, for whom a record of fingerprints no longer exists).

  • Ink on Cards Method
    Ink on Cards Method If you are not able to be fingerprinted in California, you may go to a law enforcement agency to have fingerprints made. Two (2) cards, provided by the Board, 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 card is dated, signed by the official taking the fingerprints and includes your signature. Include the two (2) cards in your application with a $49 non-refundable processing fee. Reports on cards may be received within a month after submission while others may take several months depending on other factors beyond the control of the Board.
    • To receive a set of fingerprint cards, contact the Board by e-mail DentalBoard@dca.ca.gov, or call (916) 263-2300.
  • Live Scan Method
    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 and take it to a Live Scan service location. You will be sent the Request for Live Scan Service form once your application has been reviewed. The Live Scan service location will require you to pay a fee. Your fingerprints will be taken electronically, without ink, and transmitted to the California DOJ. Finally, the DOJ will send their report to the Board. Typically, the report is received within seven days. If you use Live Scan, you are not required to submit a $49.00 fee to the Board.
  • Am I required to be fingerprinted?
    Effective July 1, 2011, if you have never been fingerprinted for the Board or the DOJ no longer has the record of your fingerprinting, you are required to submit fingerprints to the Board as follows.
    • Renew a license that expires on or after July 1, 2011, in the active status;
    • Activate an inactive license; or,
    • Seek reinstatement (in “Active status”) of a lapsed license.
  • You do not have to be fingerprinted if you:
    • Have previously been fingerprinted for the Board (e.g., for initial licensure, reinstatement of license, or condition of probation, etc.) and the Board or the DOJ has your fingerprint record;
    • Are renewing your license in the "Inactive status"; or
    • Are actively serving in the military outside the country.

For more information, call (916) 263-2300 or email DentalBoard@dca.ca.gov.