Live Scan is electronic fingerprinting. A Live Scan site takes your fingerprints digitally and sends them to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) for a criminal record check, usually within seconds. DMV requires it of anyone applying for a first-time dealer or salesperson license. DMV can't release your license until DOJ clears your background check.
Educational information only. This article is not legal or financial advice.
In this article
How it works for a dealer license
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who | Anyone applying for a first-time dealer or salesperson license |
| Form | Request for Live Scan Service, DMV 8016. Bring it to the Live Scan site |
| Cost | $32 DOJ criminal record check fee, collected at the site, plus the site's own service fee (varies by location) |
| Where | Any Live Scan site listed by the California Attorney General, or your local police or sheriff's station |
| Results | Sent from DOJ directly to DMV |
| Status | Check it at applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov with the ATI number from your form and your date of birth |
Prior fingerprints don't count. DMV can't use Live Scan results sent to another agency, such as for a real estate or contractor license. You need a new Live Scan on DMV's form.
What shows up
DOJ reports your criminal history record to DMV. The safest rule is to assume every conviction will show up. That includes old ones, out-of-state ones and expunged ones.
The dealer application asks you to disclose every conviction in the last 10 years, traffic offenses excepted, including expunged and no-contest convictions. A conviction you leave off is its own reason for DMV to refuse a license. Read Does a criminal record automatically disqualify you? before you apply.
Tips
- Do Live Scan as soon as you submit your application. The license waits on it.
- Use DMV form 8016 so the results go to DMV, not another agency.
- Keep your ATI number from the form to track your status.
- Every owner listed on the application needs their own Live Scan.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Live Scan cost for a California dealer license?
DMV lists a $32 DOJ criminal record check fee, collected at the Live Scan site, plus the site's own service fee, which varies by location. Use DMV form 8016.
Can I use Live Scan results from another license?
No. DMV can't use results sent to another agency. You need a new Live Scan using DMV's form so DOJ sends the results directly to DMV.
How do I check my Live Scan status?
Use the California DOJ applicant status site, applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov, with the information from your Live Scan form.
Where can I get Live Scan done?
At a Live Scan site listed by the California Attorney General. Bring DMV's Request for Live Scan Service form (DMV 8016) so results go to DMV.
Related questions
- How long does it take to get a dealer license in California?
- How hard is it to get a dealer license in California?
- Can a felon get a dealer license?
- Back to the California Dealer License FAQ
Next step: DMV application guide · DMV forms for dealers
Resources
- DMV: Live Scan Fingerprinting (Opens in new window)
- California Attorney General: Live Scan locations (Opens in new window)
- DOJ applicant status (Opens in new window)
Sources: DMV: Live Scan Fingerprinting (Opens in new window) (who must be fingerprinted, DMV 8016, $32 DOJ fee, status lookup, prior results not usable; page updated February 15, 2024) · DMV form OL 29B (PDF opens in new window) (disclosure rules). Verified 2026-10-16.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. If you have a criminal record, talk to an attorney before you apply.