California Background Check Instructions

How to complete a California background check - for California residents and non-residents.

Let's get started with your California background check! Click on the link for the option that best describes you: 

• I am a California resident
• I am not a California resident 
  
  

Instructions for California Residents 

Please find the steps below to complete your California Background Check process as a California resident. Additionally, please review this resource for further instructions on completing the California background check process as a CA resident.

1. Please remember to use the same email address you used to apply to BookNook when completing the registration form below, or it may delay your clearance timing. 
2. Complete the California Resident Form  to register with Be A Mentor
3. Attend and complete a Live Scan Fingerprinting appointment. The instructions for this appear on the webpage after you submit the California Resident Form. 
4. Bring these two forms with you to the digital fingerprinting appointment: 
   • Download, print and bring your Live Scan form. 
   • Download, print and bring your Certificate.

5.   Wait + Track: After your appointment, the average clearance duration can take up to two              weeks for California Residents.

Keep an eye on our Tutor Background Check Tracker for your unique identifier to update with your California clearance. 

Instructions for Non-California Residents 

Quick Facts Before You Start

Please find the steps below to complete your California Background Check process as a Non-California resident. Please review this resource for further instructions on completing the California background check process as a non-California resident.

1. Please remember to use the same email address you used to apply to BookNook when completing the registration form below, or it may delay your clearance timing.
2. Complete the Non-California Resident Form 
3. After completing the Non-California Resident Form, be on the lookout for a mailed envelope from Be A Mentor. This envelope will include a pre-labeled return envelope with hard copy fingerprint cards. **Note: this is a different envelope and card than those for Maryland & Texas fingerprints.
4. Bring the hard copy fingerprint card to your local law enforcement agency or reputable fingerprint business to have your fingerprints taken. Please do not fill out the fingerprint card ahead of time as some agencies only allow it to be filled out at the appointment. We highly encourage having the fingerprints done in digital format on the California fingerprint card, but ink rolled prints may be done if digital transcription is not available.
5. Once completed, please insert the fingerprint card into the pre-labeled envelope and return it in the mail. 
6. To get reimbursed, upload the receipt associated with your fingerprinting costs using this secure site. Name your receipt file using this format: FirstName_LastName_Expense (ex: John_Smith_Hardcopyfingerprints). 
   After uploading the receipt to the secure site, complete this reimbursement form. 
7. Wait + Track: After mailing your cards, the average clearance duration can take up to one month. Keep an eye on our Tutor Background Check Tracker for your unique identifier to update with your California clearance.