Search San Diego Background Check Records
Background check services in San Diego are available through the San Diego County Sheriff and Superior Court. The city itself does not offer public Live Scan.
San Diego Quick Facts
San Diego County Handles Background Checks
San Diego is California's second largest city. It is also the county seat of San Diego County. With nearly 1.4 million people, the city relies on county services for most background check needs.
The San Diego Police Department does not offer Live Scan to the public. If you need fingerprinting, use the Sheriff or a private operator. This is common for large cities in California. Police focus on crime response. Background check services go through other channels.
The county has many options for Live Scan. Private operators are spread across the city. The DOJ site locator shows over 100 locations in San Diego County. Prices and hours vary widely.
San Diego County Sheriff Records
The San Diego County Sheriff offers a local criminal history check. This shows arrests and convictions from San Diego County only. It does not include records from other counties or states.
The fee is $14. Processing takes 3 to 10 business days. You can request this check online or by mail. Call 858-974-2222 for details. This is a good option if you just need local records.
For a full statewide check, you need Live Scan. The Sheriff does not offer public Live Scan at their offices. Use the DOJ locator to find certified sites. Many private businesses in San Diego provide this service.
San Diego Superior Court Records
Criminal court records come from the San Diego Superior Court. The court handles all criminal cases in the county. This includes misdemeanors, felonies, and infractions.
You can search case records online through the court portal. Basic information is free. This includes case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and outcomes. Certified copies cost $40. This is the standard rate for California courts.
The main courthouse is at 1100 Union Street in downtown San Diego. The clerk office is open Monday through Friday. You can also request records by mail. Include the defendant name, case number if known, and a check for fees.
San Diego County uses an online portal that is easy to navigate. You can search by name, case number, or date range. The system shows both open and closed cases. Historical records go back many years.
Live Scan Services in San Diego
Private operators provide most Live Scan services in San Diego. Since the city and Sheriff do not offer public fingerprinting, private sites fill the gap. Competition keeps prices reasonable.
Rolling fees at private sites range from $15 to $50. The lowest prices are often at UPS stores, notary offices, and mobile fingerprinting services. Higher prices come with perks like no appointments or faster processing.
Government fees stay the same everywhere. The DOJ fee is $32 for most checks. The FBI fee is $17. A full check costs $64 to $99 depending on where you go.
To find a site, use the DOJ locator at oag.ca.gov. Enter San Diego as your city. The list shows all certified operators. Call ahead to check hours and fees. Some sites need appointments. Others take walk-ins.
Getting Your Own Criminal Record
You can request your own California criminal history. This is called a Record Review. It shows everything the DOJ has on file. Arrests, charges, convictions, and case outcomes all appear.
Fill out form BCIA 8016RR. Take it to any Live Scan site. The DOJ fee is $25. Add the rolling fee from the operator. Most sites charge $15 to $30 for this service.
Results come in 2 to 3 days for most people. The DOJ sends the record to you by mail. If you have a long history or prior matches, it takes longer. Some reviews need up to 2 weeks.
You cannot share your Record Review with others. California law prohibits giving your rap sheet to employers or landlords. They must run their own authorized check.
San Diego Police Records
The San Diego Police Department handles incident reports and arrest records. These are different from background checks. An incident report documents a specific event like an accident or crime.
To get a police report, contact the Records Division. You can request reports online through the city website. There is a fee per page. Most reports cost $10 to $40 depending on length.
The police can tell you if someone was arrested in the city. They cannot provide statewide criminal history. For that, you need a DOJ background check through Live Scan.
Common Uses for Background Checks
San Diego residents need background checks for many reasons. Jobs with the military and defense contractors are common here. The city has multiple military bases and a large defense industry.
Military jobs and security clearances require FBI checks. The hiring agency handles the paperwork. You just show up for fingerprints at their designated site. These checks can take weeks or months due to the federal process.
Other common needs include volunteer work, professional licensing, and foster care. Teachers, nurses, real estate agents, and contractors all need DOJ clearance in California. The licensing board specifies which check is required.
Volunteer organizations that work with children need background checks on all adults. This includes school volunteers, youth sports coaches, and church workers. The organization submits the request. You pay the fees.
Processing Times and Status
Most Live Scan checks finish in 48 to 72 hours. The DOJ reports that 80% complete within 3 business days. If your prints match a record, it takes longer.
A match means your prints appear in the DOJ database. A technician must review the file. They confirm the record belongs to you. This manual step adds time. Complex records can delay results by 2 weeks or more.
Check your status at applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov. Enter your ATI number. This is the transaction ID from your fingerprinting session. The portal shows if your check is pending, done, or delayed.
Fixing Errors on Your Record
Criminal records sometimes have mistakes. Wrong information can affect jobs and licenses. California lets you challenge errors on your DOJ record.
File form BCIA 8706 to dispute an error. Send it to the DOJ Record Review Unit. Include documents that prove the mistake. Court papers, dismissal orders, and identity documents help your case.
The DOJ reviews each claim. If they find an error, they correct it. Processing takes 30 to 60 days. Call 916-227-3849 to check status. Complex cases take longer to resolve.