San Francisco Background Check Services

Background check records in San Francisco are available through the San Francisco Superior Court and various Live Scan operators. San Francisco is both a city and county.

San Francisco Is a City-County

San Francisco is unique in California. It is both a city and a county. There is no separate county government. The city handles everything. This makes background checks simpler in some ways.

The San Francisco County Sheriff and Superior Court serve the entire area. There are no smaller towns or unincorporated areas. All records go through city-county agencies.

The Sheriff provides some Live Scan services. Private operators also serve the city. Court records come from the San Francisco Superior Court. The court has an online portal for case searches.

San Francisco Superior Court Records

Criminal court records come from the San Francisco Superior Court. The court handles all criminal cases in the city-county. This includes felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions.

You can request criminal records from the court clerk. Certificates cost $40 per court number. This is the standard rate across California. The court clerk office is at 850 Bryant Street.

Phone the clerk at 415-551-0651 for questions. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. You can visit in person or request records by mail.

The court offers some online access to case information. Basic details like case numbers, charges, and hearing dates appear in the public portal. Full documents require a visit to the clerk or a formal request.

Live Scan Services in San Francisco

Multiple Live Scan operators serve San Francisco. The city has private businesses, some government offices, and mobile services. Prices and hours vary.

Rolling fees range from $20 to $60 at different sites. Government fees stay the same everywhere. The DOJ fee is $32. The FBI fee is $17 for federal checks. A full background check costs $69 to $109 depending on where you go.

To find Live Scan sites, use the DOJ locator at oag.ca.gov. Enter San Francisco or your zip code. The list shows all certified operators. Sites marked "BNR" only serve specific agencies. Look for sites marked "Public" for walk-in service.

Call ahead before visiting. Many San Francisco sites require appointments. Hours can be limited. A quick call confirms they can help you.

Getting Your Own Criminal Record

You can request your own DOJ criminal history. This is called a Record Review. It shows everything on your state rap sheet. Arrests, charges, convictions, and outcomes all appear.

Fill out form BCIA 8016RR. Take it to any Live Scan site. The DOJ fee is $25. Add the site's rolling fee. Total cost is usually $45 to $85 depending on the operator.

Results come by mail in 2 to 3 days for most people. If you have a record that needs review, it takes longer. The DOJ says some requests need up to 2 weeks.

You cannot share your Record Review with employers or landlords. California Penal Code 11142 prohibits this. They must run their own authorized check through proper channels.

San Francisco Police Records

The San Francisco Police Department handles incident reports. These document specific events like arrests, accidents, or crimes. They are not the same as criminal background checks.

To get a police report, contact the Records Division. You can request copies online or in person. There is a fee per page. Most reports cost $10 to $40.

The police can confirm if someone was arrested in San Francisco. They cannot provide statewide criminal history. For that, you need a DOJ background check through Live Scan.

Who Needs Background Checks

Many San Francisco residents need background checks. The city has a large healthcare industry, tech sector, and financial services. All of these fields often require clearance.

Healthcare workers need DOJ and sometimes FBI checks. Nurses, home health aides, and hospital staff must clear background requirements. The licensing board or employer handles the paperwork.

Childcare workers and teachers need background checks. California law requires clearance for anyone working with minors. Schools and daycares submit the request. You just show up for fingerprints.

Volunteers who work with children also need checks. This applies to youth sports coaches, school helpers, and religious education teachers. The organization submits the request and usually pays the fees.

Professional licenses often require background checks. Real estate agents, insurance brokers, contractors, and security guards all need clearance in California.

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 in the database, it takes longer.

A match triggers manual review. A technician compares your prints to stored records. They verify the record belongs to you. This step can add days or weeks to processing.

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, complete, or delayed.

The DOJ does not offer expedited processing. No amount of money speeds up the check. If your results are delayed, you must wait. Calling does not help unless there is an actual problem.

Cleaning Your Criminal Record

California offers ways to clean your record. True expungement does not exist. But you can dismiss convictions and seal arrests under certain conditions.

Penal Code 1203.4 lets you dismiss convictions after probation. You file a petition with the court. The filing fee is around $150. If granted, the conviction shows as dismissed on your record.

Penal Code 851.91 lets you seal arrest records. This applies when charges were dropped or you were found not guilty. File form CR-409 with the court. Sealed records do not appear on most background checks.

Recent laws created automatic relief for some records. Penal Code 1203.425 provides automatic dismissal for certain old convictions. Penal Code 851.93 seals some arrests automatically. Check if you qualify by reviewing your record.

Disputing Errors on Your Record

Criminal records sometimes have mistakes. Wrong information can block jobs or licenses. California law lets you challenge errors.

File form BCIA 8706 to dispute an error. Send it to the DOJ Record Review Unit in Sacramento. Include documents that prove the mistake. Court orders, dismissal papers, and ID documents all help.

The DOJ investigates each claim. If they find an error, they fix it. Processing takes 30 to 60 days. Complex cases take longer. Call 916-227-3849 to check status.

Nearby Cities