Find San Mateo Background Check Records

Background check services in San Mateo are available through the San Mateo County Sheriff and court system. The city sits between San Francisco and San Jose.

San Mateo County Handles Background Checks

San Mateo is the largest city in San Mateo County. It shares the county name but is not the county seat. Redwood City holds that title. Criminal records for San Mateo residents go through county agencies.

The San Mateo County Sheriff provides Live Scan fingerprinting. The Superior Court handles court records. Private operators also serve the city. This is the standard setup across California.

The San Mateo Police Department does not offer public Live Scan. They handle law enforcement. Background check services come from other sources.

San Mateo County Sheriff Live Scan

The San Mateo County Sheriff provides Live Scan at their facility. The rolling fee is $39. This is higher than some counties but mid-range for the Bay Area.

You must schedule an appointment. Call 650-599-1520 to book a time. Walk-ins are not accepted. Plan ahead if you need fingerprints for a deadline.

Payment is cash or company check only. Credit cards and personal checks are not accepted. Bring exact change if possible.

Government fees add to the cost. The DOJ fee is $32. The FBI fee is $17 for federal checks. A full background check at the Sheriff costs around $88 total.

Private operators may charge less. Use the DOJ site locator to compare options in San Mateo. Some sites offer walk-in service or lower fees.

San Mateo County Court Records

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

The main courthouse is in Redwood City at 400 County Center. San Mateo has a branch court for some matters. All criminal records go through the main clerk office.

You can search case information online through the court portal. Basic details are public. Certified copies cost $40. This is the standard rate for California courts.

To request records, visit the clerk office or submit a request by mail. Include the defendant name and case number if known. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days for mail requests.

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 about you.

Fill out form BCIA 8016RR. Take it to any Live Scan site. The DOJ fee is $25. Add the rolling fee from the operator. Total cost is usually $64 to $90 in San Mateo County.

Results come in 2 to 3 days for most people. The DOJ mails the record to you. If you have a history that needs manual review, it takes longer.

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 Mateo Police Records

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

To get a police report, contact the Records Bureau. You can request copies in person or by mail. There is a fee per page. Most reports cost $10 to $30.

The police can confirm if someone was arrested in San Mateo. They cannot provide statewide history. For that, use Live Scan through the DOJ system.

Common Uses for Background Checks

San Mateo residents need background checks for various reasons. The city has many biotech companies, healthcare facilities, and schools. All of these fields require clearance.

Healthcare workers need DOJ and often FBI checks. Nurses, lab technicians, and medical assistants all require clearance. The employer or licensing board handles the request.

Teachers and school workers need background checks. California law requires clearance for anyone working with students. The school district submits the request. You show up for fingerprints.

Volunteers with children also need checks. This includes youth sports coaches, school helpers, and tutors. The organization handles the paperwork and often pays the fees.

Professional licenses often require background checks. Real estate agents, insurance brokers, and contractors need clearance from the state.

Processing Times and Status

Most Live Scan checks finish in 48 to 72 hours. The DOJ reports that 80% complete within 3 business days. Records with matches take longer.

A match means your prints appear in the DOJ database. A technician must review the file manually. They verify the record is yours. This adds days or weeks to processing.

Check your status at applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov. Enter your ATI number from the fingerprinting session. The portal shows if your check is pending or complete.

There is no way to speed up DOJ processing. The agency does not offer expedited service. If your check is delayed, you wait.

Clearing Your Record

California offers ways to clean your criminal record. You can dismiss convictions and seal arrests under certain conditions.

Penal Code 1203.4 allows conviction dismissal after probation. File a petition with the San Mateo Superior Court. The fee is around $150. If granted, the conviction shows as dismissed.

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.

Recent laws provide automatic relief for some old records. Penal Code 1203.425 dismisses certain convictions automatically. Check with the court to see if you qualify.

Disputing Errors

Criminal records sometimes have mistakes. Wrong information can hurt your job search or licensing. California lets you challenge errors.

File form BCIA 8706 to dispute an error. Send it to the DOJ Record Review Unit. Include documents that prove the mistake. Court papers and identity documents help.

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

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