IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Pursuant to Penal Code section 11102.2(b); the DOJ established a confirmation program to process
fingerprint-based background responses on individuals designated by applicant agencies to serve as
Custodian of Records. Effective January 1, 2011, no person shall serve as an agency Custodian of Records
unless they have been confirmed by the DOJ. Criminal justice agency personnel who have undergone a state
and federal criminal record background check for their agency (currently employed) are exempt from these
requirements.
As such, before any applicant agency can become fully authorized by the DOJ, the DOJ must first
confirm/approve the agency's designated Custodian of Records.
A Custodian of Records means the individual designated by an agency as responsible for the hiring
decisions, and for the security, storage, dissemination, and destruction of the criminal records furnished to
the agency, and who serves as the primary contact for the DOJ for any related issues. Each agency must
designate at least one Custodian of Records
Applicants applying for Custodian of Records confirmation must meet the following criteria:
1. Be at least 18 year old;
2. Complete and submit the Custodian of Records Application Form (BCIA 8374).
The confirmation process will consist of a completed Custodian of Records Application for Confirmation
form (BCIA 8374), which is included in this packet and must be returned along with all required documents.
Additionally, the Custodian of Records must submit fingerprint images to the DOJ via live scan and pay the
$49 state/federal background check fees along with a $30.00 confirmation fee (A total of $79 in fees will
be collected at the live scan site).
Included in this packet is a pre-filled Custodian of Records Request for Live Scan Service (BCIA 8016) form
ready to be utilized to fulfill this requirement once your agency is authorized. PLEASE NOTE: You must
enter all of your Agency's information in the "Employer (Additional response for agencies specified by
statute)" field, with the exception of the Mail Code on the BCIA 8016 form in order for the DOJ to process
your submission.
Confirmation will be denied or revoked on those applicants convicted of a felony offense, or any other
offense that involves moral turpitude, dishonesty, fraud or that impacts the applicant’s ability to perform
the duties or responsibilities of a Custodian of Records. The DOJ will retain the fingerprints for subsequent
arrest notification pursuant to Penal Code section 11105.2. Custodian of Records confirmation, denial, or
revocation letters will be mailed by the DOJ to the designated applicant agency, as identified on the
application by the Custodian of Records applicant.
PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT SUBMIT CUSTODIAN OF RECORDS FINGERPRINT IMAGES UNTIL YOU
HAVE RECEIVED CONFIRMATION FROM THE DOJ THAT YOUR AGENCY IS AUTHORIZED.
After submitting this application, the DOJ's Applicant Information and Certification Program at
authorizationquestions@doj.ca.gov will determine if your agency is authorized and ready for the next step.
Beginning the confirmation process by submitting your Custodian of Records fingerprint images before your
agency is officially authorized to request criminal record information will result in fees being assessed, which will
not be refunded if your agency is determined as not having requesting authority.
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Authorization for Custodian of Records Information