Foreign Adoption Live Scan Fingerprinting & Background Checks

The DOJ will honor a request for a fingerprint background check if needed for approval for a foreign adoption. This process is not the adoption home study and is not to be considered an approval or denial to adopt.

 

If the foreign government or adoption agency requires an FBI background check, please go to FBI for information and instructions, or you can call (304) 625-3878. If the foreign government or adoption agency requires a search of the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI), visit the Child Protection Program’s web site or contact them by phone at (916) 227-3285 for information and instructions.

 

The following are the basic steps to complete your request for a state background check using Live Scan if you are in California. Failure to follow these procedures may result in a delay or the rejection of your application for a DOJ background check.

 

Electronic (Live Scan) Submissions:

Step One (1):

Print out a copy of the Request Form for Foreign Adoption Live Scan Fingerprinting:
Request for Live Scan Service – BCIA 8016RR, pdf

 

Step Two (2):

Follow the instructions for completing your Request Form:
Guidelines for Completing BCIA 8016RR, pdf

 

Step Three (3):

Get fingerprinted. Alive Scan is certified by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) for live scan digital fingerprinting as well as ink “hard card” fingerprinting. We are an authorized alternative to law enforcement fingerprinting in San Diego. Since California law enforcement no longer offer fingerprinting services, our facility is often referred to by local police departments and sheriff offices.

 

The total cost for foreign adoption live scan fingerprinting and background history check is $43. This includes the $25 DOJ processing fee plus Alive Scan’s $18 rolling fee. Please contact us if you have questions or to set up your foreign adoption live scan appointment.

 

Step Four (4):

Once the submission is received and processed, the DOJ will mail the response via U.S, mail to the applicant and to the foreign government (Identified by the applicant on the BCII RR 8016 form). It is the applicant’s responsibility to forward the information to their legal counsel or assistance agency.