BCIA 8705 – Application to Obtain Copy of State Summary Criminal History Record

Jurisdiction: Country: United States | Province/State: California

What is a BCIA 8705 – Application to Obtain Copy of State Summary Criminal History Record?

BCIA 8705 is the California Department of Justice’s application you use to request your own state summary criminal history record. In plain terms, it is the form that triggers a “record review” of your California criminal history file. The response you receive is your California state rap sheet or a letter stating that no record exists in your name. The record is based on arrests and dispositions that California law enforcement agencies and courts have reported to the state repository.

You use this form to get a copy of your own record. It is not for employers, landlords, or licensing agencies to get your record. It does not authorize release to any third party. The Department of Justice will send the result only to the mailing address you provide on the application. If a licensing board or employer needs a background check, they must direct that process using their own Live Scan request and agency codes. BCIA 8705 is different. It serves your right to see what the state has on file about you.

People typically use this form when they want to confirm what appears on their California criminal history before they apply for jobs, licenses, or housing. You might use it to prepare for record clearing, such as expungement or reduction motions. You may also need it for immigration, foreign visa, or adoption processes that ask for an official letter from the state. In those cases, the application allows you to indicate a specific purpose so the Department of Justice prepares the response in the appropriate format for authentication.

You may need the form if you believe your record has mistakes. Errors happen, such as missing court dispositions, arrests that should not be there, or mistaken identity. Getting your record lets you verify what the state shows and gives you a clear starting point to request corrections. The record you receive is not an FBI record and does not include out‑of‑state information. It is the California state summary only. If your history exists in multiple states or at the federal level, you will need to request those separately through their own processes.

Typical usage scenarios

• Personal record checks before a professional license application
• Confirming a “no record” status
• Gathering case numbers for court filings
• Responding to a court order that you verify your rap sheet
• Supporting immigration filings that ask for state background documentation
• Preparing for a clemency or pardon submission that requires an accurate record summary.

If you live outside California or cannot use electronic Live Scan, the BCIA 8705 form is the standard way to request your California record by mail with fingerprint cards.

When Would You Use a BCIA 8705 – Application to Obtain Copy of State Summary Criminal History Record?

You use this form when you want to see your California criminal history exactly as the state keeps it. If you are about to apply for a state license and want to avoid surprises, request your record first. This gives you time to correct errors and collect court paperwork that explains older cases. If you are starting expungement or record‑sealing work, the state summary tells you which cases the Department of Justice has indexed under your profile. It helps you spot missing dispositions, date issues, or cases that are shown under an old name or alias.

If you are an immigrant applying for status, a visa, or certain waivers, your application may call for a state background letter. In that situation, you can mark the relevant purpose on BCIA 8705, so the response meets the expectations of the consulate or immigration process. If you are adopting from abroad, agencies often ask for a state‑issued response that can be authenticated. You can set that up through the application by choosing the proper purpose for the request.

If you were the victim of identity theft, or a case was dismissed and still shows as open, this form gives you a way to see the state summary and fix the record. If a court has directed you to provide your state criminal history, use BCIA 8705 to obtain it. If you are returning to California after living elsewhere and want to know what is on file in California before a job search, this is the straightforward route. If you cannot use Live Scan because you live out of state or you are overseas, you would use the application with manual fingerprint cards and mail it to the Department of Justice.

Common users

• Job seekers
• Licensed professionals
• Students in regulated fields
• Business owners preparing for permitting
• Tenants who want to anticipate screening questions
• Attorneys assisting clients with record review
• Individuals navigating immigration, foreign travel, or international adoption requirements

By contrast, employers, landlords, and agencies do not use this form to obtain your record. They must run their checks through official channels designed for third‑party screening. BCIA 8705 is a personal record review tool. It is meant for you to look and, if needed, take steps to correct or explain what you see.

Legal Characteristics of the BCIA 8705 – Application to Obtain Copy of State Summary Criminal History Record

This application is not a contract. It is an administrative request to a state agency under your right to access your personal criminal history information. By signing, you certify your identity and authorize the Department of Justice to search its records and mail the result to you. Your signature is taken under penalty of perjury, which gives the state a basis to rely on the information you provide and deters misuse. The Department of Justice uses your fingerprints to verify identity. That requirement is what gives the process integrity and ensures that the record they send belongs to you and not to someone with a similar name.

Enforceability and authenticity stem from a few safeguards. First, the Department of Justice will not release your state criminal history to third parties through this process. The response is addressed and mailed only to the address you list. Second, the fingerprint match links the application to a specific person, not just a name. Third, the Department of Justice controls the format of the response for certain purposes, such as immigration or foreign adoption, including seals or signatures that can be authenticated. Together, those features support accurate and secure release.

Your California state summary criminal history is confidential. It is not a public record. You decide whether to share it with anyone. You should not alter it. If you believe the record is incomplete or incorrect, you have the right to challenge it. The Department of Justice provides a process to dispute inaccuracies and to submit certified court documents or arrest records to prove a correction is needed. Until corrected, the record reflects what has been reported to the state. The response you receive is current as of the date it is generated. It does not update itself. If you resolve a case after the response date, you will need to request a new record to see the update once the court reports it.

This application does not substitute for an employer or licensing background check. If an agency asks for a background check for their process, you must use their specific Live Scan instructions. Your personal record review result is not a clearance letter for those purposes. It is also not an FBI Identity History Summary, and it does not include arrests from other states. If a foreign government asks for a state background letter, using the application with the correct purpose selected will prompt the Department of Justice to produce a response that can be authenticated after you receive it. You handle any later steps, such as obtaining an authentication from the appropriate office.

Finally, be careful about your mailing address. The Department of Justice will send the result to the address you provide. If your address is incorrect or your mailbox is insecure, your confidential record could be delayed or exposed. Use an address where you reliably receive mail. If you move before you receive the response, update your request as directed on the form or plan to submit a new application.

How to Fill Out a BCIA 8705 – Application to Obtain Copy of State Summary Criminal History Record

Follow these steps to complete and submit your application correctly. The process differs slightly depending on whether you use Live Scan or mail fingerprint cards. BCIA 8705 is the standard application for a mail‑in record review. If you will use electronic Live Scan inside California, you will use a Live Scan request specific to record review instead of this application. If you are outside California or cannot access Live Scan, complete BCIA 8705 and include fingerprint cards as described below.

1) Confirm your purpose before you start

• Decide why you need the record. Choose “Record Review” if your goal is to see your record, verify accuracy, or prepare for corrections or court filings.
• If you need the result for immigration, foreign visa, or adoption, plan to indicate that purpose on the application so the response is formatted for that use.
• If an employer or licensing agency told you to get a background check, do not use this application. Ask them for their specific instructions instead.

2) Gather identification and payment

• Have a valid government photo ID ready. A state driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID works. Make a clear copy of the front and back to include with your application.
• Prepare the fee payment. The Department of Justice charges a processing fee for a record review. If you mail your request, pay by money order or cashier’s check in the exact amount. Make it payable as directed on the form. Do not send cash. If you use Live Scan, you will pay the Department of Justice fee plus any rolling fee at the Live Scan site.
• Fees can change. Check the current amount before you submit. If you are mailing the application, write the fee amount on your checklist so you do not forget to include it.

3) Arrange for fingerprinting

• If you are inside California and can use Live Scan, schedule an appointment with a Live Scan provider and use the record review Live Scan request. In that path, you do not use BCIA 8705.
• If you are outside California or cannot use Live Scan, get fingerprinted on standard fingerprint cards. The most common is the FD‑258 card. You can be printed by a law enforcement agency or a qualified fingerprinting service. Ask for rolled impressions and ensure the technician fills out all required blocks.
• Use black ink. Provide two sets of fingerprint cards if possible. If the first card is rejected for quality, the second set can save time.
• Make sure the fingerprint cards show the correct reason for fingerprinting. The reason should indicate a California record review. The cards should list your full legal name and biographical data exactly as on your application.

4) Complete the applicant information section

• Write your full legal name exactly as it appears on your ID. Include first, middle, and last name.
• List all other names you have used. Include maiden names, prior married names, hyphenated names, and common aliases. This helps match your record accurately.
• Provide your date of birth, place of birth, and sex. Include your height, weight, eye color, and hair color if the form asks for physical descriptors. Fill these fields even if you think they are optional.
• Enter your state driver’s license or ID number and the issuing state. If requested, include the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you know your California Criminal Identification Index (CII) number, include it. If not, leave it blank.
• Double‑check spelling and numbers. Biographical errors cause delays or mismatches.

5) Provide your mailing address and contact information

• Enter a complete mailing address where you can securely receive mail for the next several weeks. Include apartment or unit numbers. A P.O. Box is acceptable if you regularly check it.
• Add a phone number where the Department of Justice can reach you if they need clarification. If the form asks for an email address, include one you check often. The Department of Justice will still mail your result, but accurate contact details can prevent avoidable delays.

6) Declare the purpose of your request

• Check the box for “Record Review” if you want to see and verify your own state record. This is the most common choice.
• If you need the record for immigration, a foreign visa, or foreign adoption, select the relevant option. That tells the Department of Justice to prepare the response in a format suitable for later authentication.
• Do not select an employment or licensing option. Those are handled through agency‑specific Live Scan requests, not this application.

7) Read the privacy and certification statements

• Review the privacy notice on the form. It explains how your information is used and your right to access and correct your record.
• Read the applicant certification. You are declaring under penalty of perjury that you are requesting your own record and that the information you provided is true. You may also be acknowledging that the Department of Justice will mail your result only to you.

8) Sign and date the application

• Sign your full name in ink. Use the same name you listed at the top of the form.
• Date the application. If a signature block asks for place of signing, include the city and state.
• Unsigned applications will be returned. Do not use a digital signature unless the form specifically allows it.

9) Assemble your submission packet for mail‑in requests

• Include the completed and signed BCIA 8705 application.
• Add your fingerprint card(s) with rolled impressions and all required data fields completed by the technician.
• Attach a clear photocopy of your valid photo ID, front and back.
• Include your payment by money order or cashier’s check in the correct amount. Make it payable exactly as instructed on the form.
• If the application mentions any supplemental sheet or cover page, include it. Keep a copy of everything for your records.

10) Mail your packet

• Mail your packet to the address listed on the form for the Department of Justice Record Review Unit. Use a trackable mailing method if possible. Keep the tracking receipt until you receive your result.
• If you live outside the United States, use a courier service that can deliver to the listed address. Verify customs or mailing restrictions before you ship.

11) If using Live Scan instead of BCIA 8705

• Bring a record review Live Scan request to a Live Scan site. You will pay the Department of Justice fee plus a rolling fee to the site.
• Provide the same identification and biographical information you would list on the application.
• The Department of Justice will mail the result to you at the address you wrote on the Live Scan request.

12) Track and wait for your result

• Processing time varies. Live Scan submissions usually process faster than mailed fingerprint cards. Mail‑in requests can take longer due to transit and manual processing.
• If your fingerprints are rejected for quality, the Department of Justice will notify you. You may need to submit a new set of fingerprint cards. Respond quickly to avoid delays.

13) Review your result carefully

• If the response says “no record,” keep the letter in a safe place. Some processes will accept a copy of that letter from you.
• If you receive a rap sheet, read every entry. Confirm case numbers, dates of arrest, arresting agencies, charges, and dispositions. Look for missing dispositions or cases that should not be there. Compare the data to your court paperwork.
• If you find an error, follow the dispute instructions included with your response. You will likely need to submit certified court documents or official records to show the correct outcome. Keep copies of everything you send. Corrections can take time, and updates depend on agency reporting.

14) Use and store your record responsibly

• Share your record only when necessary. It contains sensitive personal information.
• Do not alter the document. If a recipient wants a certified or authenticated version, check whether your response meets their needs or whether an additional authentication step is required.
• If you need a result for an international process, and you selected the appropriate purpose on the application, you should receive a response that can be authenticated. Follow the instructions that came with your result to complete any authentication step.

15) Avoid common mistakes

• Do not use this application for someone else. Each person must request their own record.
• Do not skip the fingerprint requirement. Name‑only requests are not accepted for state criminal history records.
• Do not send partial packets. Missing payment, ID copy, or fingerprint cards will cause holds or returns.
• Do not assume your court file and your state record match. Always compare and be ready to submit corrections if needed.
• Do not list an address where you cannot receive mail reliably. The Department of Justice will not email the record.

If you approach the form with these steps, you will give the Department of Justice what it needs to verify your identity and send you a complete, current copy of your California state summary criminal history. That record lets you make informed decisions, correct mistakes, and move forward with confidence in the information held about you.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• When you complete BCIA 8705 – Application to Obtain Copy of State Summary Criminal History Record, you will see terms that can feel technical. Here is what they mean in practical terms for you.
• State summary criminal history record is your statewide “rap sheet.” It compiles arrests, charges, dispositions, and supervision outcomes that agencies reported in the state. You use BCIA 8705 to request a copy for your own review.
• Record review is the purpose of your request. It means you are asking for your own record to check it for accuracy. It is not a background check for an employer or licensing board.
• Live Scan is digital fingerprinting done by an authorized operator. Your prints are captured electronically and sent to the state. If you use Live Scan with BCIA 8705, results often arrive faster than mailing fingerprint cards.
• Fingerprint card is a physical card with your inked fingerprints. You may use it if you cannot access Live Scan. You submit the card with your completed BCIA 8705 and the required fee.
• Rolling fee is the fee a fingerprint operator charges to capture your prints. It is separate from the state processing fee for your BCIA 8705 request. You pay both when using Live Scan.
• Applicant Tracking Identifier (ATI) is a unique code tied to your Live Scan submission. Keep it. You may need it to follow up on your BCIA 8705 request or resubmit prints if rejected.
• RAP sheet is a common term for your criminal history summary. It lists reportable arrests and court outcomes. Your BCIA 8705 request returns your RAP sheet to you, not to anyone else.
• Resubmission is a second fingerprint submission when the first set is rejected. Prints can be rejected for poor quality or missing fields. Use the resubmission code you receive and follow the instructions to avoid paying a second processing fee.
• Primary identification means a valid government photo ID that proves who you are. Your name and date of birth on BCIA 8705 must match your ID exactly to avoid delays.
• Right to challenge is your right to dispute errors in your record. After you get your BCIA 8705 results, you can ask the state to fix incorrect or missing information. You must provide proof, such as court records.

FAQs

Do you have to live in California to use BCIA 8705?

No. You can request your own state summary record even if you live elsewhere. If you are outside the state, you will likely use fingerprint cards. You will mail your BCIA 8705 with your prints and fee as instructed on the form.

Do you need Live Scan, or can you mail fingerprints?

You can do either, depending on access. Live Scan is faster and sends prints electronically. If Live Scan is not available to you, use inked prints on a fingerprint card and mail them with your BCIA 8705. Choose one path and follow its instructions closely.

How long does it take to receive your record?

Timing varies. Live Scan results often arrive in days. Mailed fingerprint cards can take a few weeks. Processing can take longer if prints are hard to read or if information is incomplete. Plan for extra time if you have a common name.

How much does it cost?

You pay two types of fees. One is the state processing fee for your BCIA 8705 request. The other is the fingerprint operator’s rolling fee if you use Live Scan. If you mail fingerprint cards, include the state fee as the form instructs. Budget for both.

Can you request someone else’s record with BCIA 8705?

No. BCIA 8705 is for your own record only. You cannot use it to get another person’s history. Agencies and employers must use their own legal process to request records for their purposes.

What if your fingerprints are rejected?

It happens. You will receive a rejection notice with a resubmission instruction or code. Return for a new Live Scan or new fingerprint card promptly. Bring the rejection notice so the operator can resubmit correctly. Follow the notice to avoid paying a second processing fee.

Will your record include arrests without court outcomes?

Yes, if agencies reported the arrest but did not report the court disposition. Your state summary shows what has been reported. If a disposition is missing or wrong, contact the reporting court or agency and use the challenge process to update the record.

Can you get the results electronically?

Personal record review results are generally mailed to the address you listed on BCIA 8705. Agencies that request background checks may receive results electronically, but that does not apply to your personal copy. Make sure your mailing address is current and secure.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the BCIA 8705 – Application to Obtain Copy of State Summary Criminal History Record

Before you sign

• Confirm your full legal name as it appears on your ID.
• List all other names you have used, including nicknames and prior names.
• Verify your date of birth and place of birth.
• Use a current, complete mailing address where you can receive mail securely.
• Have a valid government photo ID ready.
• Decide your fingerprint method: Live Scan or fingerprint card by mail.
• Set aside the state processing fee and, if applicable, the rolling fee.
• Schedule your fingerprint appointment if using Live Scan.
• If mailing, obtain two clean fingerprint cards and follow all ink-rolling rules.
• Bring any documents you may need later to challenge errors, such as court minutes.

During completion and signing

• Print clearly. Use black ink if writing by hand.
• Enter your name exactly as on your ID. Match spacing, suffix, and hyphens.
• Include all prior names. Do not leave the alias field blank if it applies.
• Double-check your date of birth and other identifiers.
• Review your mailing address for typos and missing apartment numbers.
• Mark the purpose as record review, not employment or licensing.
• Confirm any required fields for the operator section if using Live Scan.
• Sign and date in the correct boxes. Your signature should match your ID.
• Keep copies of the completed BCIA 8705 for your records.
• If using Live Scan, keep the receipt and your ATI number.

After signing and submission

• If using Live Scan, confirm the operator submitted your prints.
• If mailing, include the required fee, fingerprint cards, and BCIA 8705 in one packet.
• Track your ATI number if provided. Keep it in a secure place.
• Watch your mail. Results go to the address you provided.
• If you move, arrange secure mail forwarding before you submit.
• If you receive a fingerprint rejection, resubmit promptly with the notice.
• Review your results carefully for accuracy and completeness.
• If you find an error, start the challenge process with supporting documents.
• Store your record securely. Shred any extra copies you do not need.
• Do not share your record unless you are comfortable with the privacy risk.

Common Mistakes to Avoid BCIA 8705 – Application to Obtain Copy of State Summary Criminal History Record

• Using the wrong purpose. Do not mark employment or licensing on a record review request. Consequence: delays or misrouting. Don’t forget this form is for you to see your own record.
• Leaving out prior names. Many records index by former names. Consequence: your results may be incomplete. Don’t forget to list maiden names, aliases, and hyphenated names.
• Entering an old or incomplete address. Mail that cannot be delivered will not reach you. Consequence: missed results and rework. Don’t forget apartment numbers and current ZIP codes.
• Submitting poor fingerprints. Smudged or low-contrast prints get rejected. Consequence: resubmission and extra time. Don’t forget to relax your hands, wash and dry, and avoid lotion.
• Not keeping your ATI or receipt. You need it for status questions and resubmissions. Consequence: harder follow-up and longer delays. Don’t forget to store the number securely.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form BCIA 8705 – Application to Obtain Copy of State Summary Criminal History Record

1. Choose your submission path and follow it closely. If you use Live Scan, take your completed application to the operator if instructed, present your ID, and pay both the state fee and the rolling fee. The operator will capture your prints and send them electronically. Keep your copy of the receipt and the ATI number.
2. If you mail fingerprint cards, include your completed BCIA 8705, the required state fee in the accepted form of payment, and clean, fully completed fingerprint cards. Use a secure envelope. Print your return address clearly. Mail from a location you trust, and consider a trackable method if permitted.
3. Wait for your results at the mailing address you provided. Live Scan often results in faster turnaround. Mailed cards can take longer. If you do not receive anything after a reasonable time, check your ATI status if you used Live Scan. If you mailed cards, allow time for delivery and processing before you follow up.
4. Review your state summary record line by line. Confirm your personal information at the top. Check each entry for correct arrest date, agency, charge description, case number, disposition, and sentence. Note any missing dispositions or entries that do not belong to you. Compare against your court paperwork if you have it.
5. Prepare corrections if needed. To challenge an error or missing disposition, gather proof. Useful items include court dockets, minute orders, or agency letters that show the correct outcome. Start the challenge process described with your results. Provide clear copies of your proof and your current contact information. Keep originals in a safe place.
6. Handle fingerprint rejections quickly. If the notice says to resubmit, do so as soon as you can. Bring the resubmission notice and your ID. Ask the operator to use the resubmission code. Follow any special instructions on rolling technique. If your ridges are faint, ask for extra moisturizer-free preparation and warming to improve clarity.
7. Decide how to store or share your record. This record is for your personal review. Most employers or agencies will not accept it in place of their own request. If you choose to share it, understand it contains sensitive data. Store it in a secure location. Shred unwanted copies. Do not email images of your record unless you trust the recipient and method.
8. Plan your next steps. If your record is correct and you requested it for your information, you are done. If you need to show proof of correction later, keep both the original record and the correction notice together. If you expect to apply for licensing, immigration, or employment, keep your ATI and submission date handy in case you are asked when you last reviewed your record.
9. Update your address for future requests. If you move after submitting BCIA 8705, set up mail forwarding. For future record reviews, always use your current address. This helps protect your privacy and prevents lost results.
10. Keep timelines realistic. Processing times can change based on demand, print quality, and reporting backlogs. If you have a deadline from an employer or agency, build in extra time. Live Scan is usually the faster path for most people.
11. Consider periodic record reviews. If you have a complex history or ongoing court matters, check your record again after your cases close. This helps you catch missing updates early and request corrections before they cause problems.