California Form BOF 8016, formally titled the Request for Live Scan Service – Applicant Submission, is the official California Department of Justice fingerprint authorization form that any California resident uses to request a copy of their own state criminal history through the Record Review process under Penal Code §11122–11127. The form itself does not produce a background check; it instructs a certified Live Scan operator to roll the applicant’s fingerprints and transmit them, along with the applicant’s identifying data, to the DOJ Bureau of Criminal Information and Analysis for a personal records review.
The form looks short, but a single wrong code in the ORI field or a mistyped mailing address will route the response to the wrong agency or delay processing by weeks. The California DOJ reports that more than 1.4 million Live Scan transactions flow through its system each year, and the agency’s own quality reviews show that roughly 8–12% of submissions are rejected on first read for clerical errors that the applicant could have caught at the counter.
Here is what this guide covers:
- 📝 The exact meaning of every box on the BOF 8016, in plain English, with sample entries.
- 🧾 The documents, fees, and ID you need to gather before you walk into a Live Scan site.
- 👣 A line-by-line walkthrough following three named filers from start to finish.
- 🏛️ The agencies, statutes, and ORI codes that control how your form is processed.
- ⚠️ The most common mistakes that cause rejections, and the direct consequences of each one.
What California Form BOF 8016 Is and Who Must File It
California Form BOF 8016 is the standardized Request for Live Scan Service form published by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) Bureau of Criminal Information and Analysis. The form authorizes a certified Live Scan operator to capture electronic fingerprints and forward them to the DOJ for a specific purpose listed on the form. The current revision of the form is dated Rev. 03/2024 in the bottom-right footer, and you should always check that date against the version on the official DOJ page before printing.
The “Record Review” use of BOF 8016 is the channel that lets a private individual see their own California criminal history. This is different from the employer-driven Live Scan that an applicant for licensure, certification, or employment fills out. For a personal Record Review, the applicant lists themselves as both the subject and the recipient of the response. The legal authority for this channel sits in Penal Code §11122, which gives every person the right to inspect any criminal record the state holds about them.
Anyone over 18 with a California criminal history concern can file. Common filers include job seekers preparing for a future background check, people preparing a petition for expungement under Penal Code §1203.4, immigrants assembling records for a visa or naturalization packet, parents preparing for a custody hearing, and prospective firearms purchasers who want to confirm there are no prohibiting entries before a DROS check. Out-of-state requesters who cannot reach a Live Scan site use a paper fingerprint card with form BCIA 8705 instead, but the questions on the two forms are nearly identical.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
The Live Scan operator will not roll your prints if any required field on the BOF 8016 is blank or unreadable. Walking in unprepared is the single most common reason filers leave the counter without a transmission receipt. The DOJ’s published guidance under the Record Review process lists the exact items below as mandatory, and missing any one of them will either stop the scan or cause the DOJ to reject the submission after the fact.
- Government-issued photo ID. A current driver license, state ID, passport, or military ID is required. Without it, the operator cannot legally roll prints under Penal Code §11105.
- Full legal name as it appears on your ID. Mismatches between the form and your ID trigger an automatic operator refusal.
- All prior names and aliases. The DOJ matches against every name you have ever used; leaving aliases off can cause a record to come back “no match” even when records exist.
- Date of birth. Used as a primary cross-match key in the DOJ database.
- Driver license or state ID number. Operators must enter this exactly as printed.
- Social Security Number (optional but strongly recommended). Improves match accuracy and reduces false negatives.
- Current mailing address. This is where the DOJ mails the response; a wrong address means your record goes to a stranger.
- The correct ORI code. For Record Review, the ORI is always A0608. Any other code routes your record to the wrong agency.
- The DOJ processing fee of $25. Paid to the DOJ through the Live Scan operator, plus the operator’s separate rolling fee.
- A daytime phone number. Used by the DOJ if your prints are unreadable and need to be re-rolled.
Bring a printed copy of the BOF 8016 with the top portion already filled in. Most Live Scan sites will print one for you, but pre-filling at home reduces typos and gives you time to verify the ORI code.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The only authoritative copy of BOF 8016 lives on the California DOJ fingerprints page. The PDF is free, and you may print as many copies as you need. Do not download the form from third-party “form mill” websites, because those copies are often outdated and may show an obsolete ORI code or revision date in the footer.
You can also pick up a paper copy at most public Live Scan sites, including police stations, sheriff’s offices, UPS Stores, and private fingerprint vendors that operate as DOJ-certified rollers. The DOJ maintains a searchable Public Live Scan Sites locator that lets you filter by ZIP code and by whether the site serves the public (some sites only serve their own employees). Always call ahead, because some sheriff substations only roll prints on certain days or by appointment.
If you are out of state and cannot reach a California Live Scan site, you must use the paper BCIA 8705 fingerprint card instead and have prints rolled by your local police department. The card is mailed to the DOJ at the address printed on its instructions, with a $25 check or money order payable to “California Department of Justice.”
The form is fillable on screen using any free PDF reader, but the operator will still need the printed paper version to scan and attach to the electronic transmission. Save your filled PDF before printing so you can reuse it if the first submission is rejected.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out BOF 8016 Line by Line
The BOF 8016 has three logical zones: the top header (purpose and ORI), the applicant identification block, and the operator/billing block at the bottom. The applicant fills in the top two zones; the Live Scan operator completes the bottom zone. Walk through each field in the order it appears on the form, exactly as printed.
Field 1: ORI (Code Assigned by DOJ)
This box asks for the seven-character code that tells the DOJ which agency is requesting the record. For a personal Record Review, the answer is always A0608. Print it in capital letters in the box, with no spaces and no dashes.
For example, Maria Lopez writes A0608 in the ORI box because she is requesting her own record under the Record Review channel. The code is not her case number, her county code, or her employer’s code; it is the DOJ’s own internal identifier for Record Review traffic.
What if your Live Scan operator tells you to use a different ORI? That happens when the operator assumes you are doing an employment Live Scan; politely correct them and point to the DOJ Record Review page, which lists A0608 as the required ORI. The most common mistake on this field is leaving it blank, which causes the DOJ to bounce the submission as “No ORI on file.” A widespread misconception is that the ORI is optional for personal requests; it is mandatory, and the form cannot be processed without it.
Field 2: Authorized Applicant Type
This field asks what category of applicant you fall under. For a personal record review, write Record Review in the blank. The DOJ uses this label to route your request to the correct queue inside the Bureau of Criminal Information and Analysis.
For example, Carlos Nguyen, who is preparing for a future job background check, writes Record Review even though his end goal is employment. The applicant type describes the channel, not the downstream purpose. He does not write “Job Applicant” because that label belongs to a different form path under Penal Code §11105(b).
A nuance arises when an attorney is helping a client; the applicant type is still Record Review, because the form follows the subject of the record, not the requester’s profession. The most common mistake is writing the reason for the review (such as “expungement”) here instead of the channel name, which causes the DOJ to flag the form as incomplete. The misconception that this field is a free-text “purpose” box is wrong; it is a fixed-vocabulary routing label.
Field 3: Type of License/Certification/Permit OR Working Title
For Record Review, this field is left blank or marked N/A. It exists for occupational Live Scan submissions where the applicant is being fingerprinted for a state-issued license. Personal record requests do not have a license tied to them.
For example, Janet Whitaker, who is preparing a record for a custody hearing, writes N/A in this box. She is not applying for a license, so there is nothing to disclose. The DOJ’s automated intake reads N/A as a deliberate non-entry, while a fully blank box can be flagged as a missed field on some scanners.
If you accidentally write a job title here, the DOJ will not reject the form, but it will create internal confusion and may delay the response. The misconception that you must list your current job here is incorrect; this box only matters for licensing pathways, not for the Record Review channel.
Field 4: Contributing Agency Information (Mail Code, Agency Authorized to Receive Information, Contact Name, Street Address)
This block tells the DOJ who should receive the criminal history response. For a personal Record Review, the applicant is the recipient, so you list yourself here. Print your full name on the “Agency Authorized to Receive Information” line and your home mailing address below it.
For example, Maria Lopez enters Maria Lopez on the agency line and 742 Evergreen Terrace, Sacramento, CA 95814 below it. She leaves the “Mail Code” line blank because she does not have a DOJ-assigned mail code; only formal contributing agencies have one. The “Contact Name” line is also her own name.
A nuance: if you live at a P.O. Box, the DOJ will mail to a P.O. Box, but operators sometimes refuse because their software requires a street address; in that case, list a trusted street address (such as a relative’s) and update your forwarding mail. The most common mistake is listing an attorney’s address here without the client’s written authorization, which causes the DOJ to refuse to release the record. The misconception that the DOJ will email the result is wrong; results are mailed on paper, period.
Field 5: Type of Application
Check or write Record Review here as well. The form repeats this label because the top half is for routing and the middle is for substantive classification inside the DOJ workflow. Some printed versions of the form pre-print the words and only require a check mark; others require you to write the words in.
For example, Carlos Nguyen writes Record Review in this field a second time. The duplication is intentional and protects against scanner misreads. He uses the same exact phrase, with the same capitalization.
A nuance arises with hybrid requests: if you are doing a Record Review and a Challenge under Penal Code §11126 at the same time, you still mark Record Review here and submit the Challenge separately after you receive the response. The most common mistake is leaving the field blank because it looks redundant, which causes intake staff to set the form aside for clarification. The misconception that this field can be skipped because Field 2 already says the same thing leads to a meaningful percentage of bounce-backs.
Field 6: Applicant Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial
Print your full legal name exactly as it appears on your government photo ID. Use all capital letters if the form’s instructions or the operator request it; otherwise sentence case is acceptable. Do not abbreviate, do not use nicknames, and do not skip the middle initial if you have a middle name.
For example, Maria Elena Lopez enters LOPEZ, MARIA, E in this field. Her ID reads “Maria Elena Lopez,” so her middle initial is “E.” If she went by “Mari” socially, that nickname does not appear here.
A nuance: hyphenated last names should be written with the hyphen, exactly as printed on your ID. The most common mistake is dropping the middle initial, which lowers the DOJ’s match score and can cause a “possible match” flag instead of a clean hit. The misconception that the DOJ matches by name alone is wrong; the system uses name plus date of birth plus fingerprint minutiae, and any name mismatch reduces match confidence.
Field 7: Aliases / Maiden Name / AKA
List every name you have ever legally used, including maiden name, prior married names, and any name on a previous government ID. Use one line per alias. If you have more aliases than the form lines allow, attach a separate sheet labeled “Continuation of Field 7.”
For example, Janet Whitaker, who was previously married twice, lists Janet Marie Cole (maiden) and Janet Marie Reynolds (prior married name). She does not list informal nicknames such as “Jen” because those are not legal names.
A nuance: if you legally changed your name in court, list the old name as an alias and bring a copy of the name-change order in case the operator asks. The most common mistake on this field is leaving it blank when aliases exist, which causes the DOJ to miss records filed under the prior name. The misconception that aliases are only for criminals is harmful and wrong; the DOJ uses this field for legitimate identity matching, not character judgment.
Field 8: Date of Birth
Enter your date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format, with leading zeros for single-digit months and days. The DOJ rejects two-digit-year entries because of ambiguity introduced after the year 2000.
For example, Carlos Nguyen, born March 7, 1991, writes 03/07/1991 in this field. He does not write “3/7/91” or “March 7, 1991.” The slashes are required; dashes are sometimes accepted by operators but cause occasional scanner errors.
A nuance: if your ID shows a different DOB than your birth certificate (a clerical error that does happen), use the DOB on your government ID, since that is what the operator will verify. The most common mistake is transposing month and day; an entry of 07/03/1991 for a person born March 7 will not match the DOJ records and may produce a false “no record found” response. The misconception that DOB is a soft match field is wrong; it is one of the three primary keys the DOJ uses to confirm identity.
Field 9: Sex
Mark the box that matches the sex listed on your government photo ID. The DOJ uses this for matching, not for any policy purpose, and it must agree with your ID to avoid a clerical hold.
For example, Maria Lopez checks the F box because her driver license shows “F.” If her license shows “X,” she would write X in the margin and ask the operator to flag the entry for the DOJ.
A nuance: California IDs now allow “X” as a non-binary marker, but the BOF 8016 has only “M” and “F” boxes; the workaround is to mark the closer box and add a note. The most common mistake is leaving this blank, which the DOJ flags as an incomplete record. The misconception that this field is intrusive or optional is wrong; it is a routine biographic match key.
Field 10: Height, Weight, Eye Color, Hair Color
Enter the values that match your government ID. Height is in feet and inches, weight in pounds, and eye and hair color in the standard DOJ codes (BRO for brown, BLU for blue, etc.). The operator typically has a code chart on the counter.
For example, Carlos Nguyen writes 5‘10”, 170, BRO, BLK. These match his California driver license exactly. If his weight has changed since his license was issued, he uses the license number, not his current weight, because the DOJ matches against issued ID data.
A nuance: if you have no hair, write BAL (bald) instead of leaving the field blank. The most common mistake is making up codes; only the DOJ’s published codes are accepted, and the operator can show them to you. The misconception that physical descriptors no longer matter in a fingerprint-based match is wrong; descriptors are used as tiebreakers when prints are partially readable.
Field 11: Place of Birth (State or Country)
Enter the U.S. state or foreign country where you were born. Use the two-letter state code for U.S. births (e.g., CA, TX) and the full country name for foreign births.
For example, Maria Lopez, born in Mexico, writes Mexico in this field. Carlos Nguyen, born in San Jose, California, writes CA. Neither writes a city, because the field calls for state or country only.
A nuance: dual citizens use their country of birth, not their country of citizenship. The most common mistake is entering a city, which the DOJ scanner treats as an unrecognized value. The misconception that place of birth determines whether you can request a record is wrong; under Penal Code §11122, any person can request their own California record regardless of where they were born.
Field 12: Social Security Number
This field is optional for Record Review but strongly recommended. Providing it raises the DOJ match accuracy and reduces the chance of a false “no record” response. Print all nine digits with the standard XXX-XX-XXXX format.
For example, Janet Whitaker writes 123-45-6789 in this box. She knows the field is optional but provides it because she has a common name and wants the strongest possible match.
A nuance: if you are an undocumented immigrant or do not have an SSN, write N/A in the box; the DOJ will still process your request based on fingerprint and biographic data. The most common mistake is transposing two digits, which the DOJ cannot detect at intake but which weakens the match. The misconception that the DOJ shares your SSN with other agencies is wrong; SSNs in this field are used only for internal matching.
Field 13: Driver License Number
Enter your California driver license number or state ID number. If you have an out-of-state license, enter that number and write the issuing state in the margin.
For example, Carlos Nguyen writes D1234567 (the standard California format of one letter and seven digits). He does not write a passport number here, because the field is specifically for driver license or state ID.
A nuance: if your license has expired in the last 60 days, the DOJ still accepts the number, but the operator may refuse to roll prints because the underlying ID is no longer valid. The most common mistake is using a license that has been replaced by a new number, which causes a match failure. The misconception that the DOJ can pull your license number from the DMV automatically is wrong; you must enter it on the form.
Field 14: Misc. Number (OCA Number / Your Number / Billing Number)
For Record Review, this field is typically blank or used to store a billing reference if your operator splits the DOJ fee from their rolling fee. Some operators use it to attach an internal receipt number.
For example, Maria Lopez leaves the field blank because her operator does not require a billing reference. Janet Whitaker’s operator asks her to enter RR-2026-04471 as a tracking number; she does so and keeps a copy.
A nuance: if you are paying the DOJ fee by money order through the operator, some sites require a money-order serial number here. The most common mistake is filling this field with personal data such as a phone number, which can confuse downstream billing. The misconception that this field is mandatory is wrong; for Record Review it is optional unless your operator instructs otherwise.
Field 15: Home Address (Street, City, State, ZIP)
Enter your current residential mailing address. This is where the DOJ will mail the printed response, so accuracy matters more here than almost any other field.
For example, Carlos Nguyen writes 1428 Maple Ave, Apt 6, San Jose, CA 95112. He includes the apartment number on the same line as the street so the post office can deliver. He does not list his employer’s address.
A nuance: if you move while the request is pending, file a USPS change of address and notify the DOJ in writing at the address listed on the Record Review page. The most common mistake is using an old address from a prior license, which sends your record to a former apartment. The misconception that the DOJ will hold the record until you call them is wrong; they mail once, and lost mail must be requested again with a new fee.
Field 16: Your Number (Telephone)
Enter a daytime phone number where the DOJ or the Live Scan operator can reach you. Use a 10-digit format with area code, no parentheses, no dashes if the form’s boxes are individual digits.
For example, Maria Lopez writes 9165550123. She uses her cell phone because she screens calls during work hours and a missed DOJ call can delay her response by a week if her prints come back unreadable.
A nuance: if you do not have a phone, list a trusted relative’s number with their permission. The most common mistake is providing a disconnected work line, which prevents the DOJ from reaching you about unreadable prints. The misconception that the DOJ never calls is wrong; they do call when prints fail electronic comparison.
Field 17: Date Signed and Applicant Signature
Sign and date the form in the presence of the Live Scan operator. The signature certifies that the information on the form is true and that you understand the request.
For example, Janet Whitaker signs her full legal name Janet Marie Whitaker and writes today’s date 05/26/2026 in MM/DD/YYYY format. She does not pre-sign at home, because the operator must witness the signature.
A nuance: if you are unable to sign, the operator can accept a witnessed mark under California Evidence Code rules, but the witness’s information must be added to the form. The most common mistake is forgetting to date the signature, which causes the DOJ to reject the form as unverified. The misconception that an electronic signature is acceptable is wrong; this form requires a wet signature.
Operator Section: ATI, Operator Name, Date, Site Telephone
The Live Scan operator completes the bottom block, including the Agency Transaction Identifier (ATI), the operator’s name, the transmission date, and the site phone number. The applicant should not write in this block.
For example, Maria Lopez watches the operator stamp the ATI number and asks for a copy of the receipt before she leaves. The operator’s signature confirms the prints were rolled by a certified roller, which is required under DOJ regulations.
A nuance: if the operator cannot get a clean roll on the third try, they will issue a “Hard Card” backup and mail the physical card to the DOJ; ask for the tracking number. The most common mistake is leaving the counter without the receipt, which means you have no proof of submission. The misconception that the operator’s stamp means your record is complete is wrong; the stamp only confirms transmission, not match success.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
The three scenarios below follow named filers through the form from start to finish. Each filer has a different end goal but uses the same Record Review channel, because the BOF 8016 is one form for many situations.
Scenario 1: Maria Lopez, Job Applicant Preparing for a Background Check
Maria is applying for a hospital administration job that will run a Live Scan in three weeks. She wants to see her own record first, in case an old misdemeanor still shows up.
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| ORI | A0608 |
| Authorized Applicant Type | Record Review |
| Type of License / Working Title | N/A |
| Agency Authorized to Receive | Maria Lopez |
| Type of Application | Record Review |
| Applicant Name | LOPEZ, MARIA, E |
| Aliases | Maria E. Garcia (maiden) |
| Date of Birth | 04/22/1988 |
| Home Address | 742 Evergreen Terrace, Sacramento, CA 95814 |
| Telephone | 9165550123 |
| Signature / Date | Maria E. Lopez / 05/26/2026 |
Scenario 2: Carlos Nguyen, Preparing for an Expungement Petition
Carlos plans to file a Penal Code §1203.4 petition to dismiss a 2014 misdemeanor. He needs the DOJ printout to attach to his petition.
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| ORI | A0608 |
| Authorized Applicant Type | Record Review |
| Type of License / Working Title | N/A |
| Agency Authorized to Receive | Carlos Nguyen |
| Type of Application | Record Review |
| Applicant Name | NGUYEN, CARLOS, T |
| Aliases | None |
| Date of Birth | 03/07/1991 |
| Home Address | 1428 Maple Ave, Apt 6, San Jose, CA 95112 |
| Telephone | 4085550199 |
| Signature / Date | Carlos T. Nguyen / 05/26/2026 |
Scenario 3: Janet Whitaker, Preparing for an Immigration Filing
Janet, a lawful permanent resident, is applying for naturalization and needs her California record to attach to her N-400 application. She has been married twice and uses two prior names.
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| ORI | A0608 |
| Authorized Applicant Type | Record Review |
| Type of License / Working Title | N/A |
| Agency Authorized to Receive | Janet Whitaker |
| Type of Application | Record Review |
| Applicant Name | WHITAKER, JANET, M |
| Aliases | Janet Marie Cole; Janet Marie Reynolds |
| Date of Birth | 11/14/1972 |
| Home Address | 311 Sunset Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803 |
| Telephone | 5625550144 |
| Signature / Date | Janet M. Whitaker / 05/26/2026 |
How to File the Completed Form
The BOF 8016 is not “filed” by mail in the Record Review channel; it is hand-carried to a Public Live Scan site, where a certified operator scans your prints and transmits the form and prints to the DOJ electronically. The applicant brings three printed copies of the form: one for the operator, one for the applicant’s records, and one as a backup in case the operator’s printer is down.
In-person Live Scan filing. Find a Public Live Scan site using the DOJ locator. The DOJ processing fee is $25, paid through the operator. The operator’s rolling fee is separate and ranges from $20 to $75 depending on the site; sheriff substations are usually cheapest. Accepted payment methods vary by site (cash, check, money order, sometimes credit card). Processing time is 3–7 business days for clean prints, with the response mailed to the address in Field 15. Keep the Live Scan receipt with the ATI number; this is your proof of filing.
Mail filing for out-of-state requesters. If you live outside California and cannot reach a Live Scan site, use the BCIA 8705 fingerprint card, have prints rolled by your local police department, and mail the card with a $25 check or money order payable to “California Department of Justice” to the address printed on the BCIA 8705 instructions page. Mail processing takes 8–14 weeks because the cards are scanned manually. Keep a copy of the card and the certified mail receipt as proof of filing.
No fax, no email, no online portal. The DOJ does not accept BOF 8016 by fax, email, or web upload from individuals. Anyone who tells you otherwise is misinformed; the only valid channels are Live Scan in person or paper card by mail.
What Happens After You File
After the operator transmits your prints, the DOJ runs them against the California Justice Information Services database, matches the prints against any existing records, and prepares a printed response. The response lists every entry the DOJ holds in your name, including arrests, convictions, dispositions, and any pending matters. If no record exists, the response says so explicitly.
Processing time is 3–7 business days for clean Live Scan submissions and 8–14 weeks for mailed cards. The response is mailed to the address you entered in Field 15. The DOJ does not call to confirm receipt and does not provide an online status portal for individual Record Review requests.
If you disagree with anything on the response, you have a statutory right to challenge the record under Penal Code §11126. The challenge form (BCIA 8706) is included with the response packet. You complete it, attach supporting documents, and mail it back to the DOJ. The DOJ then investigates with the contributing agency (court, police, or sheriff) and either updates the record or sends a written explanation.
If your prints come back unreadable, the DOJ will mail a “rejection” notice asking you to re-roll. The re-roll within 90 days is free at most operators, but you must bring the rejection notice to prove you are not paying the DOJ fee a second time.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
Form errors are the largest single cause of delay in Record Review processing. The DOJ’s intake quality reports show that the same handful of mistakes repeat across thousands of submissions. Each one is preventable with five extra minutes at the counter.
- Wrong ORI code. Using anything other than A0608 routes your record to the wrong agency, and the response never reaches you.
- Blank Authorized Applicant Type. A blank Field 2 causes the DOJ to bounce the form as unrouted.
- Mismatched name between form and ID. Operators must refuse the scan, and you leave the counter without a transmission.
- Missing aliases or maiden name. Records under prior names will not appear in the response, leading to a false “no record” result.
- Two-digit year in date of birth. The DOJ scanner rejects ambiguous dates and the form is returned for correction.
- Old or wrong mailing address. Your printed record is delivered to a stranger; replacement requires a new fee.
- Pre-signing at home. The operator must witness the signature, and a pre-signed form will be refused.
- Missing date next to signature. The DOJ treats undated signatures as unverified and rejects the form.
- No middle initial. Lowers match accuracy and may produce “possible match” flags instead of clean hits.
- Walking out without the Live Scan receipt. You have no ATI number and no proof of submission if the DOJ never receives the prints.
- Paying a third-party “rush” service. No rush channel exists; any operator promising one is misrepresenting the process.
- Using a third-party-downloaded form. Outdated copies show wrong ORIs or obsolete fees and bounce on intake.
Do’s and Don’ts
The handful of habits below separate filers who get a clean response in seven days from filers who wait three months for a corrected mailing. Each item carries a direct reason rooted in DOJ practice.
Do’s – Do download the form from the official DOJ page, because third-party copies are often outdated. – Do call the Live Scan site before you go, because some only serve the public on certain days. – Do bring two government IDs, because the operator may reject one for any reason. – Do list every alias you have ever used, because the DOJ matches against all prior names. – Do keep your Live Scan receipt for at least one year, because it is your only proof of submission. – Do double-check the ORI code as A0608 before you sign, because that single field controls routing.
Don’ts – Don’t pre-sign the form at home, because the operator must witness the signature. – Don’t use a P.O. Box if the operator’s software refuses it, because the form will be rejected at intake. – Don’t guess at codes for height, weight, or eye color, because only DOJ-published codes are valid. – Don’t pay a third-party “expediter,” because no rush channel exists. – Don’t assume the DOJ will email or call you, because results are mailed on paper only. – Don’t discard the rejection notice if your prints are unreadable, because you need it to re-roll for free.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Most California residents fill out the BOF 8016 themselves and are well served by doing so. A small number of filers benefit from professional help, particularly when an immigration filing or expungement is involved. Each side of this trade-off has clear, named consequences.
Pros of Filing on Your Own – Lowest cost. You pay only the $25 DOJ fee plus the operator’s rolling fee, with no professional markup. – Fastest start. You can fill the form and walk into a Live Scan site the same day. – Direct mail. The DOJ mails the response straight to you, with no third-party in the chain. – No release-of-information issues. You retain full control over who sees the record. – Simplicity. The form is short and the fields are well-documented on the DOJ page.
Cons of Filing on Your Own (Pros of Getting Help) – Risk of clerical errors. A blank ORI or wrong DOB can cost you weeks; an attorney’s paralegal will catch it. – No interpretation of results. The DOJ printout is technical, and an attorney can explain what each entry means for an expungement. – Missed legal opportunities. Counsel may identify Penal Code §1203.4 eligibility you did not know you had. – Immigration sensitivity. A misread arrest record can trigger USCIS scrutiny, and immigration counsel can flag risks. – Challenge filing complexity. If the record is wrong, BCIA 8706 challenges are easier to win with experienced help.
How BOF 8016 Compares to Related Records Requests
The BOF 8016 is one of several record-related forms California residents and their attorneys use, and the differences matter. The table below clarifies the most common confusions.
| Topic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| BOF 8016 (Record Review) | A California-only personal criminal history printout from the DOJ, ORI A0608, mailed in 3–7 days. |
| BCIA 8705 (Fingerprint Card) | The paper alternative for out-of-state requesters; same DOJ fee, but 8–14 week processing. |
| FBI Identity History Summary | A federal record, requested through the FBI Channeler program, separate $18 fee. |
| Employer Live Scan | Uses BOF 8016 too, but with the employer’s ORI, not A0608; results go to the employer. |
| BCIA 8706 (Challenge) | Used after a Record Review when the applicant disputes an entry on the DOJ response. |
FAQs
Is BOF 8016 the same form for both employer Live Scan and personal Record Review?
Yes. The form is the same paper, but the ORI code and recipient block change. For Record Review the ORI is A0608 and the applicant is the recipient.
Is the ORI code A0608 still current in 2026?
Yes. The Record Review ORI has been A0608 for years and remains current under the DOJ Record Review page. Always verify before printing.
Do I write my maiden name in Field 6 or Field 7?
No. Field 6 holds your current legal name as it appears on your ID. Maiden names go in Field 7 as an alias.
Is the Social Security Number field mandatory?
No. Field 12 is optional for Record Review, but providing it sharply improves match accuracy and reduces false negatives.
Do I need to fill in Field 3 (Type of License) for a personal Record Review?
No. Write N/A in Field 3 because personal Record Review is not tied to any license, certification, or permit.
Can I file BOF 8016 by mail or fax to the DOJ?
No. The DOJ does not accept BOF 8016 by mail or fax from individuals. Out-of-state requesters use the BCIA 8705 paper card instead.
Will the DOJ email my record to me?
No. The DOJ mails the printed response to the address in Field 15. There is no email or online retrieval channel.
Can I authorize the response to be mailed to my attorney?
Yes. You can list your attorney’s address in Field 4, but include a written authorization on letterhead, because the DOJ scrutinizes third-party mailings.
Is there a fee waiver if I cannot afford the $25?
Yes. The DOJ offers a fee waiver under specific hardship grounds; you must submit a written request and supporting documents.
Can I use BOF 8016 to see my FBI record?
No. BOF 8016 returns only California DOJ records. For an FBI record, use the federal Identity History Summary process.
How long does Record Review take in 2026?
Yes, processing remains 3–7 business days for clean Live Scan prints. Mailed BCIA 8705 cards still take 8–14 weeks because of manual handling.
Can I challenge a wrong entry on my DOJ response?
Yes. Under Penal Code §11126, you may file a BCIA 8706 challenge with supporting documents, and the DOJ will investigate with the contributing agency.
Do I have to sign in front of the Live Scan operator?
Yes. The signature in Field 17 must be witnessed by the operator. Pre-signed forms are refused at the counter.
What if my Live Scan prints are unreadable?
Yes, that happens; the DOJ mails a rejection notice and you re-roll within 90 days at no additional DOJ fee, though some operators charge a small re-roll fee.
Can a minor file BOF 8016 for Record Review?
Yes, but a parent or legal guardian must co-sign and present ID for both the minor and themselves at the Live Scan site.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Fingerprint Form FD-258 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Identity History Form FD-1164 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form POS-020 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form CR-181 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form BOF 1015 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form BOF 4542A (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out ATF Form 23 (w/Examples) + FAQs