By the Unified Savers Editorial Team
This information is based on official California DSS guidelines and is reviewed for accuracy. For case-specific legal advice, consult a qualified attorney or your local legal aid organization.
All IHSS providers must complete a Live Scan fingerprint-based background check through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) before they can be enrolled and paid. This requirement applies to every new provider — including family members — and must be completed in person at a certified Live Scan location. Until the DOJ clears your background check, you cannot legally receive IHSS payment, even if you have already begun providing care.
If you are in the process of becoming an IHSS provider, understanding the background check timeline, what disqualifies a provider, and what to do if there’s a delay will help you avoid gaps in enrollment and lost wages.
What Is the IHSS Live Scan Background Check?
California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 12301.6 requires counties to conduct a criminal background check on all IHSS providers before enrollment. The background check uses Live Scan — a digital fingerprinting technology that transmits fingerprint images electronically to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and, in some cases, the FBI.
The DOJ checks your fingerprints against its criminal history database (known as the CORI — Criminal Offender Record Information). Counties use the results to determine whether a provider has a disqualifying criminal history under California law.
The specific ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) number used for IHSS Live Scan submissions is A0212007 (statewide CDSS code), though your county may use a county-specific ORI. Always confirm the correct ORI with your county IHSS office before visiting a Live Scan site — submitting under the wrong ORI can delay processing significantly.
This background check is separate from any background check you may have undergone for a different job or program. Results from prior checks cannot be transferred to IHSS enrollment.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete Your IHSS Live Scan
Step 1: Get the Live Scan form from your county IHSS office. Your county IHSS office (or the county’s IHSS public authority) will provide you with a pre-filled Live Scan Request Form (BCII 8016 or equivalent). This form includes the required ORI number, the agency billing code, and instructions for the fingerprint site. Do not use a blank BCII 8016 you download independently — the pre-filled version ensures results go to the correct agency.
Step 2: Locate a certified Live Scan site. The California DOJ maintains a searchable list of Live Scan locations at oag.ca.gov. You can also call your county public authority — many counties partner with specific locations or even offer on-site Live Scan at their IHSS enrollment office on certain days of the week.
Step 3: Bring required ID and payment. Live Scan sites generally require:
- One government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID card)
- Your pre-filled Live Scan request form
- Payment for the rolling fee: typically $25 to $50, paid directly to the Live Scan operator
Note: The IHSS program or your county may reimburse the rolling fee in some circumstances — ask your county IHSS enrollment worker.
Step 4: Get fingerprinted. The Live Scan operator will scan all 10 fingerprints digitally. The process takes 10–15 minutes. You will receive a receipt showing your ATI (Applicant Transaction Identifier) number — keep this. It’s your only way to track the status of your submission.
Step 5: Wait for DOJ processing. Once submitted, the DOJ typically processes IHSS Live Scan results within 2 to 4 weeks. Your county IHSS office receives the results directly — you do not receive a copy unless you request your own record through a separate DOJ process.
What Disqualifies a Provider?
California Health and Safety Code and CDSS regulations specify certain criminal convictions that permanently or temporarily disqualify an individual from working as an IHSS provider. Disqualifying offenses generally include:
Permanent disqualifications (examples):
- Any felony conviction involving the physical abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of an elder or dependent adult
- Violent felony convictions such as murder, rape, or robbery
- Felony convictions for certain drug offenses involving controlled substances
Index offenses subject to individual review: Not every criminal history automatically disqualifies a provider. Counties and CDSS conduct an individualized review for many offenses, particularly older or non-violent misdemeanors. Factors considered include the severity of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether the applicant has demonstrated rehabilitation.
If your background check reveals a potentially disqualifying offense, your county must notify you in writing and provide an opportunity to appeal or request an exemption review before your enrollment is formally denied.
How Long Does the Background Check Take?
Under normal circumstances, expect the following timeline:
- Live Scan submission to DOJ: Same day (electronic transmission)
- DOJ processing: 2–4 weeks for standard cases; may take longer if fingerprints are rejected due to print quality (common with older providers whose fingerprints have worn down)
- County notification: 1–3 business days after DOJ sends results
- Enrollment completion: Varies by county workload; typically within 1–2 weeks of cleared results
Total time from fingerprinting to first paycheck: 4 to 8 weeks in most cases, sometimes longer if there are print quality issues or your county has high enrollment volume.
What to Do If Your Background Check Is Delayed or Denied
If your results are delayed: Call your county IHSS enrollment office and provide your ATI number. They can check the status with the DOJ. If your fingerprints were rejected due to quality, you may be asked to re-roll — this is done at a Live Scan site, usually at no additional charge.
If you receive a disqualification notice:
- Read the notice carefully — it must specify the reason for denial.
- You have the right to appeal. Contact your county IHSS office or a legal aid organization (such as Disability Rights California) within the deadline stated in the notice.
- CDSS has an exemption process for some disqualifying offenses under certain conditions.
If the delay is causing financial hardship: Some counties allow a recipient to temporarily use a different approved provider while a new provider’s background check is pending. Contact your county social worker to discuss options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an IHSS provider while my background check is pending? No. California law prohibits an IHSS provider from being paid for services rendered before their background check is cleared and their enrollment is finalized. If you provide care before enrollment is complete, that time is not compensable under the IHSS program. Plan accordingly and submit your Live Scan as early in the enrollment process as possible.
What crimes disqualify someone from being an IHSS provider? Disqualifying crimes fall into two categories: automatic permanent disqualifications (serious violent felonies, elder abuse convictions) and offenses that trigger an individual review. The full list is codified in California Health and Safety Code Section 1522 and CDSS All-County Letters. Not every criminal history leads to disqualification — older, non-violent offenses may be waivable through the exemption process.
Do I need a new background check if I change counties? Generally, no. If you are already an active enrolled IHSS provider in one California county and transfer to another, your prior Live Scan results on file with the DOJ may be shared. However, your new county will verify your status. Always notify both counties when you transfer, and confirm with the new county whether a fresh Live Scan is required before assuming your enrollment carries over automatically.
For more guides on IHSS rights and provider resources, visit Unified Savers.
Related guides: IHSS Provider Enrollment Guide · How to Become an IHSS Provider · IHSS Live Scan Background Check Detail · IHSS Caregiver Rights