How to Check Your CSLB Fingerprint Status Online

Last updated: August 31st, 2026

Did you know that you can check the status of your contractor-license fingerprints online?

The California Department of Justice provides an Applicant Background Check Status tool that lets you see where your fingerprint transaction is in the processing process.

Check Your California DOJ Fingerprint Status

What Do You Need to Check Your Fingerprint Status?

To use the California DOJ status tool, you’ll need:

• Your ATI Number
• Your Date of Birth

Your ATI Number, or Applicant Tracking Identifier, is associated with your Live Scan fingerprint transaction. Keep your copy of the Live Scan form after you’re fingerprinted because you’ll need that information if you want to check the status online.

Enter your ATI Number and date of birth into the DOJ’s Applicant Background Check Status page to view the current status of the fingerprint transaction.

What Does the DOJ Fingerprint Status Tell You?

The DOJ tool shows the status of your fingerprint background check transaction.

For a CSLB contractor license application, fingerprints are checked against records maintained by the:

• California Department of Justice (DOJ)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The fingerprinting process allows CSLB to conduct the criminal background review required as part of the licensing process.

Fingerprint Status Is Not Your CSLB Application Status

This distinction is important.

A completed DOJ fingerprint status does not mean CSLB has approved your contractor license application or that your license has been issued.

The California DOJ specifically states that its fingerprint background-check status is not an indication of employment or licensing status.

Fingerprinting is only one part of the CSLB application process.

Your application may still need to go through other steps involving:

• CSLB application review
• Experience review or verification
• Examination requirements
• Bonds
• Workers’ compensation documentation
• Initial licensing fees
• Other license-issuance requirements

To see what is happening with the contractor license application itself, use CSLB’s Check Application Status tool.

Where to Check Your Fingerprints

For your fingerprint transaction:

Check California DOJ Fingerprint Status

You’ll need your ATI Number and Date of Birth.

For your contractor license application:

Check CSLB Application Status

Keeping those two systems separate will give you a much clearer picture of where you are in the licensing process.

If you have questions about your CSLB application or need help getting through the licensing process, contact Contractors License Guru.