Limited Accommodations

Under California Rule of Court Rule 9.9.5, all active attorneys licensed in California must be re-fingerprinted. The State Bar is requiring attorneys to resubmit fingerprints by April 30, 2019. Failure to follow these instructions may be considered non-compliance with State Bar fingerprinting rule requirements and may subject attorneys to penalties. Criteria for requesting a fingerprinting rule accommodation due to disability, illness, accident, or other circumstances beyond their control are detailed below.

» Criteria for Disability Accommodation
» Disability Accommodation Form
» Verify Identity with a Law Enforcement Agency
» Medical or Other Hardship Accommodation
» Accommodation Request Review Process
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Criteria for Disability Accommodation
 Attorneys who are unable to provide fingerprints due to disability and/or permanent abnormality of the hand should complete a Disability Accommodation form (BCIA-9010 California Department of Justice (DOJ) form) by April 30, 2019. 

Attorneys should not complete a Disability Accommodation form for the following circumstances:

  • Worn fingerprints: An individual, by the nature of their work or age, may have very thin or worn ridges in the pattern area.
  • Scarred fingers or tip-amputated fingers or abnormal condition of the hand: If a portion of the first joint is present, the fingerprint can still be obtained. The fingerprint technician will document where fingerprints were unable to be obtained.
  • Non-temporary abnormalities to hands and fingers (i.e., cut on the index finger): If an applicant has a cut or a boil or any other temporary condition on a finger, the applicant must return when the condition is healed and the finger can be printed.
  • One hand or missing fingers: If a person has one hand or missing fingers, fingerprint impressions can be submitted using the available set of fingers.

Disability Accommodation Form
Attorneys will be required to complete a Disability Accommodation form at a local law enforcement agency where the attorney will be required to provide proof of identification.

Verify Identity with a Law Enforcement Agency
After downloading and printing the Disability Accommodation form, you must take the following steps:

  • Contact a local law enforcement agency in advance for their operating hours, fees, payment methods, and walk-in policy.
  • Complete the application information section of the form.
  • Take the Disability Accommodation form, along with valid photo identification, to a law enforcement agency.
  • Request law enforcement agent to complete the Disability Accommodation form.
  • Pay any fees required by the law enforcement agency.
  • Mail a completed Disability Accommodation form and a check for a one-time fee of $49 to the State Bar at the following address:

The State Bar of California
Office of Admissions - Re-Fingerprinting Submission
845 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017-2515

You will receive an email confirmation once your form has been received and reviewed. 

Do not mail the form to the DOJ. The State Bar must receive the form and review for completion. Once reviewed, the State Bar will mail the form to the DOJ.

Medical or Other Hardship Accommodation
Attorneys may notify the State Bar that they are unable to submit fingerprints in a timely manner due to disability, illness, accident, or other circumstances beyond their control. Attorneys can contact the State Bar regarding their circumstance via email at FPaccommodation@calbar.ca.gov. The State Bar must be notified by April 30, 2019. 

Accommodation Request Review Process 
The State Bar will review all fingerprint accommodation requests on a case-by-case basis and may require additional documentation. If the State Bar determines that the attorney is unable to submit fingerprints at this time based on the information provided, in most cases the State Bar will provide an extension of time to complete the fingerprinting rule requirements. The State Bar will notify the attorney through email or U.S. mail when the request has been received and a decision has been made. Information in the request determined to be fraudulent will be investigated and may lead to disciplinary action. Any questions regarding the process should be emailed to FPaccommodation@calbar.ca.gov.

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