How to Get or Transfer a Criminal Record Exemption (California)

When you apply for a child care license, you and all other adults living in your home must pass a criminal background check.

After you submit your criminal background check forms and fingerprints, the California Department of Justice will conduct a background check.

All convictions other than minor traffic violations, including misdemeanors, felonies and convictions that occurred a long time ago, require an exemption. However, individuals convicted of serious crimes (robbery, battery, abuse, etc.) are not eligible for an exemption.

If you have any type of criminal history, a transcript of your criminal history will be sent to Caregiver Background Check Bureau (CBCB). They will review your transcript and determine if the crimes listed may be exempted.

If the crimes are exemptible, you will be mailed an exemption notification letter explaining how to request an exemption. Follow the instructions to secure your exemption. If you need help, contact us at [e-mail]. You have 45 days from the date of the exemption notification letter to submit your request exemption documents.

You will be notified in writing of CBCB's decision. You cannot continue the licensing process nor begin care until all necessary exemptions have been granted.

You can transfer an existing exemption if that exemption is still active. Contact your local CCLD regional office to verify your exemption status. Find a listing of California CCLD offices here: http://www.ccld.ca.gov/res/pdf/cclistingMaster.pdf If you have an active exemption, do NOT get fingerprinted; follow the steps below instead.

To request a criminal record exemption transfer, complete and collect the follow items:

• LIC 9188 - http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/LIC9188.PDF
• LIC 508
• Copy of driver’s license
• Job description

Mail these items to:

Caregiver Background Check Bureau
744 P Street
Mail Station 9-15-62
Sacramento, CA 95814

The CBCB will issue a letter confirming that the transfer request has been received and will indicate whether or not you may provide care while the transfer request is pending. You will receive another letter notifying you that your transfer has been accepted or declined.

If your transfer is accepted, you do not need need to get fingerprinted, and you can continue the licensing process. If your transfer was declined, contact us at [e-mail].