Physical Therapy Board of California
Equivalency PTA Applicant
Fingerprinting
Live Scan – Required if in California
Take this Request for Live Scan Service form to an authorized Live Scan operator. Make sure the Live Scan operator requests fingerprint processing for both DOJ and FBI. The Live Scan operator will keep the original Live Scan form, and you will need two copies—one for your records and one to submit to PTBC. If you are applying online, you only need one copy of the Live Scan form because you can scan a copy to PTBC. You must fingerprint for PTBC even if you have already fingerprinted for another agency.
Hard Card
If you are an out-of-state applicant and will be in California at any point during your application process, PTBC strongly recommends waiting until you are in California to fingerprint using Live Scan. Live Scan is only available in California, but you do not need to be a California resident. If you will not be in California at any point during your application process, you must use a hard card.
To obtain a fingerprint card packet from PTBC, send an email request that includes your name and address where you will be able to receive the fingerprint card. Once PTBC receives your request, a fingerprint card will be mailed to the address you provided within two weeks.
Upon receipt of your card, take it to an authorized fingerprint roller. Do not roll your fingerprints yourself; DOJ will reject them. Return the completed fingerprint card, signed Live Scan form (certifying you received fingerprint privacy notices), and payment to PTBC; and PTBC will send it to DOJ for processing.
Fingerprint fee: $49 ($32 for DOJ and $17 for FBI).
Use Live Scan OR hard card; DO NOT DO BOTH.
Do not fingerprint sooner than 30 days prior to applying.