SERVICE
Get a background check for all cannabis business owners
All cannabis business owners must get background checked by the City and state.
What to know
Cost
Costs may vary
Time
You might spend up to 2 hours at the SF Police Department. Background checks may take 6 weeks.
What to do
Start this process as soon as you send in Cannabis Permit Part 1.
1. Decide who needs to get a background check
All your business owners should get a background check.
An owner can be:
- a person or entity with an ownership interest of 20% or more of your business
- the chief executive officer
- members of the board of directors of a nonprofit
- any person or entity that influences how your business will be run
2. Print out the background check form
Each owner needs to fill out their own background check form.
3. Bring the form to the SF Police Department
San Francisco, CA 94158
Get directions
4. Pay the fee
Pay by check or money order only. You cannot pay by cash or credit card.
The SF Police Department will take your fingerprints. They will then run your record with the California Department of Justice.
Supporting information
Special cases
Owners outside of San Francisco
Contact the Office of Cannabis for next steps.
Fee waiver
If you have low or no income, you may be eligible for a fee waiver.
Get help
Office of Cannabis
officeofcannabis@sfgov.orgPartner agencies
What to know
Cost
Costs may vary
Time
You might spend up to 2 hours at the SF Police Department. Background checks may take 6 weeks.
What to do
Start this process as soon as you send in Cannabis Permit Part 1.
1. Decide who needs to get a background check
All your business owners should get a background check.
An owner can be:
- a person or entity with an ownership interest of 20% or more of your business
- the chief executive officer
- members of the board of directors of a nonprofit
- any person or entity that influences how your business will be run
2. Print out the background check form
Each owner needs to fill out their own background check form.
3. Bring the form to the SF Police Department
San Francisco, CA 94158
Get directions
4. Pay the fee
Pay by check or money order only. You cannot pay by cash or credit card.
The SF Police Department will take your fingerprints. They will then run your record with the California Department of Justice.
Supporting information
Special cases
Owners outside of San Francisco
Contact the Office of Cannabis for next steps.
Fee waiver
If you have low or no income, you may be eligible for a fee waiver.
Get help
Office of Cannabis
officeofcannabis@sfgov.org