Quick Hits
Frequently Asked Questions
Public Information
Is the licensee's address of record public information?
Yes. A licensee's address of record is public information pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 16, Division 24, Article 1, Section 2405, Filing of Addresses, Section 8024.6 (b) of the Business and Professions Code, and the California Public Records Act.
Licensing
How do I renew my CSR license?
The renewal fee and renewal form must be mailed to the Board:
Court Reporters Board of California
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 230
Sacramento, CA 95833
Please make checks payable to the Court Reporters Board.
If the Board receives your renewal fee without the renewal form, your check will be returned to you at your address of record.
What is the renewal fee?
The renewal fee is $100.00. There is a 30-day grace period before you are charged a $50.00 delinquent fee. During the grace period your license will be in a delinquent status. If you represent yourself as a CSR or utilize your CSR number while in a delinquent status you could be issued a citation and fine of up to $2,500 per occurrence.
Is there an inactive status?
There is no inactive status. You can elect to remain in a delinquent status (ie, don't pay your renewal fee) for up to three years without the need to retake your examination. Business & Professions Code Section 8024.5 states, "A certificate which is not renewed within three years after its expiration may not be renewed, restored or reissued thereafter. The holder of the certificate shall return the expired certificate to the Board." This means that if your license is not renewed within three years during the delinquency period, you must take the entire CSR examination over again!
What are the requirements for mandatory continuing education for license renewal?
AB2189 (Karnette) requiring mandatory continuing education for reporters was enrolled August 12, 2008. Updates will be posted as they occur.
Do I need to notify the Board of an address or name change?
Yes. Business and Professions Code section 8024.6 states that you must notify the Board within 30 days of the change. The address change must be in writing, giving both the old and the new addresses. To submit a name change, you must mail in the name change form, along with legal documentation. Failure to notify the Board within 30 days of such change could also result in a citation and fine and a fee penalty.
Examination for Licensure
How do I obtain an application to take the CSR examination?
Applications are available on our web site. If you do not have access to a computer, or printer, you may either email your request to Kim_Kale@dca.ca.gov, or contact the Board at (877) 327-5272.
What is the cost to take the CSR examination?
There is a $40.00 application fee.
Is fingerprinting required for licensure?
Yes. Business & Professions Code, Section 144 REQUIRES Boards within the Department of Consumer Affairs to obtain fingerprints from all applicants for licensure. Therefore, the Court Reporters Board (CRB) must have you obtain fingerprints, either Live Scan, or Fingerprint Cards. Out of State applicants will need to call the Board office at (877) 327-5272, or email Kim_Kale@dca.ca.gov, to request Fingerprint Cards and Exemption Form.
Enforcement/Complaints
Are complaints filed against a licensee public information?
No. Complaints are not public information. However, if a complaint results in a citation or enforcement action, the citation or enforcement action is public information.
Are Board citations and enforcement actions public information?
Yes. An enforcement action may result from the Board filing an accusation seeking to revoke or suspend a license or certificate.
How do I file a complaint against a licensee?
The Board has developed a standard complaint form to assist complainants in providing the minimum information required before the investigative process can begin. You can fill out and submit the form in the interactive version, or fill out and print the complaint form in PDF format, or call the board office in Sacramento at (916) 263-3660 to obtain a complaint form.
How do I file a complaint against the Board?
The Citizen Complaint Act of 1997 requires that we provide a method for use by California citizens to comment and/or file complaints about the Board. Follow the link from our Comments/Complaints page to fill out and submit the form in the interactive version, or fill out and print the complaint form in PDF format.
How can I know if there are any complaints against my CSR license?
Complaints against licensees are not public records. However, if a complaint results in a citation or discipline against a licensee, the citation or discipline is public record.
Minimum Transcript Format
Does the Board have the legal authority to discipline a CA CSR for NOT following another jurisdictions format?
Yes. Under 16 CCR section 2473, the reporter must use the Minimum Transcript Format (MTF) standards set out in that section UNLESS he or she is employed by a court as an official reporter or as a pro tempo official reporter in a jurisdiction which has adopted its own MTF. In all other legal proceedings the MTF found in section 2473 rules.
Is the legal authority to enforce another jurisdictions' format held by that other jurisdictions CRB or reporter supervising entity?
The Board has jurisdiction to enforce all California laws and regulations related to the practice of certified shorthand reporting. For example, if under 16 CCR section 2473 a CA CSR is required to use the MTF of another jurisdiction, and does not, the Board as well as the enforcing authorities in that other jurisdiction would both have jurisdiction to discipline the licensee.
Would the Board discipline a CA license freelance reporter if a transcript format complaint is received from another jurisdiction's CRB or reporter supervising entity?
It depends. The Board has the authority and jurisdiction to investigate complaints from any source which allege violations of California laws and regulations. Discipline is one of several possible outcomes after a complaint is investigated.
If a CA license freelance reporter reports a deposition that is venued in Federal Court, is that considered another jurisdiction under Title 16, Section 2473?
Yes. Under 16 CCR section 2473 the Federal Courts are considered another jurisdiction. If that court has its own MTF, a California CSR uses those standards from that jurisdiction.
If a CA license freelance reporter uses the CA MTFs for a Federal Court deposition instead of the Federal Court format and a complaint was made to the Board, would the Board discipline the licensee?
The licensee would be subject to discipline for violation of 16 CCR section 2473. See Q3 response above.
