California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 11414

(a) If the bureau determines that the application as submitted by the claimant fails to comply substantially with the requirements of Section 11413 or with the requirements of a regulation adopted by the chief under authority of Section 11313, the bureau shall, within 45 days after receipt of the application, mail an itemized list of deficiencies to the claimant.

(b) The time within which the bureau is required to act under Section 11415 shall be measured from the date of receipt by the bureau of an application that is substantially complete.  In the event of an irreconcilable dispute between the claimant and the bureau on the question of whether the application is substantially complete, the claimant may immediately file the claim with the court pursuant to Section 11417.3.