California Code, Vehicle Code - VEH § 11301

(a) The department shall prescribe and provide forms to be used for application for permits to be issued under the terms and provisions of this chapter and require of applicants information including, but not limited to, residence address, fingerprints, and personal history statements touching on and concerning the applicant's character, honesty, integrity, and reputation as it may consider necessary.

(b) Upon receipt of an application in proper form accompanied by the appropriate fee, the department shall within 120 days, make a thorough investigation of the information contained in the application.