The Cal-ID Bureau is responsible for maintaining the computerized fingerprint database AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System).

Live scan devices, used to capture fingerprints taken at the time a person is booked, are located in every Sheriff and police department jail in the county. These devices transmit fingerprints taken during the booking process and electronically direct them to AFIS. The AFIS computer searches and compares them to prints already in the database. Although it’s an automated process, some records still require manual evaluation of the print quality by Cal-ID staff. Since identifying criminals is Cal-ID's primary responsibility, the staff's focus is on processing these records in a timely matter. Once the local process is complete, the records are electronically sent to the Department of Justice. DOJ then searches and registers these booking prints in their databases.

Another primary responsibility of Cal-ID is to identify the deceased for the Coroner's office. Staff also assist agencies such as the California Highway Patrol and District Attorney, and search and compare fingerprints of registrants and applicants to those prints on file in the AFIS database.