Frequently Asked Questions

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Live Scan fingerprinting is a digital process used to capture fingerprints electronically, transmitting them to authorities like the California Department of Justice (DOJ) for background checks. It's faster, more accurate, and more convenient than the traditional ink fingerprinting. Live scan is often required for employment, licensing, or other background checks in California.  

•  A Request for Live Scan Service form, which should be completed prior to your arrival.
• A valid government-issued picture ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Payment for the services which can be made in the form of either credit card, cash, check or money order. All major credit cards are accepted.

• Per DOJ policy, sharing of criminal history is not permitted
• For identification purposes
• Each job/license/permit application can require a different level of service, i.e., some require DOJ, some require both DOJ and FBI, in addition to other checks.

In most cases, the results from DOJ come back within 72 hours. Please note, due to various reasons, results can be delayed. For any significant delay, DOJ will contact the Requesting Agency. The results from the Live Scan fingerprinting are either emailed or sent to the Requesting Agency listed on the Request for Live Scan form. Once the Live Scan process has been completed at our facility, please direct all inquiries to the agency,  in handling your employment or licensing. 

You may need Live Scan fingerprinting for several reasons, depending on the requirements of your employer, licensing board, or government agency. Live Scan is typically used for conducting background checks to ensure the safety and integrity of certain jobs and responsibilities. 

Here are the main reasons why Live Scan is required:

1. Employment Background Checks: Many jobs, especially in sensitive sectors such as healthcare, education, law enforcement, and government, require a thorough background check, including fingerprinting. Live Scan helps confirm the identity of job applicants and checks for any criminal history that could disqualify them from certain roles.
2. Professional Licensing: If you’re applying for a professional license, such as to become a real estate agent, contractor, or healthcare professional, Live Scan is often required as part of the licensing process to verify your background and ensure you meet regulatory standards.
3. Volunteer Work: Many organizations require background checks for individuals working with vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, or disabled individuals. Live Scan is often mandated to ensure the safety of these groups.
4. Government Clearances: If you are applying for a job or position that requires government clearance, Live Scan fingerprinting is a standard part of the security clearance process to check for any disqualifying criminal records.
5. Certifications and Permits: You may need a Live Scan for certain certifications or permits, such as a firearm permit, notary public certification, or for adoptions and foster care.
6. Compliance with Legal Requirements: Some laws and regulations mandate that individuals in specific roles or professions undergo fingerprint-based background checks. This ensures compliance with state or federal statutes that aim to protect the public.

Click here for a more detailed list of who needs Live Scan Fingerprints.

A Requesting Agency (or Applicant Agency in California) is an organization or entity that requires individuals to complete Live Scan fingerprinting or background checks for various purposes, such as employment, licensing, or certification.

Key Features include:

1. ORI Number (Originating Agency Identifier): Requesting Agencies are usually assigned an ORI Number, which allows them to submit fingerprint-based background check requests to State or Federal law enforcement agencies. The FBI and State agencies issue ORI numbers to organizations that qualify under Federal or State statutes.
2. State and Federal Agencies: In many States, Requesting Agencies are typically State agencies, such as schools, healthcare institutions, and law enforcement departments. These agencies can request background checks from their State or Federal law enforcement bodies.
3. In California: California allows a wider range of organizations to apply to become an Applicant Agency as long as there is a State statute that mandates the background checks for their organization type. This allows businesses, nonprofits, and other entities to obtain ORI numbers and request fingerprint-based background checks.
4. Federal ORI Numbers: The FBI issues ORI numbers to certain organizations that qualify under Federal law, allowing these agencies to submit Federal (FBI) background check requests.

Live Scan offers several advantages over traditional ink fingerprinting, making it the preferred method for background checks in many industries and States. Here are the key benefits:

1. Faster Processing: With Live Scan, fingerprints are captured digitally and submitted electronically, allowing background checks to be processed much faster compared to mailing ink fingerprint cards. Results are typically available within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the agency’s workload.
2. Increased Accuracy: Digital fingerprinting eliminates the common errors associated with traditional ink fingerprinting, such as smudges or incomplete prints. This reduces the likelihood of rejected fingerprints and the need for reprints. The electronic capture process also ensures clearer, more precise fingerprint images, leading to better accuracy during the background check process.
3. Convenience: No need for mailing: Live Scan fingerprints are transmitted electronically, so there’s no need to mail physical fingerprint cards, saving time and avoiding postal delays. 
4. Enhanced Security: The Live Scan process ensures that fingerprints are transmitted securely and directly to the appropriate State or Federal agency. This reduces the risks associated with mailing physical fingerprint cards, such as loss or tampering. The digital submission process helps maintain data privacy by eliminating unnecessary handling of physical fingerprint cards.
5. Compliance with State and Federal Standards: Many States, including California  require Live Scan for various types of background checks, such as employment, licensing, and certifications. Live Scan meets the standards set by State agencies like the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal agencies like the FBI.

The Live Scan process involves the digital capture and submission of fingerprints for background checks, making it faster and more efficient than traditional ink fingerprinting. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:

1. Obtain the Request for Live Scan Service Form: Your Requesting Agency (or Applicant Agency) will provide you with a Request for Live Scan Service form, which includes key details such as the ORI number (Originating Agency Identifier) that directs where the background check results should be sent.
2. Schedule an Appointment: Click Here to schedule an appointment with us.
3. Capture of Fingerprints: A certified technician will use a digital fingerprint scanner to capture your fingerprints electronically. This process takes only a few minutes and does not involve ink or paper. The technician will also verify your identity by checking your valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
4. Electronic Submission: Once your fingerprints are captured, they are submitted electronically to the relevant State or Federal agency (e.g., California Department of Justice (DOJ), or FBI) for processing. Electronic submission ensures faster processing times compared to mailing traditional ink fingerprint cards.
5. Receive Your Transaction Control Number (TCN) or ATI: After submission, you will receive a Transaction Control Number (TCN) or, in California, an ATI (Applicant Transaction Identifier), which allows you to track the status of your background check.
6. Background Check Processing: The relevant agency processes your background check using the submitted fingerprints. This can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, though it may take longer depending on the agency’s workload.
7. Receive Results: Once your background check is complete, the results are sent to the Requesting Agency, and they will notify you of any next steps.

 No, Live Scan and a background check are not the same, but they are closely related. Live Scan is a digital fingerprinting method used to collect and submit your fingerprints electronically, which are then used as part of the background check process.

1. Live Scan (Fingerprinting): Live Scan is the process of capturing your fingerprints digitally using a scanner. These fingerprints are then submitted electronically to State or Federal agencies, such as the California Department of Justice (DOJ) or the FBI, for processing.
2. Background Check: A background check is the review of your criminal history and other relevant records by government agencies or employers. Fingerprints collected through Live Scan are used to match against law enforcement databases to verify if you have a criminal record or other disqualifying history.

While most State governments don’t allow Live Scan fingerprints to be transmitted across state borders, there are exceptions for some services. Here’s what you can do:

1. California Out-of-State Fingerprinting: Your fingerprints will be captured and printed on an FD-258 card, which will be mailed to you along with pre-filled forms. You will need to submit these to the California DOJ.
2. FBI Fingerprint-Based Background Check: To obtain an FBI Fingerprint-Based Background Check. You can enroll online for this service, and once your fingerprints are processed, you can download and print your Identity History Summary Report online.
3. Ink Fingerprinting (FD-258 Fingerprint Card Printing Service): If you need ink fingerprinting, we offer the “FD-258 Fingerprint Card Printing Service”. Your fingerprints will be captured and printed on an FD-258 card, which can be used for State and Federal applications. You can request additional copies if needed.

You will need to mail the ink fingerprint card yourself. Your Requesting Agency should provide instructions on where to send it, whether to their headquarters or directly to the State or Federal government.

However, we offer shipping and mailing services separately from the ink fingerprinting services. 

 An ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) is a unique nine-character code assigned to an organization or agency by the FBI or State agency to request background checks. It identifies the Requesting Agency and ensures fingerprint results are sent to the correct destination. 

To obtain an ORI, an organization must typically apply through their State's identification bureau or the FBI CJIS Division, demonstrating that they meet the necessary criteria for receiving fingerprint-based background checks. 

 How to Obtain an ORI:

1. Identify Qualifying Criteria: Organizations must meet specific criteria to be assigned an ORI, often involving legal mandates for background checks. 
2. Contact State or Federal Agency:
   • State Agencies: Contact your State's identification bureau or equivalent agency. 
   • Federal Agencies: Contact the FBI CJIS Division. 

      3. Application Process: The agency will guide you through the application process, which 

                 may involve submitting documentation to verify your organization's eligibility. 

      4.  ORI Assignment: Once approved, you will be assigned an ORI number. 

 A Transaction Control Number (TCN) or Applicant Transaction Identifier (ATI) is a unique identifier assigned to a fingerprint submission, to track its status and progress through a system. You obtain a TCN by submitting fingerprints through the relevant system, and it's often provided on a receipt or in a related document. 

How to Obtain a TCN:

• When you have your fingerprints submitted, the fingerprint agency will assign you a TCN and provide it on a receipt or other documentation.