Live Scan is the electronic fingerprinting process that replaces traditional ink fingerprinting. An individual’s fingerprints are scanned and securely transmitted to the Department of Justice, which performs a criminal history background check using an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). Live Scan is often required by statute for certain types of state-issued licenses, employment, and volunteer work. After the Live Scan is performed the DOJ submits your results to the requesting agency or employer.

Live scan is an inkless fingerprinting process that electronically transmits fingerprint records to the California Department of Justice. Unlike ink fingerprints, live scan fingerprinting does not require ink or a card.

Digital fingerprinting is less complex than traditional ink fingerprinting. The prints are detected by the scanner by rolling your fingertips on a glass plate. The fingerprints are then forwarded to the appropriate location once they have been captured digitally. An electronic copy of fingerprints is also more difficult to lose or destroy than a tangible copy, like with ink fingerprints. Electronic fingerprints cannot be transferred over state borders, therefore one can only use them if users get their fingerprints taken in the state where they intend to work.

Using the ink fingerprinting procedure necessitates visiting a nearby sheriff’s department or law enforcement authority to have one’s fingerprints registered. The conventional method of obtaining fingerprints, ink fingerprinting, is still utilized for a variety of purposes today. To saturate the whole fingerprint area, a person’s fingertips are rolled in ink. Then, every finger is placed onto prepared cards from one end of the fingernail to the other. These are referred to as rolled imprints. After that, the fingerprint cards are shipped to be processed. (Impressions that are judged unsuitable for processing are sent back to be reprinted.) The results are delivered as requested and are usually obtained between 2 – 4 weeks.

Live Scan fingerprinting is a far more quick, accurate, and secure approach. Using this type of biometrics reduces the chance of errors and ensures that the findings are provided as fast as possible, allowing businesses to complete the steps necessary in the hiring process.

The information on a live scan form facilitates the transferal of fingerprint images to the State and Federal government and then to the requesting agency. The form will have the agency’s information like the ORI code and the mailing code which the technicians copy to complete the request. In addition to that, your own data should be on the live scan application form.

Pacific Fingerprint cannot submit your Live Scan transaction without this form; we would highly recommend that you contact your employer or requesting agency to get a copy of this form. For more information on Live Scan forms, please visit the Certifix Live Scan website or click here.

A trained and certified Live Scan specialist will capture fingerprints using a Live Scan system. The fingerprints are then sent securely via electronic transmission to the appropriate FBI or DOJ-certified channeling agencies for background check processing. A live scan typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, and the person taking the fingerprints will collect all appropriate fees at the time of service. Processing time for the FBI or DOJ can vary based on the type of background check needed.

A current physical government issued ID is required along with your Live Scan form. Applicants from ages 7 to 17 years old may bring a school photo ID.

The Department of Justice processing time varies depending on the type of background check needed. On average, processing time can be as early as three days, but can take up to thirty days.*

*This is an estimate and can be shorter or longer depending on individual cases.

Your results will go directly to the requesting agency listed on your Live Scan form.

You can check the status on https://applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov/

You will need the following information:

1. Your date of birth (DOB)

2. The ATI number located at the bottom of your Live Scan Form

A rolling fee of $30 + FBI & DOJ Fees. Please note this fee is determined by the type of background check conducted. The exact cost is determined when the ORI number is input into the DOJ system.

Please click here to calculate your government fees.

We currently accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and cash.

Yes, your prints only go to one agency or employer at a time so you can’t use one set of prints for two different live scans. Agencies or employers are not allowed to share a person’s background check information with one another. It is against the law for different agencies to share confidential fingerprint results with each other.

Please feel free to contact our office at (844) 294-0512 for any additional questions or assistance. One of our fingerprint team members will be happy to assist you!

Mobile Fingerprinting services are ideal for organizations and businesses needing convenient on-site service. Mobile Fingerprinting makes it easy for all your employees or volunteers to satisfy their fingerprinting requirements all at one time in an easy and hassle-free way! With the aid of our savvy and competent fingerprint team, we are able to provide a personal experience with excellent customer support before and after your event. Our mobile fingerprinting services are available 7 days a week to make it as easy as possible to fit in your groups schedule.

There is a one-time mobile service fee of $250. This fee covers transportation costs, setup, and breakdown. If you would like to submit a form for a quote to receive accurate pricing information for your organization, please click here.

There are two convenient ways your group or organization can pay for mobile fingerprinting services. The first method is through an invoice after the event is complete. The second option is to pay on the day of the event.

When inquiring about mobile services, we will ask for the following information:

1. How many people are you expecting?

2. What is the date, time, and duration of your event?

3. Do you have a live scan form for all your employees/volunteers?

Pacific Fingerprint can conduct live scans in your facility if proper space is provided. If you do not have a proper space for our setup, it is no problem, we are fully equipped to conduct live scans from our Mobile Fingerprinting Vehicle safely and securely for your convenience. Your employees or volunteers will need to have a current physical government issued ID and their Live Scan form on hand to provide the service.