Who needs a live scan fingerprint?

You might need live scan fingerprinting if you’re in a profession that requires a background check. This includes jobs like security guards, teachers, realtors, notaries, accountants, and many more. Whether you’re in healthcare, education, or finance, this digital fingerprinting is a standard step for employment or certification.

Can I schedule a live scan or just drop in?

No need to book ahead! Feel free to drop by anytime Monday to Friday, 9 am to 7 pm. We welcome walk-ins. If you’re in a group of more than two, though, it’s best to schedule an appointment to avoid waiting.

Do I need to redo my live scan if I’ve done it before?

Yup, you’ll need a fresh live scan each time you’re asked for one. The Department of Justice (DOJ) keeps your prints confidential and won’t share them across different agencies. So, new job or role means new live scan.

How quickly does the DOJ or FBI process fingerprints?

Typically, the DOJ zips back results within 48 hours. These results are sent directly to whoever asked you for the live scan.

What if I haven’t heard back after 15 days from my Live Scan?

If it’s been over two weeks, there’s a form you can fill out to ask the DOJ to look into it for you.

How do I check my live scan results status?

For those in California: Reach out to the agency that requested your live scan. They’ll have the details. Or call the DOJ hotline with your date of birth and the transaction number from your form. There’s also an online option on the DOJ website.

Who gives me the live scan request form?

The agency asking for your background check will hand you the form. It’s got specific info they need, so make sure you get it from them before heading in for your fingerprints.

What if my fingerprints don’t come out right?

Sometimes fingerprints just don’t cooperate – maybe because of scars or calluses. If that happens and we did the initial scan, we’ll redo it for free.

Can I get my own criminal history check?

Absolutely. You have the right to request your criminal records from the DOJ to make sure everything’s accurate.

I want my business to get criminal history info on applicants in California.

There are specific links for different types of agencies that want to apply for access to criminal history info through the California DOJ.

My agency’s details are wrong with Cal-DOJ; how do I fix this?

If there’s a mistake with your agency’s info, there’s a form for that.

I want to be notified about any new arrests of my applicants; what do I do?

To get updates on subsequent arrests for your applicants, you’ll need to register using a specific form.

How do I stop receiving arrest notifications for someone?

If you no longer need updates on a past applicant’s arrests, there’s a form to remove your request.

More about Live Scan Fingerprinting

Back in the day, getting your fingerprints taken meant inking up your fingers and carefully rolling them across a card to leave an impression. But technology’s come a long way, and now we’ve got something called live scan fingerprinting.

Live scan is pretty cool. It’s like something out of a spy movie – you place your fingers on a glass plate, and a scanner captures the prints electronically. No mess, no fuss. These digital prints are then whisked away through the digital ether to databases held by state authorities or even the FBI.

What’s great about live scan is that if the first scan doesn’t look good, you can just do it over on the spot until it’s just right. It’s become a big hit with the police and other agencies because it’s super accurate and helps them do their job better.

If you’re new to live scan, here’s the lowdown on how it works:

You go in, get your fingers scanned by this electronic gadget, and fill in some personal details. This info gets sent off to wherever it needs to go – like for background checks or identity verification. And because it’s all digital, there’s no inky evidence left behind.

Live scan isn’t just for the cops, though. It’s used all over the place – when you’re applying for professional licenses, certain permits, or jobs that need a clean record. It’s also part of the visa or immigration process sometimes.

If you need to get live scanned, you’ll have to fill out a specific form that you’ll get from whoever’s asking for your prints. Bring along some ID like a driver’s license (or a passport might work too). And yes, there’s usually a fee you’ll need to pay for the service.

So why is live scan the way to go? Well, it’s fast – no waiting around for snail mail to deliver your prints. It’s accurate – no smudgy ink means clearer prints. It’s easy to send off – a couple of clicks and off they go. Plus, it’s better for the environment – no paper cards needed.