FAQs

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Live Scan fingerprinting is the technique and technology used to capture fingerprints electronically. It replaces the more traditional method of ink and paper. The fingerprints are electronically transmitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for a criminal record check. A response is sent to the agency requesting the Live Scan. If required the DOJ forwards the Live Scan fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Through Live Scan fingerprinting background clearances can be processed within a few days instead of weeks it requires for traditional fingerprinting.

Live Scan fingerprinting is used to reveal criminal history information for identification, employment and licensing purposes by matching fingerprints and other identifying information to existing data files for an individual.

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Following are some professions that are required to submit Live Scan fingerprints: Attorneys, Lawyers, Notaries, Real Estate Licensees, Stock Brokers, Lawyers, Teachers, Foster Parents, Care Givers, DMV Licensed Professionals, Security Guards, Surgeons, Nurses, Doctors, Contractors, Appraisers, etc.

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The agency or employer requesting the Live Scan fingerprint will provide the applicant with the Request for Live Scan Form. At the Live Scan location a trained and certified technician will scan your fingerprints with a Live Scan fingerprint scanner. The scanning process takes around 5 to 10 minutes. Immediately following the fingerprints are electronically transmitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for background processing. All appropriate fees will be collected from the applicant by the technician.

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Please bring the items listed below to your Live Scan Session:

• 3 copies of the completed "Request for Live Scan Service" form. The form is given to the applicant by the agency requesting the Live Scan and must be completed by the agency and applicant. We cannot provide the form or assist in filling it out.
• A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport.
• Payment for the Live Scan service.

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The agency or employer requesting the Live Scan fingerprint will provide the applicant with the Request for Live Scan form.

As a courtesy to our clients, blank Request for Live Scan Service forms can be downloaded through the links provided on our Request for Live Scan Service forms page.

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The fees for Live Scan consist of the rolling fee for the fingerprinting and the background investigation fee. We charge a rolling fee of $25. The background investigation fee depends on the level of service and is charged by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Additionally if your requesting agency asked for an FBI background check, an FBI fee will be due.

Your total fee will be given to you before your fingerprints are scanned. We accept the following forms of payment: Cash, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, Money Order, Check (Business/Personal) and Cashier's Check. A $25 fee will be charged for any returned Checks or Credit Cards.

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You can check your fingerprinting results by calling the Department of Justice's 24-hour automated telephone service at (916) 227-4557. You will need your birth date and the 10-digit Automated Transaction (ATI) number which is located at the bottom of the Applicant Live Scan Request Form. The ATI number always appears in the following sequence: 1 letter; 3 numbers; 3 letters and 3 numbers.

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) usually processes Live Scan fingerprinting within 72 hours. Delays may occur. For any significant delays the DOJ will contact the requesting agency. The results are either emailed or sent to the requesting agency listed on the Request for Live Scan Service Form. Once the Live Scan process has been completed, please contact the agency handling your employment or licensing with all inquiries.

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The ORI code is assigned by the DOJ (Department of Justice). In order to get an ORI code the organization/agency has to apply with the DOJ to become an authorized applicant agency.

California law authorizes certain governmental and private organizations to conduct criminal record background checks to help determine the suitability of a person applying for a license, employment or as a volunteer working with children, the elderly or disabled. Law enforcement agencies, public and private schools, non-profit organizations and in-home supportive care agencies are some of the agencies authorized to conduct fingerprint background checks.

Follow the detailed step by step instructions on the DOJ website which explain the complete process an agency needs to follow to get authorization and submit fingerprints. They also have links to the forms that need to be filled out. This process can take six weeks to complete, sometimes longer if FBI approvals are required. You will be notified in writing when you can begin sending applicants to be fingerprinted. You will also receive your ORI code.

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The State of California Department of Justice provides detailed information about Fingerprint Background Checks.