Fingerprint Clearance: What It Means and How the Process Works
Fingerprint clearance is the process of submitting fingerprints for a background check so a requesting agency can determine whether a person is eligible for a job, license, volunteer role, permit, or other position of trust. In California, fingerprint clearance is often connected to Live Scan fingerprinting, where fingerprints are submitted electronically to the California Department of Justice and, when required, the FBI. Some agencies instead require ink fingerprints or FD-258 fingerprint cards, especially for out-of-state, federal, or licensing purposes.Who Usually Needs Fingerprint Clearance?
Fingerprint clearance may be required…
The requesting agency decides whether fingerprint clearance is required and what type of background check must be completed. Applicants should always follow the instructions on the agency’s form or request letter.Fingerprint Clearance vs. a Regular Background Check
A fingerprint clearance is different from a name-based background check. A name-based check searches records using personal information such as name and date of birth. A fingerprint-based check uses biometric identifiers, which can be more precise when a government agency or licensing board requires identity-based screening. For many California applicants, the clearance process begins with a Request for Live Scan Service form. This form includes important information such as the ORI code, applicant type, and agency billing information. Without the correct form, a Live Scan provider may not be able to submit the fingerprints to the correct agency.Steps for Obtaining Fingerprint Clearance
The exact process depends on the agency requesting the clearance, but most applicants follow these steps:- Get the correct agency instructions. The requesting agency should provide a Live Scan form, fingerprint card instructions, or written background check requirements.
- Complete the required personal information. Make sure your name, date of birth, identification information, and applicant type are accurate.
- Get fingerprinted. Depending on the requirement, this may involve California Live Scan, ink fingerprints, or FD-258 fingerprint cards.
- Submit the fingerprints to the correct agency. Live Scan submissions are transmitted electronically. Fingerprint cards may need to be mailed or included with an application packet.
- Wait for the agency decision. The fingerprinting provider does not usually receive the final clearance decision. The requesting agency reviews the background check results and determines whether the applicant is cleared.
What Can Delay Fingerprint Clearance?
Fingerprint clearance can be delayed if the applicant uses the wrong form, enters incorrect personal information, submits poor-quality fingerprints, or sends fingerprints to the wrong agency. Delays can also happen when the Department of Justice, FBI, licensing board, or requesting agency needs additional time to review records. For California Live Scan applicants, the ATI number on the receipt can often be used to check the status of the submission. Applicants can learn more on our guide to checking Live Scan status.What If Fingerprint Clearance Is Denied?
If a person is not cleared, the next step usually depends on the agency that requested the background check. Some agencies provide appeal rights, correction procedures, or instructions for challenging incomplete or inaccurate records. Applicants who believe their California criminal record may be affecting employment, licensing, or professional opportunities may also want to review our California expungement resources. Expungement does not erase every record for every purpose, but it may help in some employment and licensing situations depending on the facts and the agency involved.When Fingerprint Cards or FBI Background Checks Are Needed
Not every fingerprint clearance request uses California Live Scan. Some out-of-state agencies, federal agencies, immigration matters, professional licensing boards, and international applications require fingerprint cards instead. For federal or international purposes, applicants may also need an FBI background check. If the document will be used outside the United States, it may also need an apostille or certified translation through an international document process.Mobile Fingerprinting for Clearance Requirements
For groups, employers, schools, care facilities, and busy professionals, mobile service may be more convenient than sending each applicant to an office separately. Anshin Mobile Notary & Live Scan offers mobile fingerprinting services for eligible appointments throughout Los Angeles, depending on scheduling, location, and the type of fingerprinting required.Fingerprint Clearance Help in Los Angeles
Anshin Mobile Notary & Live Scan helps applicants, employers, volunteers, licensed professionals, and organizations complete fingerprinting requirements correctly. We provide California Live Scan fingerprinting, FD-258 fingerprint cards, FBI background check support, and mobile fingerprinting options by appointment. Before your appointment, bring your government-issued photo ID and the instructions from the requesting agency. If you were given a Request for Live Scan Service form, bring the completed form so the correct ORI code and applicant type can be used.Frequently Asked Questions
What does fingerprint clearance mean?
Fingerprint clearance means fingerprints are submitted for a background check so a requesting agency can determine whether a person is eligible for a job, license, volunteer role, permit, or other position of trust.Is fingerprint clearance the same as Live Scan?
Not exactly. Live Scan is one method used to submit fingerprints electronically in California. Fingerprint clearance is the broader process of being reviewed or cleared by the agency that requested the background check.Who decides whether I am cleared?
The requesting agency decides whether you are cleared. The fingerprinting provider captures and submits fingerprints but usually does not receive or control the final clearance decision.Can I use fingerprint cards instead of Live Scan?
It depends on the requesting agency. California agencies often require Live Scan, while out-of-state, federal, licensing, or international agencies may require FD-258 fingerprint cards.What should I bring to a fingerprint clearance appointment?
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the instructions from the requesting agency. If the agency gave you a Request for Live Scan Service form, bring the completed form with the ORI code and applicant type.
