Key Facts
- The cost of a Live Scan in California varies based on background check type and provider fees.
- Live Scan fees consist of government processing fees and provider service fees.
- Typical costs range from $50 to $90, depending on the required checks and provider fees.
- Choosing a trusted provider helps avoid hidden charges and ensures quality fingerprint capture.
- Live Scan fees are generally non-refundable, even if applications are canceled or denied.
When preparing for employment, licensing, or immigration in California, one common question applicants have is: “How much does a Live Scan cost?”
The cost of Live Scan in California varies depending on the type of background check requested and the provider handling the fingerprinting. Applicants are often surprised to learn that the fee is not a single flat rate, but instead a combination of government processing fees and provider service fees.
At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we believe in transparency. This article breaks down how Live Scan fees work in California, what factors affect the total cost, and how to avoid hidden charges.
Understanding Live Scan Fees
Two Main Components of Cost
The cost of a Live Scan is generally made up of:
- Government Fees
- California DOJ Fee: Charged for state-level criminal history checks.
- FBI Fee: Charged if a federal background check is required.
- Other Agency Fees: Certain licensing boards or regulatory agencies may add their own processing fees.
- Rolling Fee (Service Provider Fee)
- This is the fee charged by the Live Scan provider for capturing and submitting your fingerprints. Each provider sets their own rolling fee, which typically ranges from $20 to $50.
Typical Breakdown of Live Scan Costs in California
California DOJ Fee
The DOJ fee for state-level checks usually ranges between $32–$40, depending on the type of application and agency requesting the check.
FBI Fee
The FBI fee for federal background checks is typically $17–$25.
Rolling Fee
Providers such as Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan charge a service fee for fingerprinting. This can vary, but most fall between $20–$50, depending on location and service type (mobile vs. in-office).
Total Cost Example
For a standard DOJ + FBI check:
- DOJ fee: $32
- FBI fee: $17
- Rolling fee: $30
- Total = $79
Typical Live Scan Cost Breakdown in California (2025)
Live Scan fingerprinting fees in California include both government processing fees and a service (rolling) fee charged by the provider. The chart below shows a typical breakdown for a combined DOJ + FBI background check. Actual totals may vary depending on your agency and location.
Factors That Affect Live Scan Pricing
1. Type of Background Check
Some applicants need only a DOJ check, while others require both DOJ and FBI checks. The more checks required, the higher the total cost.
2. Agency Requirements
Licensing boards, adoption agencies, and government departments may add their own fees. Always confirm with the requesting agency before scheduling Live Scan.
3. Provider Service Fees
Each Live Scan provider sets their own rolling fee. Some providers advertise low fees but add hidden surcharges. At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we provide clear pricing with no hidden costs.
4. Mobile vs. In-Office Service
Mobile Live Scan services, where a technician comes to your location, may include additional convenience fees.
Why Fees Vary Across California
Applicants often notice that Live Scan prices differ between providers in California. This is because the DOJ and FBI fees are fixed, but the rolling fee is not regulated. Providers are free to set their own service charges.
This is why choosing a trusted provider like Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan is important — you know exactly what you are paying for, with no surprises.
Paying for Live Scan
When scheduling your Live Scan, check in advance how fees must be paid. Many providers accept:
- Cash
- Credit or debit cards
- Business checks
At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we make payments simple and secure, whether you book online or in person.
Are Live Scan Fees Refundable?
Generally, Live Scan fees are non-refundable. Even if the requesting agency cancels your application or you fail to qualify, the DOJ and FBI do not return processing fees.
If fingerprints are rejected due to poor quality, the provider may reprint and resubmit them at no cost. At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we ensure high-quality fingerprint capture to minimize rejections.
How to Save Time and Money on Live Scan
- Confirm with your agency which level of background check is required (DOJ only, FBI only, or both).
- Choose a trusted provider to avoid repeat fingerprinting due to poor quality.
- Avoid hidden fees by asking for a full cost breakdown before booking.
- Consider mobile services if traveling to a provider is costly or time-consuming.
Why Choose Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan?
At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we combine affordability with accuracy. Clients choose us because:
- Our rolling fees are clear and competitive.
- We are an authorized provider for DOJ and FBI submissions.
- We offer both in-office and mobile services for convenience.
- We provide notary services for documents often required alongside background checks.
Whether you’re applying for a California teaching credential, healthcare license, or federal clearance, we ensure you know the exact cost upfront.
Book your appointment today at Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan.
FAQs: Live Scan Fingerprinting Costs in Los Angeles
How much does a Live Scan cost in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, the average Live Scan fingerprinting cost ranges between $50 and $90. The price includes the California Department of Justice (DOJ) fee, the FBI fee if required, and the provider’s rolling (service) fee. At Anshin Mobile Notary & Live Scan, we keep our pricing transparent—no hidden charges or surprise fees.
What fees make up the total Live Scan cost?
The total Live Scan cost includes two parts: government fees (DOJ and FBI) and a rolling fee charged by the provider for capturing and submitting fingerprints. DOJ fees usually range from $32–$40, the FBI fee from $17–$25, and rolling fees from $20–$50 depending on location and service type.
Why do Live Scan prices vary between Los Angeles providers?
The DOJ and FBI fees are fixed by the government, but Live Scan providers in Los Angeles set their own rolling fees. This is why prices differ between offices. Choosing a trusted provider like Anshin Mobile Notary & Live Scan ensures clear pricing and professional fingerprint capture that helps prevent costly resubmissions.
Are Live Scan fees refundable?
No. Once your fingerprints are submitted, Live Scan fees are non-refundable, even if your application is canceled or denied. The DOJ and FBI do not return processing fees. However, if fingerprints are rejected for quality reasons, our team can resubmit them at no cost to you.
What payment methods are accepted for Live Scan in Los Angeles?
We accept cash, credit or debit cards, and business checks. Payment can be made in person at either our Beverly Hills office or our Los Angeles office, or during a mobile Live Scan appointment.
How can I save money on my Live Scan fingerprinting?
Confirm with your requesting agency which background check is required (DOJ only, FBI only, or both) to avoid paying for unnecessary services. Book with a reliable provider that offers competitive rolling fees and quality fingerprints—like Anshin Mobile Notary & Live Scan—to avoid reprints or delays.
Does Anshin Mobile Notary offer mobile Live Scan services?
Yes. We provide mobile Live Scan services across Los Angeles County for individuals, offices, and groups. Mobile appointments include a small convenience fee and are ideal for employers, schools, or community organizations needing onsite fingerprinting.
How long does it take to complete a Live Scan appointment?
Most Live Scan appointments take only 10–15 minutes. Results are typically sent electronically to the requesting agency within a few days. We offer same-day appointments at both our Beverly Hills and Los Angeles offices for your convenience.
Conclusion
So, how much does a Live Scan cost in California? The total fee usually ranges between $50–$90, depending on whether your application requires state, federal, or both levels of background checks, as well as the provider’s rolling fee.
By choosing a professional provider like Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, you can ensure your fingerprints are captured correctly the first time and that you pay only what’s necessary — with no hidden surprises.
Schedule your appointment today at https://anshinotary.com/ and experience transparent, affordable Live Scan services.
