📍 Los Angeles 📞 (310) 526-0200

5211 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016

📍 Beverly Hills 📞 (424) 253-8149

113 N San Vicente Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Anshin Mobile Notary & LiveScan – Professional Notary and Fingerprinting Services in Los Angeles, CA

Key Facts

  • In Los Angeles, fingerprinting services primarily use Live Scan for electronic submissions, while FD-258 cards are often needed for out-of-state requests.
  • Fingerprinting is essential for various processes, including background checks, licensing, and immigration applications.
  • To determine the required fingerprinting type, follow the instructions on your form or confirm with the requesting agency.
  • Live Scan is preferred for California-based requests, while FD-258 cards are necessary for specific federal or international applications.
  • Using a mobile Live Scan service can provide convenience, allowing technicians to come to your location for fingerprinting.

Fingerprinting in Los Angeles: Live Scan & FD-258 Explained

If you’re looking for fingerprinting services in Los Angeles for a job, license, background check, or immigration process, the first step is figuring out what type of fingerprinting is actually required.In Los Angeles, fingerprinting for most agencies in California is completed through Live Scan (electronic fingerprint submission).
Many agencies located in U.S. states outside of California require ink fingerprint cards such as the FD-258, although some require electronic fingerprinting through designated vendors.Immigration and overseas residency applications often require an FBI Background Check (Identity History Summary), and fingerprints for that check may be submitted electronically or by fingerprint card depending on the process. The right option depends on who is requesting your fingerprints and where they need to be sent.
If you already know you need Live Scan, start here: Live Scan fingerprinting in Los Angeles.This guide explains the most common fingerprinting services in Los Angeles and helps you choose the correct option the first time.

What “Fingerprinting” Usually Means

“Fingerprinting” is a general term people use to describe several different processes. In Los Angeles (and across California), it most often refers to one of these:

  • Live Scan fingerprinting (electronic submission to DOJ and/or FBI)
  • Fingerprint cards (often FD-258, typically for out-of-state or international needs)
  • Background check fingerprints for licensing, employment, volunteering, or immigration

The most reliable way to choose the correct service is to follow the instructions on your form (or the agency’s written requirements).
If the instructions are vague, it’s common to confirm before fingerprinting to avoid delays.

Live Scan vs. Fingerprint Cards (FD-258)

Here’s a quick comparison to help you identify what’s most likely required.

Fingerprinting TypeWhat It IsCommon Uses
Live Scan (CA DOJ / DOJ+FBI)Electronic submission through the California Live Scan system (typically when an ORI code is provided).California DOJ requests for licensing, employment, volunteering, and other agency-required background checks.
FBI Background Check (Identity History Summary)Background check result from the FBI; fingerprints may be submitted electronically or by FD-258 depending on workflow.Federal background checks, agency-specific requirements, some immigration-related workflows, overseas immigration/residency.
FD-258 Fingerprint Cards (FD-258)Ink fingerprint cards mailed to an agency, vendor, or requesting organization.Out-of-state requests, some international visa/residency cases, certain federal or private requests.

If your paperwork mentions Live Scan, DOJ/FBI, “electronic submission,” and contains an ORI code, that strongly points to Live Scan.

If your instructions specifically mention FD-258, “fingerprint card,” or mailing fingerprints, you’ll typically need fingerprint cards instead.

If your instructions specifically mention an FBI Background Check, fingerprints may be submitted electronically or by FD-258 depending on the process.

If you need fingerprint cards, this page walks through options and next steps:
FD-258 fingerprint cards.

How to Know Which Fingerprinting Service You Need

Use these quick checks (based on what your requesting agency usually specifies):

  • If your form references the California DOJ, a licensing board, or an ORI code → Live Scan is usually required.
  • If your instructions say “electronic submission” → this often means Live Scan, but in some cases it can refer to an FBI submission through an approved workflow.
  • If your instructions say “FD-258,” “fingerprint card,” or “mail your fingerprints” → fingerprint cards are usually required.
  • If this is for an international visa or overseas residency → many workflows require an FBI Background Check (Identity History Summary); fingerprints may be submitted electronically or by fingerprint card depending on the specific process.

The safest approach is to ask your agency exactly what they need and match the exact delivery method the agency requests (electronic submission vs. mailed cards). That avoids redoing fingerprints later.

“Fingerprinting Near Me” in Los Angeles

People often search “fingerprinting near me” when they need an authorized provider quickly.
In Los Angeles, many providers offer Live Scan appointments, while others focus on fingerprint cards or specific agency workflows.

Many busy customers choose to use mobile Live Scan service, where a technician visits your home or office for Live Scan and other supported fingerprinting workflows.

If your request is California-based (licensing, employment, volunteering), choosing a DOJ-authorized Live Scan provider helps ensure your fingerprints are submitted in the format the agency expects.

Ready to book Live Scan in Los Angeles?

Visit the Live Scan service page to choose the right option for your request (DOJ, FBI, or both):

View Live Scan Fingerprinting Services

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on what the requesting agency requires. If your form mentions the California DOJ, an ORI code, or electronic submission, you’ll usually need Live Scan. If your instructions mention FD-258 cards or mailing fingerprints, you’ll usually need fingerprint cards. For immigration and overseas residency, the requirements vary—many workflows require an FBI Background Check, and fingerprints may be submitted electronically or by fingerprint card depending on the process.

Live Scan is a modern method of fingerprinting that captures prints electronically and submits them to the appropriate agency (DOJ, FBI, or both).
People often say “fingerprinting” when they mean Live Scan, but some requests still require ink fingerprint cards instead.

FD-258 fingerprint cards are typically required when an agency wants physical fingerprint cards mailed in—often for out-of-state requests, certain federal workflows, or some international visa and residency applications. If your instructions specify “FD-258” or “fingerprint card,” that’s a strong indicator you need cards.

The safest move is to confirm with the requesting agency (or review their written instructions) before fingerprinting. The key detail is whether they want electronic submission (Live Scan or an FBI workflow) or mailed fingerprint cards (FD-258). Matching the requested format prevents delays and resubmissions.