Background Check for Liquor License
| Requirement / Topic | Details for ABC Liquor License Applicants |
|---|---|
| Purpose of Live Scan | Live Scan fingerprinting is required by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) for background checks before issuing or transferring a liquor license. |
| Who Needs It | Business owners, partners, corporate officers, and any person with ownership interest listed on the ABC application. |
| Mobile Live Scan Availability | Anshin Mobile Notary & Live Scan provides on-site fingerprinting at restaurants, bars, cafés, breweries, or home offices anywhere in Los Angeles. |
| Processing Time | Most DOJ background check results return within 3–7 business days, depending on ABC and DOJ workload. |
| Forms Needed | A completed unique “Request for Live Scan Service” form received from the ABC, containing the correct ORI code, and OCA code which is necessary to identify you license application. You CANNOT use a BCIA 8016 generic form. |
| What to Bring | Valid government ID (driver license, passport, or state ID) and the ABC Live Scan form. |
| Benefits of Mobile Service | No travel time, group-friendly, reduces business downtime, improves compliance accuracy, and ideal for busy food-service teams. |
| Typical Use Cases | New liquor license applicants, ownership transfers, Type 41 (beer & wine), Type 47 (full liquor), event venues, breweries, and restaurants. |
If you are applying for a California liquor license, Live Scan fingerprinting is usually one of the required steps. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, commonly called ABC, uses fingerprint-based background checks to review owners, partners, corporate officers, and other people listed on the liquor license application.
Anshin Mobile Notary & Live Scan helps restaurants, bars, cafés, breweries, retailers, event venues, and hospitality businesses complete ABC Live Scan fingerprinting correctly. We offer in-office appointments and mobile fingerprinting services throughout Los Angeles for eligible appointments.
What Is Live Scan for a Liquor License?
Live Scan is California’s electronic fingerprinting system. Instead of using ink fingerprint cards, your fingerprints are captured digitally and submitted to the California Department of Justice and, when required, the FBI.
For liquor license applications, ABC uses the background check results to help determine whether the applicant is eligible to hold or transfer a license. This is common for restaurant, bar, retail, brewery, and hospitality-related license applications.
Who Needs Live Scan for an ABC Liquor License?
The people who need fingerprinting depend on the ownership structure and the ABC application. Common applicants include business owners, partners, members, corporate officers, managers, and people with an ownership interest in the business.
Examples may include applicants for Type 41, Type 47, Type 20, Type 21, ownership transfers, new locations, and certain business changes. ABC or your licensing consultant should tell you exactly who must complete Live Scan.
Bring the Correct ABC Live Scan Form
The most important item to bring is the correct Request for Live Scan Service form provided by ABC or your licensing consultant. This form should include the correct ORI code, applicant type, and any OCA or application information needed to connect your fingerprints to the liquor license application.
You should not use a generic Live Scan form unless ABC specifically tells you to do so. The wrong form can delay the application or send the fingerprints to the wrong agency.
How Mobile Live Scan Helps Liquor License Applicants
Mobile Live Scan can be especially helpful when several owners, officers, partners, or managers need fingerprinting at the same time. Instead of sending each person to a fingerprinting office separately, we can often come to your restaurant, bar, office, hotel, brewery, retail location, or business site.
- Useful for restaurant and hospitality groups
- Convenient for multiple owners or corporate officers
- Helps reduce time away from the business
- Works well for ownership transfers and new license applications
- Available by appointment throughout Los Angeles
For broader Live Scan details, visit our main Live Scan fingerprinting services page.
Steps for Completing ABC Live Scan Fingerprinting
- Confirm who needs fingerprinting. ABC or your licensing consultant should identify each person who must complete Live Scan.
- Get the correct ABC Live Scan form. Make sure the form includes the correct ORI code, applicant type, and application-related information.
- Schedule your appointment. Choose an in-office appointment or request mobile Live Scan if you have multiple applicants or need on-site service.
- Bring valid photo identification. A driver license, state ID, passport, or other acceptable government-issued photo ID is required.
- Complete the fingerprint submission. Your fingerprints are captured electronically and submitted through California’s Live Scan system.
- Keep your receipt. The receipt includes your ATI number, which may help you track the submission if there is a delay.
Processing Time for ABC Live Scan Results
Many Live Scan submissions are processed within a few business days, but timing can vary. The fingerprinting provider submits the fingerprints, but the final review is handled by the Department of Justice, FBI if required, and ABC.
If there is a delay, the applicant may need to follow up with the requesting agency or use the ATI number from the Live Scan receipt to check the status. You can also review our guide on how to check Live Scan status.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a generic Live Scan form instead of the ABC-specific form
- Leaving the ORI code, applicant type, or OCA information incomplete
- Bringing expired or unacceptable identification
- Waiting until the last minute before an ABC deadline
- Assuming the fingerprinting provider receives the final clearance decision
- Not keeping the Live Scan receipt and ATI number
Mobile vs. In-Office Live Scan
In-office Live Scan is usually best for one or two applicants who can visit our Los Angeles or Beverly Hills office by appointment. Mobile Live Scan is often better for restaurants, bars, ownership groups, corporate teams, or hospitality businesses that need several people fingerprinted at one location.
Mobile service may include an additional travel fee, but it can save time and reduce disruption for business owners and staff.
ABC Live Scan Help in Los Angeles
Anshin Mobile Notary & Live Scan assists liquor license applicants throughout Los Angeles with ABC Live Scan fingerprinting. We help business owners, restaurant groups, bars, retailers, breweries, cafés, and hospitality teams complete fingerprinting requirements accurately and efficiently.
Before your appointment, bring your government-issued photo ID and the completed ABC Request for Live Scan Service form. If you are not sure whether you need Live Scan, confirm with ABC or your licensing consultant before scheduling.
FAQs About Live Scan for ABC Liquor License Applications
Do I need Live Scan fingerprinting for a California liquor license?
Many California ABC liquor license applications require Live Scan fingerprinting for owners, partners, corporate officers, or other people listed on the application. ABC or your licensing consultant should confirm who needs fingerprinting.
Can Anshin come to my restaurant or business for Live Scan?
Yes. We provide mobile Live Scan appointments for eligible businesses throughout Los Angeles, including restaurants, bars, cafés, breweries, retail locations, offices, and hospitality groups.
What should I bring to my ABC Live Scan appointment?
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the completed Request for Live Scan Service form provided by ABC or your licensing consultant. The form should include the correct ORI code, applicant type, and any required application information.
Can I use a generic Live Scan form for an ABC liquor license?
Usually no. ABC applicants should use the specific Live Scan form provided by ABC or their licensing consultant. A generic form may send the fingerprints to the wrong agency or delay the liquor license application.
How long does ABC Live Scan processing take?
Many submissions are processed within a few business days, but timing can vary depending on DOJ, FBI, and ABC review. The fingerprinting provider submits the fingerprints but does not control the final clearance decision.
Can multiple owners or employees be fingerprinted during one mobile appointment?
Yes. Mobile Live Scan is often useful when multiple owners, officers, partners, managers, or team members need fingerprinting for the same business or licensing matter.
What types of ABC licenses may require Live Scan?
Common examples include Type 41, Type 47, Type 20, Type 21, new license applications, ownership transfers, and certain business changes. ABC determines the exact fingerprinting requirement.
Does Anshin handle the full ABC liquor license application?
No. We handle the Live Scan fingerprinting portion of the process. ABC, your attorney, or your licensing consultant handles the broader liquor license application and approval process.
