Key Facts
- Live Scan fingerprinting results typically take 24-72 hours, but delays can occur due to various factors like technical issues or high submission volumes.
- The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) may have similar processing times, but agency-specific delays can extend the overall timeline.
- Contacting your requesting agency is crucial after submission to confirm processing and address any potential delays.
- Providing accurate information on your Live Scan form is essential to avoid delays caused by errors in submission.
- Using a reliable service like Anshin Mobile Notary and Livescan can help ensure quick and accurate fingerprint capturing and submission.
Understanding Live Scan Fingerprinting Results Time
How Long Does It Take to Get Live Scan Fingerprint Results?
As trusted fingerprint technicians, one of the most common questions we hear is, “How long will it take to get my Live Scan fingerprint results?” The answer depends on several things, including the purpose of the Live Scan fingerprinting and the processing times of the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). And most importantly, how long it takes your requesting agency to process your record.
What Is Live Scan Fingerprinting?
Live Scan fingerprinting is an electronic fingerprinting method that captures high-quality images of your fingerprints digitally.
The images are submitted to law enforcement and regulatory agencies, such as the DOJ and FBI, to obtain electronic copies of your criminal arrest record, which are then sent to a designated person at the requesting agency. You can learn more about it here.
Typical Live Scan Fingerprinting Results Time
1. Department of Justice (DOJ) Background Checks
In many cases, results are typically processed within 48-72 hours after submission. However, factors such as technical issues, high submission volumes, holidays, or the need for additional review can cause delays in your live scan fingerprinting results time.
2. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Background Checks
a. When processed through the DOJ, FBI results for federal-level checks are usually about the same as those for the DOJ. However, since the databases differ, all the variables that may delay DOJ results may also apply to FBI results and delay your live scan fingerprinting results time.
b. When processed separately, FBI Background Checks (DOCE) are ordinarily quite rapid, if the applicant specifies that they wish to receive their results via email.
3. Agency-Specific Delays
While the DOJ or FBI may complete their review in a few days, the agency requesting your Live Scan submission may require additional time to process your electronic record. This can range from days, to weeks. It really depends on your agency’s operating processes, the number of applicants they need to process, the time of year and various other factors.
This is especially common for agencies handling licensing, certifications, or employment clearances.
Recommendation: Contact your Agency
All of these factors may cause significant delays in your live scan fingerprinting results time. It’s therefore recommended that you contact your agency after confirming that your records have been processed by the government.
4. Delays for Queries in Specific Databases
Some database queries, such as accessing an applicant’s record in the Firearms Database, which is overseen by the California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms, take longer to query due to specific agency and legal requirements. These may cause delays in your live scan fingerprinting results time.
How to Track Your Live Scan Fingerprint Submission
Once your Live Scan fingerprints are submitted, at the bottom of the Live Scan Form, you’ll receive a transaction number (also known as the ATI number). You can use this number to check the status of your submission here through the DOJ’s online tracking portal. If your results haven’t been received after a week, contact the agency requesting the background check to confirm receipt.
Tips to Speed Up Live Scan Processing
• Provide Accurate Information: Double-check your live scan form and make sure all details, like your name, date of birth, and Social Security number, are perfectly correct. Errors in submission can lead to delays. You can see our guide to completing hte live scan service form on this here
• Plan Ahead: If you are in a rush, make sure to call us first so we can help you understand time requirements. If need results for a job application, professional license, or certification, schedule your Live Scan appointment early to avoid last-minute stress. In many cases, your agency will be satisfied with obtaining the live scan form containing the ATI number which proves that your fingerprints have been submitted.
• Work with a Professional: Choose Anshin Mobile Notary and Livescan, with experienced technicians, to ensure your fingerprints are captured accurately and submitted quickly.
Reliable Live Scan Fingerprinting Services
Anshin Mobile Notary and Livescan specializes in fast and accurate Live Scan fingerprinting services for all your background check needs. Whether you’re applying for a new job, a professional license, or need fingerprints for other purposes, we’re here to make the process quick, easy and transparent.
Contact us today to schedule your Live Scan appointment and get your results as quickly as possible!
Frequently Asked Questions About Live Scan Results in Los Angeles
At Anshin Mobile Notary & Live Scan, we help clients across Los Angeles submit fast, accurate Live Scan fingerprinting. Below are the most common questions we receive about how long Live Scan results take, where results go, and how to check your background check status.
How long does it take to get Live Scan fingerprinting results in Los Angeles?
Most California DOJ Live Scan background checks are completed within
24–72 hours. Some results may return the same day, while others may take longer if manual review is required by the DOJ or FBI. Factors like fingerprint quality, licensing-agency backlog, or name-related record checks can extend processing time in rare cases.
For general guidance and preparation tips, visit our
Live Scan Fingerprinting in Los Angeles
page.
Where do my Live Scan results get sent?
Live Scan results are transmitted securely from the California DOJ (and FBI, if applicable)
directly to the requesting agency listed on your “Request for Live Scan Service”
form. Your results do not come to our office and are not provided directly
to you unless the Live Scan was specifically submitted as a DOJ “Record Review” request.
Can I check the status of my Live Scan submission?
Yes. If your background check was submitted to the California DOJ, you can check whether it has been completed using the official DOJ Applicant Status Check tool below:
👉
California DOJ Live Scan Status Check
You will need your ATI number and your date of birth.
For submissions that include FBI processing or were routed through a specific program (such as licensing boards, volunteer programs, or federal agencies), status updates are often provided only by the requesting agency.
For additional Live Scan help, visit our
California Live Scan FAQ page
.
Why are my Live Scan results delayed?
Delays can occur for several reasons:
- Fingerprint image quality requiring manual review
- High-volume processing periods at the DOJ or FBI
- Name or identity matches requiring additional research
- Errors or missing information on the requesting agency’s form
While most Los Angeles submissions return within a few days, rare manual reviews can extend the timeline to several weeks.
How do I get a copy of my own Live Scan results or criminal history record?
Applicants do not receive a copy of Live Scan results unless they are
submitting a DOJ “Record Review” request or an FBI Identity History Summary request.
These are separate processes from employment or licensing Live Scans.
For complete instructions on requesting your own record, see:
How to See Your Criminal Record (California DOJ & FBI)
Can Anshin Mobile Notary & Live Scan in Los Angeles access or share my results?
No. As a certified Los Angeles Live Scan provider, we cannot view, store,
or share your background check results. Only the agency listed on your form can access and
discuss your final background check decision. We can provide your ATI number if you need it
to check your status with the DOJ.
What should I do if my fingerprints are rejected?
If your Live Scan fingerprints do not clear with the California DOJ or FBI, the requesting agency (or the DOJ directly) will send you an official rejection notice letter. This letter authorizes a no-fee resubmission, meaning you can return to our office and we will rescan and resubmit your fingerprints at no additional rolling fee.
If your fingerprints are rejected a second time, the DOJ does not require a third Live Scan attempt. Instead, the DOJ completes your background check manually by using your biographical information (such as your name, date of birth, and Social Security number) to match your records, even if the second set of prints is unreadable. This ensures that your background check can still be processed without further delay.
This two-step process is standard across California: First rejection → free resubmission Second rejection → DOJ completes your check using personal identifiers.
If you receive a rejection letter, bring it to your appointment and we will assist you with the required resubmission at no charge.
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