Most California Live Scan submissions with no fingerprint match are processed within 48 to 72 hours after the DOJ receives them. Some background checks take longer when the fingerprints need manual review, the prints are difficult to read, or information on the submission needs to be corrected.
At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we’ve helped countless individuals and organizations through the Live Scan process, so we know exactly what affects turnaround times — and how you can get your results as quickly as possible.
Understanding Live Scan Fingerprinting
What Is Live Scan?
Live Scan is a digital fingerprinting process used in California and other states to transmit fingerprint data electronically to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and, if required, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This eliminates the need for ink-and-paper fingerprint cards and speeds up background checks.
Live Scan transmits fingerprints electronically for background-check processing. The appointment, successful submission, government processing and the requesting agency’s review are separate stages.
Can Anshin look up my Live Scan status? Only if we took your fingerprints. The ATI number that identifies a submission is issued to the provider who rolled your prints, so we can only look up transactions we performed. If another provider fingerprinted you, contact them for your ATI — it is also printed on your copy of the Request for Live Scan Service form. With that number you can check your own status directly with the California DOJ.
Check your status at the California DOJ · Where to find your ATI number
How the Live Scan Process Works
Step 1: Scheduling Your Appointment
You’ll first need to find a certified Live Scan provider like Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan. Many agencies require you to bring a Request for Live Scan Service form that includes the ORI code and other details.
We make scheduling easy — you can book an appointment online or request our mobile Live Scan service so we can come to your home, office, or event.
Step 2: Fingerprint Capture
At your appointment, your fingerprints are captured electronically using a Live Scan machine. This takes just a few minutes. We ensure clear, high-quality prints to avoid rejection delays.
Step 3: Submission to DOJ and FBI
Your prints are securely transmitted to the DOJ (and FBI if required). From there, the agencies run your fingerprints against their databases to check for any criminal history.
How Long Does Live Scan Processing Take?
Typical Turnaround Times
Here is a simple way to understand the timing:
| Part of the process | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Electronic submission | The fingerprints are sent to the DOJ after the appointment. |
| No fingerprint match | Often processed within 48 to 72 hours after receipt. |
| Manual review | There is no fixed timeline, and the review can take longer. |
DOJ processing, FBI processing and agency review
If your form requests both DOJ and FBI checks, treat them as separate parts of the background check. One part showing completed does not establish that the whole application is ready for the requesting agency’s decision. Requirements depend on the agency and the purpose listed on your form.
The DOJ explains that submissions with no fingerprint match are generally processed within 48 to 72 hours after receipt. Manual review has no fixed completion time. These processing estimates do not include the requesting agency’s time to receive, review and act on the response. See the official California DOJ fingerprint process guidance.
Planning around an employment or licensing deadline
Ask the requesting agency which checks it requires, when fingerprints should be submitted and how it handles pending results. Book early enough to allow for processing and possible corrections. A fingerprint provider cannot promise a government completion date or an agency approval date.
If the government status shows completed but the agency has not received the response, review the ORI, applicant type and routing details with the agency. Use our completed-but-not-received troubleshooting guide before paying for a repeat submission.
Factors That Affect Live Scan Processing Times
1. Agency Workload
High-demand periods (such as teacher hiring seasons or law enforcement recruitment drives) can lead to delays.
2. Accuracy of Fingerprints
Poor-quality prints due to dry skin, cuts, or improper capturing can cause rejections. At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we use high-quality equipment and techniques to minimize this risk.
3. Background Check Requirements
Some agencies require extra checks beyond DOJ and FBI, which can extend processing time.
4. Manual Review Needs
If your fingerprints match records in the database, your case may be flagged for manual review, adding days or weeks.
5. Delays in Receiving Results
Even if the DOJ processes your results quickly, the requesting agency may take longer to review and act on them.
How to Check the Status of Your Live Scan
You can check your Live Scan status through the DOJ Applicant Status Check website. You’ll need your ATI number (found on your Live Scan receipt) and your date of birth.
The DOJ status tool reports processing progress. It does not display your criminal history or confirm that the requesting agency has reviewed the response or approved your application. Read our step-by-step Live Scan status guide for help interpreting the status.
How a Careful Live Scan Appointment Can Prevent Delays
A Live Scan provider cannot control how quickly the DOJ or FBI processes a background check. What the provider can do is enter the form information carefully and capture clear fingerprints so avoidable errors are less likely.
Ensuring Proper Form Completion
Incorrect ORI codes or missing information on your form can cause processing stalls. We verify all forms before submission.
Capturing High-Quality Fingerprints
Our advanced Live Scan machines produce clear, accurate fingerprints, reducing the risk of rejection.
Offering Mobile Services
We bring our Live Scan equipment to you — saving you time and ensuring quick submission.
Related Fingerprinting Services
If you’re scheduling a Live Scan for immigration purposes, read our detailed guide on Live Scan Fingerprinting for Immigration Purposes.
If you’re a business or organization looking to process multiple employees or volunteers, explore our Mobile Fingerprinting Services for on-site convenience.
Tips to Get Your Live Scan Results Faster
Schedule Early
If you have a deadline, don’t wait until the last minute. Live Scan results may be quick, but delays can happen.
Moisturize Your Hands Before the Appointment
Dry skin can cause poor fingerprint quality. Applying lotion beforehand can help.
Double-Check Your Form
Verify your ORI code, job title, and agency details are correct before arriving.
Keep Your ATI Number
Your ATI number and date of birth allow you to check processing status. An ATI number is assigned during fingerprint capture; having the number alone does not necessarily mean the submission has reached the DOJ.
Common Reasons for Live Scan Delays
Missing or Incorrect Information
Any mismatch between your form and the DOJ’s requirements will halt processing.
Resubmissions Due to Poor Prints
If fingerprints are rejected, follow the requesting agency’s resubmission instructions. Confirm what is needed before arranging another appointment.
Agency Processing Time
Some agencies take longer to review results even after they receive them.
Final Thoughts
Many Live Scan submissions are processed within a few days, but manual review, fingerprint quality, or incorrect form information can cause delays. Careful fingerprint capture and accurate form entry help reduce avoidable problems before the submission reaches the DOJ.
Whether you need Live Scan for a new job, volunteer role, licensing, or immigration, we’re here to make the process as smooth and fast as possible.
FAQs About Live Scan Processing Times
- How fast can Live Scan results come back?
Many California Live Scan submissions with no fingerprint match are processed within 48 to 72 hours after the DOJ receives them. Manual review, fingerprint-quality problems, or incorrect submission information can make the process take longer. - Can I get same-day Live Scan results?
Same-day results are not guaranteed. Employment and licensing background-check responses normally go to the requesting agency. A personal Record Review is a separate request for your own criminal history; it does not guarantee same-day processing.
To learn how to order your own record and see what’s on your background check, visit Anshin’s Live Scan Record Review page. - What should I do if my Live Scan is taking too long?
Check your Live Scan status at the DOJ Applicant Status Check website using your ATI number and date of birth. If over two weeks have passed, contact the agency that requested your fingerprints for updates. - Can poor fingerprints delay the process?
Yes, low-quality or smudged fingerprints can trigger rejections and require resubmission—adding days to your timeline. To avoid delays, moisturize your hands before your appointment and ensure all prints are captured clearly. - How can Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan help me get results faster?
We carefully enter the form information and capture clear fingerprints to reduce avoidable errors before submission. Government processing time is outside the fingerprint provider’s control.
