Live Scan FAQs
Live Scan FAQs
Live Scan FAQs
Who needs a live scan fingerprint?
You might need live scan fingerprinting if you’re in a profession that requires a background check. This includes jobs like security guards, teachers, realtors, notaries, accountants, and many more. Whether you’re in healthcare, education, or finance, this digital fingerprinting is a standard step for employment or certification.
Can I schedule a live scan or just drop in?
We work by appointment but feel free to call or text 24/7 to make an appointment. Once we know what you need, and when we can get you in, we’ll text you a booking request. Having said that, we definitely take same day appointments!
Do I need to redo my live scan if I’ve done it before?
We know it’s not fun, but you’ll need a fresh live scan each time you’re asked for one. Your fingerprints are only used to pull your arrest record. If there’s no match, your prints will be discarded and your record will say there are no entries in your criminal arrest record. If there is a match, the record will show what you have been arrested for.
How quickly does the DOJ or FBI process fingerprints?
Typically, the DOJ zips back results within 48 hours. These results are sent directly to whoever asked you for the live scan, your “agency”. Then, the agency has to process your record. The time required varies by agency. The best thing to do is to stay on top of your agency and call to see what is going on. Make sure to provide them with a copy of your request for live scan, so they can track your record with your ATI number. The Live Scan Service form is your insurance; it proves you submitted your fingerprints, so don’t lose it!
How do I check if my live has been processed?
The easiest way is to check online by visiting the DOJ website to check on the status of your submission. If you’re interested in checking what is in your record, unfortunately, you will have to do that by doing what is called a “record review”. We can help you with this service as well.
Now, this isn’t checking on your record itself. If you want a copy of your record, see below “Can I get my own criminal history check?“
Who gives me the live scan request form?
The agency asking for your background check will hand you the form. It’s got specific info they need, so make sure you get it from them before heading in for your fingerprints.
What if my fingerprints don’t come out right?
If a live scan fingerprint submission is rejected, you will receive a rejection letter from the CADOJ and you will need to visit us again, free of charge. We will then take and submit your fingerprints again, free of charge. If your fingerprints are rejected again, then the CADOJ will access your criminal arrest record using your personal information, including your social security number, and electronically send your record to the requesting agency. This means that you’ll never need to visit us more than 2 times.
Can I get my own criminal history check?
Absolutely. You have the right to request your criminal records from the DOJ or the FBI to make sure everything’s accurate. This requires a special submission that we can handle, so speak with us about it.
My agency’s details are wrong with Cal-DOJ; how do I fix this?
We often get applicants with Live Scan Service forms with incorrect information. If there’s a mistake with your agency’s info, the best thing to do is to call your agency. We’re happy to speak with them about how to correct the problem, and how we can get your record submitted correctly!
More about Live Scan FAQs
Back in the day, getting your fingerprints taken meant inking up your fingers and carefully rolling them across a card to leave an impression. But technology’s come a long way, and now we’ve got something called live scan fingerprinting.
Live scan is pretty cool. It’s like something out of a spy movie – you place your fingers on a glass plate, and a scanner captures the prints electronically. No mess, no fuss. These digital prints are then whisked away through the digital ether to databases held by state authorities or even the FBI.
What’s great about live scan is that if the first scan doesn’t look good, you can just do it over on the spot until it’s just right. It’s become a big hit with the police and other agencies because it’s super accurate and helps them do their job better.
If you’re new to live scan, here’s the lowdown on how it works:
You go in, get your fingers scanned by this electronic gadget, and fill in some personal details. This info gets sent off to wherever it needs to go – like for background checks or identity verification. And because it’s all digital, there’s no inky evidence left behind.
Live scan isn’t just for the cops, though. It’s used all over the place – when you’re applying for professional licenses, certain permits, or jobs that need a clean record. It’s also part of the visa or immigration process sometimes.
If you need to get live scanned, you’ll have to fill out a specific form that you’ll get from whoever’s asking for your prints. Bring along some ID like a driver’s license (or a passport might work too). And yes, there’s usually a fee you’ll need to pay for the service.
So why is live scan the way to go? Well, it’s fast – no waiting around for snail mail to deliver your prints. It’s accurate – no smudgy ink means clearer prints, and if the print quality isn’t great, you can correct it on the fly. It’s also easy to send off – a couple of clicks and off they go. Plus, it’s better for the environment – no paper cards needed;)
