Key Facts
- Live Scan fingerprinting is a digital process used in California for background checks, essential for many job applications.
- Employers in sensitive fields, like education and healthcare, often require Live Scan to ensure legal compliance and public safety.
- The Live Scan process involves obtaining a request form, booking an appointment, and providing necessary documents for fingerprint capture.
- Common mistakes that can delay employment include incorrect forms, expired identification, and poor fingerprint quality.
- Utilizing mobile Live Scan services can streamline the fingerprinting process for multiple applicants at a single location.
When applying for certain jobs in California, you might be asked to undergo a Live Scan fingerprinting process. Unlike traditional ink fingerprinting, Live Scan captures fingerprints digitally and sends them directly to the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for background checks.
At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we help job seekers, employers, and organizations streamline this process with fast, accurate, and secure fingerprinting services. Whether you’re applying to work in education, healthcare, law enforcement, financial services, or childcare, understanding Live Scan is essential to avoid delays in your hiring process.
Understanding the significance of Live Scan in the Employment process is crucial for all job applicants.
Why Live Scan Is Required for Employment
Employers who handle sensitive data, work with vulnerable populations, or require high trust often must ensure applicants meet legal and safety standards. Live Scan helps by:
For many positions, Live Scan is a mandatory requirement for Employment.
Legal Compliance
Many industries are legally required to conduct background checks before hiring. Live Scan provides a secure and official way to fulfill these requirements.
Public Safety
Live Scan ensures that individuals in positions of trust — such as teachers, nurses, or government employees — have passed criminal background screenings.
Industry-Specific Mandates
In California, agencies such as the Department of Social Services, Department of Education, and Department of Health Care Services mandate Live Scan for certain roles.
In these cases, being aware of the Live Scan requirement is essential for Employment considerations.
Which Jobs Commonly Require Live Scan Fingerprinting for Employment
While any employer can request Live Scan, certain positions almost always require it:
Education and Childcare
Teachers, substitute teachers, school volunteers, daycare workers, and after-school program staff.
Healthcare
Nurses, medical assistants, caregivers, home health aides, and other healthcare professionals.
Government and Law Enforcement
These roles are often critical for Employment in various sectors.
Police officers, court clerks, state agency workers, and contracted service providers.
Financial Services
Bank employees, insurance agents, and mortgage brokers handling sensitive client data.
Real Estate and Licensing
Real estate agents, notaries, and licensed contractors.
The Live Scan Process for Employment
The Live Scan Process is vital for ensuring smooth Employment transitions.
The process is straightforward but requires you to come prepared.
Step 1: Obtain the Request for Live Scan Form
Your employer or licensing agency will give you an official Request for Live Scan Service (Form BCIA 8016). This form includes the agency’s ORI number and job title code, which tells the DOJ what background checks to run.
Step 2: Book Your Appointment
Securing an appointment is a key step in the Employment verification process.
With Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, you can schedule an appointment online or request our mobile Live Scan service where we come to your location.
Step 3: Bring Required Documents
You’ll need:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
- Your completed Live Scan request form
- Applicable payment for the service and government fees
Step 4: Fingerprint Capture
We’ll scan your fingerprints using a certified Live Scan device. The process takes only a few minutes.
Step 5: Electronic Submission
The system sends your prints directly to the DOJ and/or FBI for processing.
Step 6: Background Check Results
Results are sent securely to your employer or licensing agency. Processing time varies, but most are completed within 3–7 business days.
Receiving results timely is essential for facilitating your Employment.
How Long Does It Take to Get Live Scan Results?
Processing times depend on several factors:
- Agency workload: DOJ and FBI processing speeds vary.
- Accuracy of fingerprints: Smudged or unclear prints may cause delays.
- Type of check requested: Some agencies require both DOJ and FBI checks, which can take longer.
Most results are received in under a week, but in rare cases, it can take up to 30 days.
At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, our high-quality equipment and trained technicians minimize errors, helping you get results faster.
Employers rely on accurate Live Scan results as part of their Employment verification process.
Common Mistakes That Delay Employment Live Scan
Incorrect or Incomplete Forms
A missing ORI number or wrong job title code can cause your Live Scan to be rejected.
Expired Identification
Using an expired ID will require you to return with valid identification.
Poor Fingerprint Quality
Some individuals — especially older adults or those with certain occupations — may have worn fingerprints, requiring extra care during scanning.
How Employers Benefit from Live Scan
Understanding how Employers benefit from Live Scan can enhance your chances of Employment.
Employers gain several advantages from requiring Live Scan:
Reduced Hiring Risks
Background checks verify that candidates have no disqualifying criminal history.
Compliance with State and Federal Laws
Employers meet industry regulations and avoid legal penalties.
Enhanced Workplace Safety
Ensures that staff in sensitive roles have been thoroughly vetted.
Cost of Live Scan for Employment
Knowing the costs associated with Live Scan is important for your Employment budget.
The total cost includes:
- Rolling fee: Charged by the Live Scan service provider for capturing and transmitting prints.
- Government fees: DOJ and/or FBI charges for background processing.
At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we offer competitive pricing and transparent fee structures. We also provide mobile Live Scan services for businesses needing multiple employees fingerprinted at once.
Mobile Live Scan for Job Applicants and Employers
If you have a group of employees or applicants needing Live Scan, our mobile service saves time and money by coming to your workplace or event location.
Utilizing mobile Live Scan services can streamline the Employment process for multiple candidates.
We regularly provide on-site fingerprinting for:
- Schools hiring new staff
- Healthcare facilities onboarding employees
- Licensing agencies hosting applicant events
- Corporate background checks for large teams
Interlinking Example
For more details on how Live Scan works in California, visit our guide: How Live Scan Fingerprinting Works in California
If you’re comparing fingerprinting methods, you can read: Benefits of Live Scan vs. Traditional Fingerprinting
How to Prepare for Your Live Scan Appointment
- Double-check your Live Scan request form for accuracy.
- Bring valid ID and payment.
- Avoid using lotions or oils on your hands on the day of the scan.
- Arrive a few minutes early to avoid stress or rushing.
Final Thoughts
Live Scan is a critical part of the hiring process for many California jobs, especially those involving public trust or vulnerable populations. By understanding the process, preparing properly, and choosing a reliable provider like Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, you can ensure your background check is completed quickly and accurately — helping you start your new job without unnecessary delays.
Live Scan is pivotal not just for background checks, but also for securing your Employment.
FAQs about Live Scan for Employment
How long does a Live Scan take?
The actual fingerprinting process takes only 10–15 minutes, though you should allow extra time for form review and ID verification.
Can I reuse my Live Scan for multiple jobs?
No. Each employer or licensing agency requires a separate Live Scan with their own ORI number.
What if my Live Scan results are delayed?
Delays can occur due to high agency workload or poor fingerprint quality. Contact your employer or the DOJ for status updates.
Does Live Scan check my credit score?
No. Live Scan only reports criminal history; it does not include financial or credit information.
Can Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan come to my location?
Yes! Our mobile Live Scan service can come to your home, workplace, or event for convenient on-site fingerprinting.
