My Employer Gave Me a Live Scan Form With Only the ORI Code — Isn’t That Enough?
No. An ORI code live scan request by itself is not enough in California and will be rejected if the form is incomplete. If this is all you have, and you show up to a Live Scan vendor, they will refuse to fingerprint you. To avoid delays, your “Request for Live Scan Service” form must include the Authorized Applicant Type and the full Contributing Agency Information — including the agency name, address, and the DOJ-assigned Mail Code that matches the correct destination for your results.
This matters because a single agency (and ORI) can have multiple applicant types and may route results to different internal units depending on why you’re being fingerprinted. If the applicant type or Mail Code is missing (or wrong), results can be delayed, misrouted, or rejected — and in some situations you may have to pay for a second Live Scan.
The DOJ has tables, updated daily, containing this information for all agencies authorized to serve as a custodian of record, meaning, they are authorized to receive results of background checks of individuals who use their form.
Quick Answer (What You Should Tell Your Employer)
If your employer handed you a form with only an ORI code (or just texted you an ORI), ask them to provide a complete Request for Live Scan Service form that includes:
- ORI (Code assigned by DOJ)
- Authorized Applicant Type (sometimes shown as “Applicant Type”)
- Type of license / certification / permit or the exact working title (when applicable)
- Contributing Agency Information:
- Agency authorized to receive criminal record information (official name)
- Mail Code (the DOJ-assigned response destination)
- Street address or P.O. Box
- City / State / ZIP
- Level of Service (DOJ only vs. DOJ + FBI, depending on the requirement)
Bottom line: the ORI points to the agency, but the Applicant Type + Mail Code help determine the correct routing and the correct transaction for your specific requirement.
Live Scan Request Checklist (ORI Code Isn’t Enough)
If your employer gave you only an ORI code (or texted an ORI), use this chart to confirm you have
a complete Request for Live Scan Service (BCIA 8016) before your appointment.
| Item (What Must Be On the Form) | Also Called / Where You’ll See It | Why It Matters (What Can Go Wrong If Missing) |
|---|---|---|
| ORI (Code assigned by DOJ) | “ORI Code”, “ORI Number” | Identifies the requesting agency, but does not specify the correct transaction or routing by itself. |
| Authorized Applicant Type | Sometimes shown as “Applicant Type” | One ORI can have multiple applicant types (employment, licensing, certification, etc.). Missing/incorrect type can cause wrong category, delays, rejection, or a redo. |
| Contributing Agency Information | Agency block / “Agency Information” | The form must include the agency’s official name and address so the request is complete and matches the agency authorization. |
| Mail Code (DOJ-assigned) | Routing destination (not your mailing address) | The Mail Code tells the system where results should be delivered within the agency. If blank or wrong, results can be misrouted or the submission may be refused. |
| Type of license / certification / permit (when applicable) | Role, license type, clearance type | Helps ensure the request matches the exact purpose of fingerprinting when the agency uses multiple routes. |
| Level of Service | DOJ only vs DOJ + FBI | Determines scope of background check. Using the wrong level can cause non-acceptance by the requesting agency and may require resubmission. |
| ATI Number (after submission) | Transaction identifier / proof of submission | Generated after fingerprints are captured. Often requested as proof you completed Live Scan and for tracking. |
Bottom line: The ORI points to the agency, but the Applicant Type + Mail Code determine correct routing
and the correct transaction for your specific requirement.
Why the ORI Code Live Scan Request Alone Isn’t Enough
The Live Scan submission is not “one size fits all.” When your fingerprints are captured, the Live Scan operator uses your form to select the exact transaction that matches the requesting agency’s authorization and routing rules. This is done using the live scan operator’s system. The ORI is only one piece of that.
1) One ORI can have multiple Applicant Types
Many agencies are authorized for multiple background-check purposes — for example: employment, licensing, certification, contractor clearance, volunteer work, and more. Those different purposes are typically represented on the form as different Authorized Applicant Types.
If the applicant type is missing, vague, or incorrect, your submission can end up under the wrong category. For instance, your record might only receive DOJ level review, when it your position requires not only DOJ but FBI level review as well. Best case: it slows everything down while the agency tries to match you manually, assuming that your are lucky enough to have an agency that will work with you to resolve the issue. Worst case: your agency tells you to redo the Live Scan because the wrong “level of review” or wrong applicant type was used.
2) The Mail Code is a routing destination, not “optional fluff”
The Mail Code on the form is not your mailing address. It’s a DOJ-assigned destination that tells the system where the results should be delivered within the agency’s setup. Some agencies have different Mail Codes for different applicant types, internal departments, or processing workflows.
This is why “we have the ORI” is not the same as “we have a complete Live Scan request.” If the Mail Code doesn’t match the DOJ tables for that agency and applicant type, your results can be routed incorrectly.
3) A “generic” Live Scan form is not acceptable
Applicants sometimes download a blank BCIA 8016 online and try to fill it in themselves. That’s because they search online for “Live Scan form”, and that is what most often appears in their search results. For most employment and licensing uses, that approach creates problems because the requesting agency should provide the form with the correct agency block already completed — including the correct applicant type and Mail Code.
If you’re not sure whether your form is correct, use this reference page: Completing your Live Scan Service Form.
What a Correct Live Scan Request Form Looks Like (Top Sections That Matter Most)
The most important information is usually in the top sections of the form. Before your appointment, confirm that your form has:
- ORI code (specific to the requesting agency)
- Authorized Applicant Type (specific to why you’re being fingerprinted)
- Contributing Agency Information:
- Agency name
- Agency address
- Mail Code
- Level of Service checked correctly (DOJ and/or FBI)
After your fingerprints are submitted, you’ll receive an ATI number (the transaction identifier). Many agencies request a copy of the completed form showing the ATI as proof the submission was completed.
If Your Employer Only Gave You an ORI Code: What To Do Next
Step 1: Ask for the completed agency block (not just the ORI)
Reply with a simple request: “Can you send me the full Live Scan request form with the Applicant Type and the agency Mail Code completed?” Tell them that you can’t complete the live scan without all of this information.
Step 2: Confirm the Applicant Type in writing
Many agencies don’t understand how the form is structured, and the significance of its parts. So you might want to ask your agency: “What is the Authorized Applicant Type for this request?” They may need to confirm with their HR, compliance team, licensing unit, or the agency contact who owns the Live Scan authorization.
Step 3: Confirm the Mail Code matches the correct destination
The Mail Code should match the DOJ routing setup for that agency and the applicant type. If the employer provides a form with a blank Mail Code, that’s a red flag. If they provide a Mail Code that doesn’t match their official instructions, that can also cause problems. You might not know if the mail code is correct or not until you bring the form to a live scan operator. But if it’s blank, there’s no way that the form can be processed.
Step 4: Don’t guess
We understand the temptation: “Let’s just run it with the ORI.” But guessing the applicant type or Mail Code can create a submission that doesn’t satisfy the requirement — and that usually means you’ll have to repeat the process.
Common Scenarios We See (And the Fix)
“My employer texted me an ORI and told me to ‘go get Live Scan’.”
Fix: Ask for the complete Live Scan request form (BCIA 8016) with the Authorized Applicant Type and Contributing Agency Information filled out, including Mail Code.
“My employer gave me a blank form and told me to fill it in.”
Fix: Your employer is required by the DOJ to fill out the agency sections. You should generally only complete your personal information section (name, DOB, ID info, etc.). If you fill out the agency fields incorrectly, your results can be misrouted.
“The agency name is there, but there’s no Mail Code.”
Fix: Request the Mail Code. Many agencies have official Live Scan instructions listing the correct Mail Code to use. Better yet, have your agency issue you a full and complete form.
“The applicant type on my form doesn’t match what I’m applying for.”
Fix: Stop and verify before you submit. A mismatch can cause rejection or require resubmission. This is especially true for care facilities.
Live Scan Appointments: What You Need to Bring
- Your printed Live Scan request form (paper copy)
- Valid government-issued photo ID
If you don’t have the correct form, or if your employer is unsure how to complete the agency block, we can explain what’s needed so you don’t waste time or money on a submission that doesn’t meet the requirement.
For general Live Scan service details, visit: Live Scan Fingerprinting in Los Angeles.
FAQ
Is the ORI code live scan request enough to do Live Scan in California?
No. The ORI code alone is not enough. A valid Live Scan request must also include the Authorized Applicant Type and the full Contributing Agency Information, including the DOJ-assigned Mail Code used to route results correctly. Learn more here: California DOJ Live Scan Fingerprinting.
Will a Live Scan provider refuse to fingerprint me if my form only has an ORI code?
Yes. Most Live Scan providers cannot submit fingerprints without a complete Request for Live Scan Service form. If the applicant type or Mail Code is missing, the Live Scan operator will typically refuse the submission.
Can the Live Scan operator look up the applicant type or Mail Code for me?
No. Live Scan operators are not permitted to guess, select, or look up agency routing information. The requesting agency must provide the correct applicant type and Mail Code on the form.
What happens if my applicant type is missing or incorrect?
Your submission may be delayed, misrouted, rejected, or not accepted by the requesting agency. In many cases, you will be asked to redo the Live Scan using the correct applicant type.
What is the Mail Code on a Live Scan request form?
The Mail Code is a DOJ-assigned routing destination tied to the requesting agency. It tells the system where to send the results. It is not the applicant’s mailing address.
Can I download a generic BCIA 8016 form and fill it out myself?
Sometimes, for certain personal requests such as a personal record review. However, for most employment, licensing, and certification requests, the requesting agency must provide a completed form with the correct applicant type and Mail Code.
Do I submit the Live Scan form online?
No. You must bring the printed Live Scan request form to your Live Scan appointment. The Live Scan operator uses the form to complete the electronic submission.
What is an ATI number and why does my employer want it?
The ATI number is the transaction identifier created after your fingerprints are submitted. Many agencies use it as proof that the Live Scan was completed and to track processing status.
