How to Prepare for Your Live Scan Fingerprint Appointment

If you’re applying for a new job, professional license, volunteer role, or completing a legal requirement in California, chances are you’ll need to undergo Live Scan fingerprinting. Live Scan is a digital method of capturing fingerprints and sending them securely to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and/or the FBI for background checks.

Preparing for your Live Scan fingerprint Appointment is essential to ensure a seamless experience.

While the process is fast and straightforward, proper preparation can make it even smoother — avoiding delays, rejections, or the need for rescheduling.

At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we help clients throughout Los Angeles County complete their Live Scan quickly and correctly, offering both in-office and mobile Live Scan services for maximum convenience.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for your Live Scan fingerprint Appointment so you can get it right the first time.

Step 1: Understand Why You Need Live Scan

Common Reasons for Live Scan Fingerprinting

Live Scan is required in California for:

• Employment background checks
• Professional licensing (real estate, healthcare, notary, contractors)
• Volunteer positions (especially involving children or vulnerable adults)
• Adoption and foster care applications
• Legal name changes
• Immigration and legal processes

Before booking, confirm with your requesting agency exactly what type of background check you need — DOJ only, FBI only, or both.

Step 2: Get Your Live Scan Request Form

The Importance of the BCIA 8016 Form

You cannot complete a Live Scan appointment without the official Request for Live Scan Service (BCIA 8016) form. This form is provided by the agency requesting your background check and includes:

• Agency name and address
• Type of clearance needed
• Billing information (if applicable)
• Your personal details

Tip: Double-check that the form is fully filled out and matches your government-issued ID exactly. Mistakes can cause delays.

Step 3: Book Your Appointment

In-Office vs. Mobile Appointments

Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan offers two options:

• In-office appointments: Perfect for individuals who want a quick, affordable session at our location.
• Mobile Live Scan services: We come to your home, office, school, or event anywhere in Los Angeles County — ideal for busy professionals or groups.

You can book your appointment here.

Step 4: Gather the Required Documents

What to Bring to Your Live Scan Appointment

To ensure your appointment goes smoothly, bring:

• A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
• Your Live Scan Request Form (BCIA 8016)
• Payment for the Live Scan service (fees vary depending on DOJ/FBI requirements)

Step 5: Prepare Your Hands for Clear Fingerprints

Why Fingerprint Quality Matters

If your fingerprints are unclear or smudged, the DOJ or FBI may reject them, requiring you to return for a retake. This can delay your background check by weeks.

How to Get the Best Fingerprint Quality

• Moisturize your hands for a few days before your appointment, especially if your skin is dry.
• Avoid cuts, scrapes, or heavy calluses before your appointment.
• If your hands are sweaty, wash and dry them thoroughly before your session.

Step 6: Know What to Expect During the Appointment

The Live Scan Process

1. The technician will verify your ID and review your request form.
2. Your fingerprints will be scanned electronically using the Live Scan device.
3. The prints will be sent securely to the DOJ/FBI for processing.

The process usually takes 10–15 minutes for one person.

Step 7: After the Appointment

How Long Until Results Come Back?

Most results are processed within 3–7 business days, though it can take longer if additional review is required. Results are sent directly to the requesting agency, not to you.

Tips for a Smooth Live Scan Experience

Double-Check Your Information

Errors in your form can cause delays. Ensure your name, date of birth, and other details match your ID exactly.

Arrive on Time (or Be Ready for Mobile Service)

If you booked an in-office appointment, arrive early. If you booked mobile service, make sure the area is ready and accessible for the technician.

Choose a Trusted Provider

The quality of your fingerprints depends on the skill and equipment of the provider. At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, our certified technicians use state-of-the-art devices to ensure accuracy.

Why Choose Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan

Certified and Experienced Technicians

We have handled thousands of Live Scan submissions for individuals, businesses, schools, and government agencies.

Flexible Scheduling

We offer early morning, late evening, and weekend appointments to fit your schedule.

Mobile and In-Office Options

Choose between coming to our location or having us come to you anywhere in Los Angeles County.

Fast, Accurate Submissions

Our advanced Live Scan equipment ensures your fingerprints are captured clearly and transmitted immediately.

You can learn more about our Live Scan services here.

FAQs About Preparing for Live Scan

What happens if I forget my ID?

Without a valid government-issued photo ID, your Live Scan fingerprint appointment cannot proceed and must be rescheduled.Acceptable forms of ID include:

• Driver’s license (must be unexpired)

• State-issued ID card

• U.S. passport

• Military ID

To avoid delays: Double-check you have your ID before leaving for your appointment. The name on your ID must match exactly with the information on your BCIA 8016 form. If there’s a mismatch, contact the requesting agency to update your paperwork before your appointment.

Can I wear lotion on my hands during the appointment?

Yes, but timing matters for optimal results. Apply hand lotion or moisturizer 24-48 hours before your Live Scan appointment, especially if you have dry or cracked skin. Avoid applying lotion immediately before your scan as it can:

• Make fingers too slippery for clear prints

• Cause smudging or unclear captures

• Result in rejected fingerprints requiring a retake

Best practices for clear fingerprints:

• Moisturize regularly for 2-3 days before your appointment

• Avoid heavy lotions on scan day

• Wash hands thoroughly before your appointment

• Keep fingernails short and clean

Will I get a copy of my Live Scan results?

No, Live Scan results are sent directly to the requesting agency (employer, licensing board, etc.) and not to you personally. This is a security measure to prevent tampering with official background check results.

To obtain your own copy: Submit a separate personal background check request through:

• California Department of Justice (DOJ) online portal

• FBI Identity History Summary Request

• Authorized fingerprinting service for personal use

Timeline: Results typically reach the requesting agency within 3-7 business days. If you need confirmation of completion, contact the agency that requested your background check, not the fingerprinting service.

How can I avoid my fingerprints being rejected?

Fingerprint rejections delay your background check by weeks. Follow these proven strategies to ensure acceptance on the first try:

Before your appointment:

• Moisturize hands for 3-5 days if you have dry or cracked skin

• Avoid finger injuries – cuts, burns, or deep scratches can cause rejections

• Don’t file nails too short – some fingertip area is needed for scanning

• Stay hydrated – dehydration affects skin quality

Day of appointment:

• Wash hands thoroughly to remove oils, dirt, or residue

• Avoid heavy lotions immediately before scanning

• Choose a certified provider with quality equipment and experienced technicians

Professional tip: Work-related calluses, age-related skin changes, or medical conditions affecting skin can increase rejection risk. Professional providers use specialized techniques to capture the clearest possible prints in these situations.

Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?

Appointments are strongly recommended and often required, especially for mobile Live Scan services. Here’s what you need to know:

Why appointments matter:

• Guaranteed service time – no waiting in line

• Equipment availability – ensures Live Scan machine is ready

• Technician availability – certified staff scheduled for your visit

• Form verification – time to review your paperwork beforehand

Appointment vs. Walk-in:

• Mobile services: Always require appointments

• In-office services: May accept walk-ins but expect potential delays

• Group services: Require advance scheduling for multiple people

Booking tips:

• Schedule 24-48 hours in advance when possible

• Provide accurate contact information for confirmation

• Ask about same-day availability for urgent needs

• Confirm location details for mobile appointments

Best practice: Book appointments online or by phone to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointing delays.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for your Live Scan appointment is simple, but a few extra steps can save you time and frustration. Have your documents ready, take care of your hands, and work with a trusted provider to ensure everything is done right the first time.

At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we make the process stress-free, whether you come to our office or use our mobile service.

Book your Live Scan appointment today and take the next step toward your job, license, or legal clearance with confidence.