Frequently Asked Questions

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Live Scan fingerprinting is an electronic method of capturing fingerprints and transmitting them to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and, if required, the FBI for background checks. Unlike traditional ink fingerprinting, Live Scan uses a digital scanner to take high-quality images of your fingerprints, reducing smudges and errors. This process is faster and more secure, with results often transmitted in real-time. Live Scan is required for many California jobs, licenses, and volunteer positions. You can learn more directly from the California Department of Justice Live Scan Program. Our office at Orange County Live Scan provides fast, affordable, and accurate Live Scan services.

Live Scan is required for individuals applying for jobs or licenses that involve trust, security, or direct contact with vulnerable populations. This includes teachers, nurses, caregivers, real estate agents, security guards, and childcare workers. Many state boards and agencies, such as the California Board of Registered Nursing and California Department of Social Services, require Live Scan before granting licensure. Volunteers for schools, youth sports, and non-profit organizations often need Live Scan clearance. If you’re unsure whether you need one, check your employer’s requirements or contact the DOJ Applicant Processing Program. We can help you confirm and complete the process at Orange County Live Scan.

You will need three key items: your completed Request for Live Scan Service form (BCIA 8016), a valid government-issued photo ID, and your payment method. Acceptable IDs include a California driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Your Live Scan request form should be provided by your requesting agency, employer, or licensing board. For form details, visit the California DOJ Forms Page. At Orange County Live Scan, we also offer form completion assistance to ensure no delays in processing. Having these items ready will make your appointment quick and efficient.

Most Live Scan submissions to the California DOJ are processed within 72 hours, but some may take longer if a manual review is required. If your fingerprints are clear and there are no delays, results can often be available in just 1–2 business days. Your results are sent directly to the requesting agency, not to you. You can check your status online using the DOJ Applicant Status Check. At Orange County Live Scan, we transmit fingerprints instantly for the fastest turnaround possible. Keep in mind that delays can occur during high-volume periods or if fingerprints need re-taking.

Yes, fingerprints can be rejected if they are unclear, smudged, or unreadable. This is why using an experienced provider like Orange County Live Scan is important—we ensure high-quality image capture on the first try. Poor-quality prints can result from worn ridges, injuries, or improper scanning technique. If your prints are rejected by the DOJ or FBI, you may need to be re-scanned at no additional rolling fee. The DOJ Rejection Policy outlines acceptable reasons for rejection. We take extra care to minimize rejections and help you avoid delays in your application.

Live Scan uses a digital scanner to capture and transmit fingerprints electronically, while traditional ink fingerprinting uses ink pads and paper cards. Digital Live Scan is faster, cleaner, and more accurate, with results often sent instantly to the DOJ and FBI. Ink fingerprinting is still used for certain out-of-state or federal applications, such as FBI FD-258 fingerprint cards. At Orange County Live Scan, we offer both services depending on your needs. Choosing the right method depends on where your fingerprints will be sent and the requirements of the requesting agency.

We accept both appointments and walk-ins at Orange County Live Scan. However, appointments are recommended to reduce wait times and ensure immediate service. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours, but you may need to wait if we are serving other clients. You can book an appointment online through our appointment scheduling page. Booking ahead also allows us to prepare your paperwork and verify that you have all required documents. This helps speed up the process and ensures a smooth experience.

We accept cash, debit cards, credit cards, and corporate billing accounts. For businesses or agencies sending multiple applicants, we can arrange monthly invoicing for convenience. Payment is due at the time of your appointment unless prior arrangements are made. For large groups, we also offer on-site Live Scan services where we travel to your location. You can learn more about our corporate and group pricing at Orange County Live Scan. Please note that government fees must still be collected at the time of service.

Yes, Orange County Live Scan offers mobile Live Scan services where we come directly to your location. This is ideal for businesses, schools, non-profits, or organizations that need to process multiple applicants in a single visit. We bring all the necessary equipment to capture and transmit fingerprints securely on-site. Mobile services save time and reduce disruptions to your daily operations. You can request a mobile Live Scan by filling out our online request form. We serve all of Orange County and surrounding areas for mobile fingerprinting appointments.

Yes, your information is handled according to strict security protocols set by the California Department of Justice. Fingerprint images are encrypted and transmitted directly to the DOJ and/or FBI, never stored locally beyond the transmission process. At Orange County Live Scan, we comply with all state and federal privacy laws, including California’s Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Our staff is trained in data protection to prevent unauthorized access. We never share your personal information with third parties outside the legal submission process. Security and confidentiality are our top priorities.

Yes, but the process depends on the receiving state’s requirements. Some states accept California Live Scan submissions directly, while others require traditional ink fingerprints on FBI FD-258 fingerprint cards. At Orange County Live Scan, we can capture your fingerprints digitally and print them on FBI cards for mailing. This is often needed for federal jobs, immigration purposes, or professional licensing outside California. Always confirm the exact requirements with the requesting agency before booking your appointment. We can help guide you based on our experience with interstate and federal submissions.

The Request for Live Scan Service form (BCIA 8016) is provided by your requesting agency, employer, or licensing board. Without it, we cannot transmit your fingerprints because the form contains the necessary information for the DOJ to process your request. If you don’t have the form, contact your employer or agency directly to obtain one. You can learn more about this form from the California DOJ website. At Orange County Live Scan, we can review your form for completeness before processing to avoid rejections. Bringing the correct form ensures a smooth appointment.

Yes, we offer fingerprinting services for various immigration-related applications, including visa processing, residency permits, and background checks required by USCIS or foreign governments. While the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) usually schedules its own biometrics appointments, certain immigration attorneys or agencies may request an independent Live Scan. At Orange County Live Scan, we can process fingerprints for both domestic and international purposes. We also provide ink fingerprinting for countries that do not accept Live Scan. Always verify with your immigration representative which method is required. We ensure your prints meet the correct specifications for your application.

You can check the status of your Live Scan submission using the California DOJ Applicant Status Check. To do this, you’ll need the ATI (Applicant Tracking Identifier) number printed on your Live Scan receipt and your date of birth. The status page will show whether your fingerprints have been received, are in process, or have been completed. At Orange County Live Scan, we transmit fingerprints instantly to minimize delays. If there’s an issue, we can assist you in resolving it promptly. Keeping your ATI number safe is important for tracking purposes.

In most cases, no. The California DOJ does not allow Live Scan results to be shared between agencies for privacy and security reasons. If you need fingerprints for more than one agency or purpose, you will likely need to complete separate Live Scan submissions for each one. This ensures each requesting agency receives its own official results directly from the DOJ or FBI. At Orange County Live Scan, we can help you schedule multiple submissions in a single visit for convenience. Always check with your agencies to confirm their requirements.

Yes, we provide discounted rates for large groups such as schools, non-profits, sports organizations, and corporate employers. Group pricing applies when multiple applicants are processed during the same visit. For maximum convenience, Orange County Live Scan offers mobile on-site services for groups of 10 or more. We can also arrange evening or weekend appointments for group clients. Discounts vary depending on group size and type of background check required. Contact us for a customized group rate quote.

Yes, we can perform Live Scan fingerprinting for minors, such as students applying for internships, volunteer programs, or specialized licenses. The minor must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must also provide valid identification. The process is the same as for adults, and fingerprints are transmitted securely to the DOJ. At Orange County Live Scan, we use techniques that make the process comfortable for younger clients. Some programs, like school volunteer clearance, require Live Scan under California Education Code. We ensure compliance with all applicable laws when fingerprinting minors.

Yes, Orange County Live Scan offers same-day and even immediate Live Scan appointments. This is especially useful for last-minute job offers, licensing deadlines, or urgent volunteer requirements. By booking online or calling ahead, you can often be seen within the hour. We also accept walk-ins during business hours, but availability is subject to current demand. Same-day service ensures your fingerprints are transmitted to the DOJ and/or FBI without delay. Visit our appointments page to schedule your session now.

Yes, but federal agencies typically require ink fingerprint cards, such as the FBI FD-258 format. We can capture your fingerprints electronically and print them onto official FBI cards for federal submissions. Some federal programs do accept electronic Live Scan, depending on the agency. At Orange County Live Scan, we are experienced in both federal and state fingerprinting requirements. Always confirm the correct format with your agency before booking. We can advise you on the best method to meet federal requirements.

If your fingerprints are worn, scarred, or otherwise damaged, the Live Scan system will still attempt to capture as much ridge detail as possible. Multiple scans of each finger may be necessary to get an acceptable image. In cases where prints are unreadable, the DOJ and FBI will perform a name-based background check instead. At Orange County Live Scan, our trained technicians know techniques to improve the capture quality for difficult prints. You can learn more about fingerprint capture standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). We make every effort to ensure your submission is accepted on the first try.

Yes, many adoption agencies require Live Scan background checks for prospective adoptive parents and sometimes for other household members. These checks are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of the child being adopted. Requirements vary by agency, so you should obtain the correct Live Scan form from your adoption service provider. At Orange County Live Scan, we have worked with numerous adoption agencies and understand their unique requirements. The California Department of Social Services also provides resources on adoption background checks. We can complete your fingerprinting quickly so your adoption process can proceed without delays.

Yes, we provide Live Scan services for a wide range of California professional licenses, including nursing, teaching, real estate, and security. Licensing boards such as the California Board of Registered Nursing and the California Bureau of Real Estate require fingerprint clearance before issuing licenses. At Orange County Live Scan, we process fingerprints for dozens of licensing categories every week. We understand the importance of timely submission for career advancement. Bring your official Live Scan request form, and we’ll ensure it’s submitted promptly. Fast, accurate fingerprinting can help you get licensed sooner.

Yes, we can arrange after-hours and weekend appointments for clients with busy schedules. This service is available by request and may include a small additional fee. At Orange County Live Scan, we aim to accommodate your needs so you can complete your fingerprinting without taking time off work. Mobile after-hours service is also available for groups and corporate clients. Flexibility is one of the reasons our clients choose us over other providers. Contact us to schedule an appointment that works for you.

You can book your Live Scan appointment online using our appointment scheduler or by calling our office directly. Walk-ins are welcome, but booking ahead ensures minimal wait times. When booking, make sure you have your Live Scan request form and valid ID ready for your appointment. We also offer mobile appointments for groups and organizations. The entire booking process takes just a few minutes, and we can often schedule you the same day. At Orange County Live Scan, we make it easy to get your fingerprinting done quickly and correctly.