What is live scan fingerprinting?

Live Scan is inkless electronic fingerprinting. The fingerprints are electronically transmitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for completion of a criminal record check.

Who is affected by it?

Anyone applying for the first time to be licensed as a vehicle salesperson, dealer, driving instructor, manufacturer, transporter, dismantler, registration service, distributor, lessor-retailer, remanufacturer, or any other vehicle industry related occupation licensed by DMV will be live scan fingerprinted. It also applies to first time applicants for an ambulance driver certificate .

Who Needs Live Scan?

Professions, or Applicants for Employment, Licensing or Certification as:

Why "Live Scan" fingerprinting ?

As a result of legislation in late 1997, DOJ has developed an automated background check process that requires digitized fingerprints ("Live Scan"). Beginning January 1, 2000 , DOJ has asked that fingerprints be submitted by Live Scan rather than hard copy fingerprint cards. Digitizing the fingerprints enables the electronic transfer of the fingerprint image data along with personal descriptor information to computers at the DOJ in a matter of seconds, instead of the days required to send hard copy fingerprint cards through the mail. DOJ's goal is to process 95% of the digitized fingerprints within 3 days.

What are the benefits of Live Scan?

Live Scan will avoid many of the problems associated with ink prints, such as smudging, smearing, and over or under inking. A major benefit of Live Scan is in processing speed since nearly all of those without criminal records are done within 3 days. Rolled ink prints (traditionally submitted on a fingerprint card) can take 10 to 12 days to process and up to 60 days if there is a criminal record.

What is a Request for Live Scan Service form and where do I get one?

The Request for Live Scan Service form is a government form in triplicate, identified at the top with REQUEST FOR LIVE SCAN SERVICE - Applicant Submission. It can also be identified with the code BCII 8016, which is located on the bottom left corner of the form. In order to be fingerprinted using Live Scan, you must obtain one of these forms first. If you do not have one and are wondering how you acquire one, contact the agency or person who is requesting you to be fingerprinted, as we do not supply the form.

What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?

"Request for Live Scan Service" form.
Please make sure you have completed it prior to your appointment.
Payment for the Live Scan (check or cash only)

What is the cost for Live Scan?

The cost for Live Scan includes a rolling fee (which varies per agency), plus applicable State and Federal charges. The rates are currently as follows; our rolling fee is $25, the DOJ (Department of Justice) charge is $32, and the FBI is $24. Keep in mind; these rates are subject to change. There are other additional charges which might apply depending on the type of application being processed. You will be advised of the cost at the time of making an appointment.

Why do I have to be fingerprinted again if I've already been fingerprinted in the past?

Per DOJ policy, sharing of criminal history is not permitted.
For identification purposes.
Each job/license/permit application can require a different level of service, i.e., some require DOJ, some require both DOJ and FBI, in addition to other checks.

How long does it take to get the results back from DOJ and/or FBI?

In most cases, the results from DOJ come back within 72 hours. Please note, due to various reasons, results can be delayed. For any significant delay, DOJ will contact the requesting agency. The results from the Live Scan fingerprinting are either emailed or sent to the requesting agency listed on the Request for Live Scan Service form. Once the Live Scan process has been completed at our facility, please direct all inquiries to the agency handling your employment or licensing.