On Live Scan Fingerprints page
We are located South of Sherman Way and West of Topanga Canyon Blvd. Parking is in rear. Please call before coming.
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.
The Live Scan technology replaces the process of recording an individual's fingerprint patterns through a rolling process using ink. Digitizing the fingerprint minutiae (the characteristics that make fingerprints unique) enables the electronic transfer of the fingerprint image data in combination with personal descriptor information to central computers at the DOJ in a matter of seconds, instead of the days required to send hard copy fingerprint cards through the mail.
Moreover, the DOJ will coordinate other processing resulting from the automated submission of fingerprints, including forwarding the fingerprints to the FBI (if required).
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 is the process of taking fingerprints?
A trained technician will take your fingerprints using Guardian fingerprint scanner. That is all there is to it. The process takes approximately 7 - 10 minutes and your prints are immediately available for electronic transmission to the appropriate FBI-Certified channeling agencies for background processing.
Who needs Live Scan?
Live Scan Fingerprints are required to be submitted by Real Estate Licensees, Notaries, Vehicle salespersons, vehicle dealers, driving instructors, or any other vehicle industry related occupation licensed by DMV, Foster Parents, Stock Brokers, Teachers, Appraisers, Elder Care Givers, as well as anyone having contact with children or the elderly, Security Guards, etc.
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 72 hours and up to 30 days if there is a criminal record. Rolled ink prints (traditionally submitted on a fingerprint card) can take 10 to 12 days to process (plus mail time) 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?
Three copies of filled out Request for Live Scan Service form
Payment or Authorization form (for contracted companies). We accept Credit Cards (Discover, Master Card, Visa), Cashier's checks, Money Orders, Checks, Cash, and Account Billing (contract required)
Your Valid Picture Identification:
- Valid, state issued identification or driver's license
- Driver's license issued by a Canadian government authority
- Non-expired ID card used by federal, state or local government agencies/entities with a photograph (i.e., passport, visa, etc.)
- Military, military dependent's ID card or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card
- Alien Registration/Immigration/Green card
What is the cost for Live Scan?
The cost includes rolling fee (which varies per agency), plus applicable State and Federal charges.
- Our Rolling fee is $18.00 ($16.00 with one year contract for companies).
- DOJ (Department of Justice) charge is $32.00
- FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) charge is $19.00
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. The cost of Live Scan fingerprint processing will depend on the type of background check being requested.
Why do I have to be fingerprinted again if I've already been fingerprinted in the past?
- 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 other checks
Mobile service for your convenience.
We provide mobile service for all live scan fingerprinting services. Walk-ins are always welcome during our regular business hours.
For a full list of our fees, click here.
Receive 15% OFF when you come before noon! Stop by Smart Decision at 22048 Sherman Way Suite 101, or call 818-346-7500 for further info.
